Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be joining Kernow Veterinary Group as a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at their main branch in Lostwithiel, a charming market town nestled in the heart of Cornwall with easy access to stunning coastline and countryside. This full-time or part-time role offers genuine work-life balance: 40 hours per week over four days (with a single late shift finishing at 10pm), and weekends shared fairly on a 1:12 rota working 8am–7pm with inpatient care supported by a dedicated nursing team. Overnight emergency cover is provided by an on-site night vet in partnership with a neighbouring IVC practice, so you’ll never be juggling multiple on-call responsibilities.

The caseload is genuinely varied—dogs, cats, small furries, and the occasional chicken or tortoise keep every day interesting. You’ll spend a minimum of one day per week in theatre, with the remaining time focused on consultations that allow meaningful case continuity. Surgical work ranges from routine procedures and dentals through to emergency and critical care, with more complex orthopaedic cases referred locally to specialists. The practice encourages vets to develop clinical interests, and ophthalmology experience would be particularly welcomed (though not essential).

You’ll work alongside 18 veterinary surgeons, 25 RVNs, and a strong client care team across the group—colleagues range from newly qualified vets through to those with over 40 years’ experience, including certificate holders in emergency medicine, dermatology, and behaviour. Weekend work does involve sole charge responsibility, so confidence and independence are important, though you’ll always have experienced support close at hand.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal clinical care across consultations, diagnostics, and surgical procedures
• Spend a minimum of one day per week performing theatre work including routine surgery, dentals, emergency, and complex procedures
• Conduct consultations with continuity of care, building strong client relationships
• Contribute to the practice’s commitment to ISFM silver standards (the practice is ISFM-accredited with a dedicated cat consulting room)
• Work on a 1:12 weekend rota (8am–7pm Saturday/Sunday) with sole charge responsibility, supported by experienced RVNs and access to mentoring
• Support neighbouring practices within Kernow Vets when needed, though travel is kept as local as possible
• Participate in regular clinical meetings and maintain communication across the team
• Engage in continuing professional development, including certificate study where of interest

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon registered with the RCVS
• Experience in small animal practice (newly qualified vets welcome with appropriate mentoring)
• Confidence working solo charge on weekends, with a supportive mindset and willingness to learn
• Strong clinical and diagnostic skills with interest in varied caseload work
• Excellent communication and client-facing abilities
• Collaborative approach to teamwork and ongoing learning
• Interest in developing a clinical specialism (desirable but not essential)

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £65,000 depending on experience, plus relocation allowance up to £2,000
• Leave: 6.6 weeks annual leave inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for part-time), plus additional holiday for your birthday
• CPD & Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave per annum (pro rata); support for RCVS certificate study; access to IVC Evidensia Academy learning and development; Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia; research funding available
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay; colleague wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Fees: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Other Benefits: Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility); voluntary benefits package; discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers; discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices; £1,250 annual Care Fund allowance to spend as you choose
• Practice Support: Access to Infection Prevention and Control Programme and Quality Improvement Programme

About the Practice

Kernow Veterinary Group is an established multi-practice group in Cornwall, operating as part of IVC Evidensia. The main branch, Pelyn Vets in Lostwithiel, is a large converted practice just off the A390 close to the town centre, with excellent facilities designed for teamwork and patient care. The practice features a spacious reception with separate waiting areas, five consulting rooms including a dedicated ISFM cat consulting room, a prep room with two theatres, separate cat and dog wards, an isolation ward, X-ray and dental suites with handheld digital X-ray and multiparameter monitoring, full in-house laboratory, slit lamp and tonometry equipment, dispensary, quiet admin offices, large staff room, and convenient on-site parking.

The group comprises 18 veterinary surgeons, 25 RVNs, and a dedicated client care team with varied expertise including certificate holders in emergency medicine, dermatology, and behaviour. The practice is ISFM silver-accredited and maintains a supportive, collaborative culture focused on ongoing professional development, clinical quality, and colleague wellbeing. IVC Evidensia is committed to diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging, and actively welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds including those with disabilities and long-term health conditions.