Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

Penmellyn Vets is seeking a confident Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join their multi-site team in St Columb Major, Cornwall. This full-time role offers a genuine balance of consultations and surgery, with the opportunity to work cases through from diagnosis to treatment. You'll enjoy a 4-day working week with no out-of-hours or on-call commitments, plus a manageable 1-in-5 weekend rota limited to Saturday and Sunday day shifts (8:30am to 4:30pm).

As a first-opinion and referral hospital established for over 130 years, the practice offers a varied and rewarding caseload including routine procedures, orthopaedic, soft tissue and advanced surgical cases. You'll have access to modern facilities equipped with CT, laparoscopy, endoscopy, digital and dental radiography, laser therapy and comprehensive diagnostic equipment. The practice is located in a beautiful coastal region, offering an outstanding lifestyle with the coastline on your doorstep.

Part-time applications are welcome. Note: This role is not suitable for new graduates or vets requiring a structured graduate development programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality medical and surgical care across a varied first-opinion caseload including dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries and occasional wildlife cases
• Build strong client relationships through excellent communication and continuity of care
• Work cases to a high standard whilst utilising referral support where appropriate
• Collaborate with 27 Veterinary Surgeons, RVNs and support colleagues to deliver exceptional patient outcomes
• Contribute to clinical discussions, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support the ongoing development of colleagues within the team

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and current RCVS registration
• 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, openness to feedback and commitment to development
• Professionalism, reliability and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Funded CPD allowance and access to Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• 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
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles

About the Practice

Penmellyn Vets, part of IVC Evidensia (the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals), is an established first-opinion and referral hospital with a strong reputation for exceptional patient care. The clinical team comprises 27 Veterinary Surgeons supported by a large team of RVNs and dedicated Client Care colleagues. The team includes certificate holders and Advanced Practitioners in orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, emergency and critical care, cardiology and internal medicine, alongside visiting ophthalmology and cardiology specialists.

The practice benefits from modern, advanced facilities and is committed to a collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement. Professional development is actively encouraged with full support available for CPD and certificate study.