Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

Mainstone Veterinary Clinic is seeking a confident veterinary surgeon to join its small animal team in Romsey. You'll work a full-time role of 40 hours per week, typically 8:30am to 7pm, with one in four Saturday mornings (8:30am to 12:30pm). Importantly, there is no out-of-hours work required. This is a well-balanced position combining consultations and surgery across a varied caseload that includes cats, dogs, small furries, and occasional wildlife cases alongside orthopaedic and emergency presentations.

The practice is long-established with strong community roots and a genuinely supportive team culture. You'll work alongside experienced vets and RVNs, including certificate holders in ophthalmology and emergency and critical care, all committed to developing their own interests and supporting colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality patient and client care across a varied first-opinion caseload
• Manage a mix of routine consultations, medical and surgical cases, orthopaedic work, and occasional emergency presentations
• Work with elements of sole charge, making independent clinical decisions when needed
• Collaborate with the wider clinical team including RVNs and certificate holders
• Contribute to the clinical culture and ongoing development of colleagues
• Utilise modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including IDEXX laboratory equipment, Doppler monitoring, dental radiography, and floating X-ray table

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
• Confidence in working independently while also collaborating as part of a team
• Proactive approach to learning with openness to feedback and professional development
• Professionalism and reliability

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 per annum depending on experience
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Funded CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (subject to eligibility)
• 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

Mainstone Veterinary Clinic was established over 30 years ago on the western edge of Romsey, Hampshire. The practice was purchased in 1989 and relocated to converted farm buildings in 1995 to accommodate growing demand. The new premises have been recognised with awards for design and the welcoming atmosphere created. The clinic was one of the first in the South of England to achieve Approved Practice status from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and has been successfully reinspected for this distinction, reflecting high standards of facilities and client care.

Since the mid-1980s, the practice has focused exclusively on family pets of all species, with staff expertise in small and cage pets and exotics (reptiles and birds) alongside cats, dogs, and rabbits. The practice holds Silver Cat Friendly accreditation with dedicated cat-only clinic times to create a calm environment for feline patients. The clinic is fully equipped with multiparameter monitoring in theatre and dental, Doppler blood pressure monitoring, syringe drivers, infusion pumps, comprehensive in-house IDEXX laboratory, floating X-ray table, and a dedicated dental suite with dental radiography.