Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Mainstone Veterinary Clinic is seeking a confident Veterinary Surgeon to join their established small animal team in Romsey. This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week (8:30am–7pm weekdays, plus one in five Saturday mornings 8:30am–12:30pm), with no out-of-hours commitments—the practice is genuinely daytime only. You’ll work within a supportive team of six vets and six RVNs, handling a mixed caseload of dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries and occasional exotics, with scope for orthopaedic cases and some emergency and critical care work.

Set in a charming barn conversion on the edge of the New Forest, Romsey offers countryside living with modern convenience—independent shops, cafés, riverside walks and proximity to Winchester and Southampton. The practice has invested significantly in its facilities to support high-quality clinical work and a considered patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver consultations and surgery across a balanced, varied small animal caseload (primarily dogs and cats, with rabbits, small furries and occasional wildlife cases)
• Manage routine and more complex cases, including orthopaedic and emergency/critical care work
• Work independently when needed—there are elements of sole charge within the role, so confidence in making independent decisions is important
• Contribute to the practice’s commitment to high clinical standards and patient-centred care
• Support the practice’s strong community involvement (Romsey Show, local schools, open days, etc.)
• Engage with continuing professional development and the practice’s culture of learning (the practice supports certificate holders in ophthalmology and ECC and encourages vets to work towards their own qualifications)

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Confidence and comfort with independent decision-making and some sole charge work
• Interest in a mixed caseload, including routine and more varied clinical cases
• Alignment with the practice’s values around relationships, continuity of care and teamwork
• Flexibility: the practice is open to part-time arrangements for the right candidate

Benefits

• Salary & Relocation: Up to £70,000 DOE, plus welcome bonus up to £5,000 and relocation allowance up to £5,000
• Annual Leave: 6.6 weeks inclusive of bank holidays, plus additional holiday for your birthday
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave, certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, and research funding opportunities
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees all covered
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay), and colleague wellbeing initiatives
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Care Fund: £1,250 per annum to spend via the practice Care Fund
• Colleague Perks: Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility), voluntary benefits package, discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers, and discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices
• Learning Culture: Designated RVN training practice with strong emphasis on development and support for certificate holders

About the Practice

Mainstone Veterinary Clinic is a long-established small animal surgery in Romsey, proudly serving the local community for many years. Part of the IVC Evidensia group, the practice has invested heavily in its facilities and team to support exceptional clinical care. The purpose-built barn conversion includes three consultation rooms (including a dedicated RVN consult room), a theatre and prep area with multiparameter monitoring and Doppler blood pressure monitoring, a dedicated dental suite with dental radiography, a separate X-ray room with floating table, comprehensive in-house IDEXX laboratory, cattery and kennels, a quiet vet office for admin, and a relaxing staff area with on-site parking and garden space. The practice holds Silver Cat Friendly status and operates dedicated cat-only clinic times.

The team of six vets and six RVNs includes certificate holders in ophthalmology and emergency and critical care, and the practice is actively engaged in the community—sponsoring local events, visiting schools and Brownies groups, and participating in the Romsey Show, Dogstival and New Forest Show. Learning and development are central to the culture, with strong support for vets pursuing professional qualifications.