Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent position working four 10-hour days per week, plus one Saturday morning per month (8:30am to 12:30pm) on a sole-charge basis. There are no out-of-hours or on-call commitments, giving you genuine work-life balance. You'll join a close-knit team of four veterinary surgeons and six experienced RVNs at Midforest, a practice established for over 40 years in the New Forest community across Totton and Lyndhurst sites.

You'll deliver a varied small animal caseload with a strong balance of consultations, surgery, and medical case work-ups. The practice sees dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, with particular strength in dentistry. You'll work with modern facilities including digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality primary care across a varied small animal caseload of cats, dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs
• Balance consultations, routine surgery, and medical case follow-ups collaboratively with the wider team
• Work as sole charge on Saturday mornings within a supportive practice structure
• Contribute positively to the clinical culture of the practice, sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues
• Support the ongoing professional development of team members while developing your own clinical interests
• Maintain high standards of patient and client care across all interactions

Requirements

• BVSc, BVetMed, or BVMS degree with RCVS registration or eligibility to register
• Clinical experience working in general 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 development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £70,000 depending on experience
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• £1,250 annual Care Fund
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• Funded CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• 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

About the Practice

Midforest Veterinary Practice is an established independent practice based in Totton and the New Forest, delivering companion animal care for over 40 years. The practice is known and trusted within the local community as the go-to provider for pet owners across the region. The team comprises four veterinary surgeons, six experienced RVNs, a dedicated client care team, and team members with certificates in ultrasound and dentistry. The practice actively encourages professional development and certificate study.

The practice operates from modern, up-to-date facilities and is committed to delivering high-quality care alongside a collaborative, values-led culture. While operationally independent, the practice aligns with inspiring vet care, the UK's largest vet care provider caring for over 2 million animals, ensuring access to additional learning resources, mentorship, and career development pathways.