Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Acorn Veterinary Surgery, a thriving two-site small animal practice in Hove with state-of-the-art facilities. You'll work 28-37 hours per week across 3-4 days, with no out-of-hours commitments and only 1 in 4 Saturday mornings. The main site on Portland Road sits just a five-minute walk from the seafront, with excellent access to the South Downs and London, making it an ideal location for work-life balance.

You'll be part of a close-knit team of 4 Veterinary Surgeons and 7 Registered Veterinary Nurses across both locations. At the branch practice in Hangleton, you'll gain experience in sole charge work alongside a Veterinary Nurse, supporting a dedicated community practice. The practice is RCVS accredited with modern facilities including in-house laboratory, digital x-ray, ultrasound, digital dental x-ray, and dedicated operating theatre.

This is a role that genuinely supports your development. You'll build clinical skills at your own pace, share knowledge with colleagues, and develop interests in your preferred areas of expertise within a collaborative, values-led culture where every voice matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first-opinion small animal consultations and routine surgical procedures
• Perform dental procedures and medical work-ups
• Build strong client relationships through continuity of care
• Work collaboratively with 4 other vets and 7 nursing colleagues across both sites
• Contribute to the ongoing clinical development and supportive culture of the practice
• Develop your clinical interests in your preferred area of expertise

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligible to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Passion for delivering excellent patient and client care

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 DOE, plus up to £5,000 relocation allowance
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Funded CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Acorn Veterinary Surgery is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The practice operates across two locations in Hove: the main site on Portland Road and a branch in Hangleton. The practice is RCVS accredited and equipped with modern facilities including in-house laboratory, digital x-ray, ultrasound, digital dental x-ray, and a dedicated operating theatre.

The team prides itself on being supportive and collaborative, where clinical excellence goes hand in hand with genuine care for team wellbeing. Located just five minutes' walk from Brighton's seafront and ten minutes by car from the South Downs, Acorn offers an excellent quality of life and access to vibrant urban culture and beautiful natural surroundings.