Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a full-time position working four 10-hour days (Monday to Thursday), with Fridays off and no out-of-hours or on-call commitments. You'll join a close-knit team at a 16th-century thatched cottage practice in Lyndhurst, with occasional shifts at the nearby Totton branch just 15 minutes away.

The caseload is varied and engaging, covering cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries. The role has a slight bias towards consultations with strong emphasis on working up medical cases and building meaningful client relationships that support continuity of care. Surgical work is predominantly routine with a high volume of dental procedures, offering a well-rounded clinical mix.

There is a degree of sole charge, so confidence and independence are important. Support is always within reach, with another vet available by phone whenever needed. The practice sits within a beautiful New Forest setting, creating a unique and welcoming working environment with access to digital radiography, dental X-ray, ultrasound and in-house blood analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality patient and client care across a varied small animal caseload including medical work-ups and routine surgery
• Work collaboratively with a team of six vets and seven RVNs to maintain clinical standards and support ongoing practice development
• Build and maintain meaningful client relationships that support continuity of care
• Develop clinical skills and interests whilst sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues
• Manage routine dental procedures and medical cases with growing independence
• Support one Saturday morning rota per month (8:30am-12:30pm) as sole charge

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 and independence to manage sole charge shifts with support available
• Proactive approach to learning with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism and reliability with ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £70,000 depending on experience
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000 and relocation allowance up to £5,000
• 6.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for CPD and professional development
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• No out-of-hours or on-call commitments

About the Practice

Midforest Vets is an established independent practice based in Lyndhurst and Totton that has served the local community for over 40 years, building trusted relationships with clients and their pets. The practice is set within a beautiful 16th-century thatched cottage in Lyndhurst with a sister branch in Totton, offering modern and up-to-date facilities. The team comprises six vets and seven RVNs with certificate holders in ultrasound and dentistry already in place.

The practice is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The group is committed to supporting ongoing development and wellbeing through career pathways, funded learning, mentorship and a values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement.