Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Otter Vets, a friendly practice in Ottery St Mary, is looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join their small animal team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. Based across two sites in the charming East Devon countryside, you’ll work a 40-hour week spread across four or five days, with just one in four Saturday mornings (8:30am–1pm). There are no out-of-hours or on-call requirements—a genuine rarity in modern practice.

The caseload is thoughtfully structured to feel both enjoyable and sustainable. You’ll see a balanced mix of consultations and surgery, with protected admin time built into each day so your notes stay current without the end-of-day panic. Surgical work is predominantly routine with dedicated operating days each week; if you’d prefer a consult-only role, the practice is open to discussing that too. This is a flexible role—full-time or part-time applications are both welcome.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal consultations and surgical procedures in a calm, supportive environment
• Work collaboratively with an experienced vet, two dedicated RVNs, and four support team members across two sites
• Manage a mixed caseload of predominantly cats and dogs, with some small furries
• Contribute to a culture of thorough clinical investigation using the practice’s modern equipment (digital X-ray, ultrasound, tonometry, full IDEXX suite)
• Support nursing clinics and clinical initiatives within the team

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Comfortable with some elements of sole charge work, though support is always available within the practice and across the Sidmouth branch
• Commitment to delivering quality care in a collaborative, supportive setting
• Full-time or part-time availability considered

Benefits

• Salary & Relocation: Up to £65,000 DOE, plus relocation allowance up to £5,000
• Time Off: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), plus additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, surrogacy pay)
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave, certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, research funding opportunities
• Professional Support: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees covered
• Care & Giving Back: £1,250 per annum Care Fund allocation, Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme
• Pension & Lifestyle: Company pension scheme with employer contribution, Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme, voluntary benefits options, pet treatment discounts at IVC Evidensia practices

About the Practice

Otter Vets is part of the IVC Evidensia group and operates across two sites in Ottery St Mary and Sidmouth. The practice is well-equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, tonometry, and a comprehensive IDEXX suite. The team includes an experienced vet, two RVNs, four support staff, and regular long-term locum support, creating a collaborative environment where clinical quality and colleague wellbeing go hand in hand.

Located in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ottery St Mary offers the perfect blend of countryside charm and modern amenities. With stunning walking routes, the Jurassic Coast nearby, and easy access to Exeter for city life, it’s an ideal base for those who value outdoor adventures, community spirit, and a relaxed pace without feeling isolated.