Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Kingston Vets is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join their established small animal practice in Sherborne. This is a full-time opportunity working 8:30am–6:30pm across four days, with a 1:3 Saturday morning rota (8:30am–12:30pm) and no out-of-hours or on-call commitments—giving you genuine time to enjoy life outside the clinic. Part-time applications of 20+ hours per week are also welcomed.

For over 100 years, Kingston Vets has earned a reputation as a trusted and progressive practice at the heart of the Sherborne community. You’ll work with a varied and rewarding caseload including routine consultations and surgery, plus orthopaedics, dental procedures, splenectomies and complex medical and surgical cases. The emphasis is on case continuity and high clinical standards, so you’ll have true clinical autonomy and the satisfaction of following patients through to excellent outcomes.

Operating across two purpose-built sites in Sherborne and Yeovil, you’ll have access to excellent facilities including digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, laparoscopic equipment, and separate cat and dog wards with isolation. The practice holds Silver ISFM status, reflecting its commitment to feline-friendly care.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality patient and client care across a varied caseload of dogs, cats, rabbits and small furries
• Manage a balanced mix of consultations, routine procedures and more complex surgical cases with clinical ownership from start to finish
• Collaborate with the clinical team—six vets, six RVNs, two SVNs and a dedicated client care team—to maintain clinical standards and support their ongoing development
• Contribute to the practice culture through knowledge sharing and positive teamwork
• Work with a visiting orthopaedic specialist on complex cases requiring additional expertise
• Participate in Saturday morning consultations on a 1:3 rotating rota

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility 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 professional development
• Professionalism, reliability and ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team

Benefits

• Competitive salary: Up to £65,000 FTE depending on experience, plus relocation allowance up to £3,000 and welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Work-life balance: No out-of-hours or on-call commitments; four-day working weeks with Saturday mornings only
• Professional development: £1,250 annual CPD allowance, access to IVC Evidensia Academy training centres and role-relevant courses, mentors and regional clinical coaches
• Support for clinical interests: Funding available for certificates and further training aligned with your professional goals
• Time off: 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Professional memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Lifestyle perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies), retail discounts and cashback offers, reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Career pathways: Clear progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles
• Values-led culture: Collaborative environment focused on care, community and continuous improvement

About the Practice

Kingston Vets is an established small animal practice serving the Sherborne and surrounding communities for over 100 years. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. Kingston Vets operates two purpose-built locations in Sherborne and Yeovil, equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including digital and dental radiography, ultrasound and laparoscopic equipment.

The team is composed of six experienced veterinary surgeons, six registered veterinary nurses, two student veterinary nurses and a dedicated client care team. The practice is proud to hold Silver ISFM certification, reflecting its commitment to exceptional feline-friendly healthcare standards. IVC Evidensia is committed to supporting careers without limits, investing in learning, innovation and wellbeing to help teams grow in confidence, capability and fulfilment at every career stage.