Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Beech House Veterinary Centre, a well-respected small animal practice in Southampton's vibrant Bitterne area. You'll work a four-day week with Saturday mornings on a 1 in 4 rota (8:30am to 12pm, sole charge). Crucially, there are no out-of-hours or on-call commitments whatsoever. Vets Now provides all emergency cover, so you enjoy genuine work-life balance without the typical on-call burden.

The practice benefits from excellent case continuity through its daytime-only model. You'll follow cases from presentation through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, building long-term client relationships with a loyal and engaged patient base. This means you'll have the time and resources to work cases up thoroughly while delivering exceptional care.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver consultations, medical investigations, and surgical procedures throughout the week, including a dedicated surgery day
• Perform advanced surgeries such as TECA procedures, cruciate repairs, and maxillectomies
• Manage emergency and critical care cases alongside routine first-opinion work
• Provide preventative healthcare and support to a loyal client base
• Develop your clinical and surgical skills within a collaborative, values-led team
• Undertake Saturday morning shifts on a sole-charge basis (1 in 4 rotation)

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS)
• Confident clinical approach and genuine interest in building client relationships
• Willingness to develop further qualifications (candidates with interests in cardiology or ophthalmology particularly welcomed, though not essential)
• Full-time or part-time availability considered (minimum 20 hours per week for part-time roles)
• Flexible and collaborative mindset suited to a supportive team environment

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience, plus relocation allowance up to £5,000
• Four-day working week with no out-of-hours or on-call requirements
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Beech House Veterinary Centre is part of the IVC Evidensia network, the UK's leading vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The practice is located in Southampton's Bitterne area and combines a friendly, supportive atmosphere with modern clinical facilities. The team comprises six Veterinary Surgeons, six Registered Veterinary Nurses, two Student Veterinary Nurses, an Animal Care Assistant, and a dedicated Client Care Team. The Lead Vet holds certificates in Small Animal Surgery and champions a culture of professional development.

Facilities are well-equipped with piped Isoflurane anaesthesia, digital radiography, ultrasound, ECG (both in-house and external interpretation), K-Laser therapy, an air-driven dental suite, and a fully equipped laboratory capable of comprehensive biochemistry and haematology testing. The practice is also exploring investment in additional orthopaedic equipment to further enhance surgical capabilities.