Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a chance to join a thriving small animal hospital that genuinely values both clinical excellence and work-life balance. You’ll be part of a 14-strong vet team with diverse experience and specialist interests, working in a purpose-built facility opened in 2021 with impressive diagnostic and surgical capabilities. The role is full-time with flexible rota options: choose between a 4-day or 5-day week to suit your lifestyle. Weekends are manageable—a 1:8 daytime-only rota (Saturday and Sunday) with time off in lieu. Crucially, Northlands has its own dedicated out-of-hours team, so there are no night shifts for day vets.

Based in Kettering, a charming market town with excellent transport links to Cambridge, London, Nottingham, and Leicester (all under an hour away), you’ll enjoy both countryside surroundings and vibrant local amenities. The practice culture emphasizes collaboration: twice-daily clinical rounds, regular in-house training, and three dedicated ‘reset days’ per year for focused development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate small animal veterinary care across the hospital and branch surgeries
• Work collaboratively with the 14-vet team, including specialists with interests in internal medicine, neurology, cardiology, soft tissue surgery, and ultrasound
• Lead clinical cases through to completion, supported by a highly skilled nursing team
• Utilize state-of-the-art facilities including CT scanner, digital and dental X-ray, endoscopy, advanced ultrasound with cardiac capabilities, and two theatres
• Participate in twice-daily clinical rounds for shared learning and case discussion
• Contribute to evidence-based practice improvements and welcome feedback on protocols
• Support the Cat & Rabbit Clinic’s specialized work (which attracts clients from across the UK and Europe)
• Engage with continuous learning through in-house training and external CPD

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS) with some experience in small animal practice
• Full driving licence (essential for multi-site coverage)
• Evidence-based mindset and willingness to embrace clinical development
• Team player with strong communication skills and collaborative approach
• Commitment to high standards of animal welfare and client care

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000–£70,000 depending on experience
• Holiday: 6.6 weeks’ annual leave including bank holidays
• CPD: £1,750 allowance plus 5 CPD days; additional days supported and funded, with certificate costs covered
• Professional membership: RCVS and VDS fees paid; one additional membership of your choice
• Relocation support: Relocation package and temporary accommodation available
• Workplace perks: Discounted vet fees, My Perks (shopping, travel, entertainment discounts and cashback)
• Health & wellbeing: Healthshield Personal Health Plan, Employee Assistance Program, monthly mental health support through Mind partnership with dedicated support worker
• Family-friendly policies: Enhanced paternity, maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, and surrogacy pay
• Work-life balance: Flexible 4- or 5-day week options; no out-of-hours night shifts; manageable weekend rota with time off in lieu
• Team culture: Regular socials including Christmas party, summer BBQs, Easter egg hunt, and charity fundraising opportunities

About the Practice

Northlands Veterinary Hospital has been delivering high-quality care across Northamptonshire since the 1960s. The group operates a modern hospital in Kettering (opened 2021 at 6 Station Road) and six branch surgeries throughout the region. The hospital boasts impressive facilities—CT scanner, advanced ultrasound with cardiac capabilities, digital and dental X-ray, endoscopy, and two spacious theatres—enabling the team to manage the vast majority of cases in-house. An Advanced Practitioner in small animal surgery is on-site three days per week for complex orthopaedic and soft tissue work.

The 14-strong vet team brings together new graduates and experienced practitioners (including one with 40+ years in practice), with specialist interests spanning internal medicine, neurology, cardiology, and soft tissue surgery. The practice is renowned for its Cat & Rabbit Clinic, led by Kim and Simon, whose expertise attracts referrals from across the UK and Europe. Northlands actively develops local talent, working with veterinary care assistants and student nurses in a high-standard clinical environment. The practice prioritizes team wellbeing with partnership support from Mind, including monthly visits from a dedicated support worker.