Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Otter Vets in Ottery St Mary is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly small animal team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This full-time role (40 hours per week across four or five days) includes only one Saturday morning per month from 8:30am to 1pm—no out-of-hours or on-call commitments. The practice is equally open to part-time applications for the right candidate.

Located in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ottery St Mary combines countryside charm with modern convenience. You’ll enjoy stunning walking routes on your doorstep, the Jurassic Coast just a short drive away, and easy access to Exeter. The town is known for its strong community spirit, independent shops, cafés, and historic character—ideal if you value a relaxed pace without feeling remote.

About the Caseload

Your days are thoughtfully structured to feel balanced and achievable. The caseload is a welcoming mix of dogs, cats, and small furries, with time split well between consultations and surgery. Dedicated admin time is built into each day so you can keep on top of notes without rushing. Surgical work is largely routine, with set operating days each week. If you’d prefer a consult-only role, the practice is very open to discussing this arrangement.

Support & Team Environment

There are some elements of sole charge, but you’re never truly on your own. Support is always available both within the practice and across the other Sidmouth branch, providing reassurance and backup whenever needed. You’ll work alongside a brilliant nursing team of two dedicated RVNs who assist with both surgery and consultations while running their own nurse clinics, plus four fantastic support team members and regular long-term locum support. The team works collaboratively to ensure smooth, efficient days.

Facilities & Equipment

The practice is well equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, tonometry, and a full IDEXX suite, allowing you to work cases up confidently and deliver high-quality care. The focus is on doing things properly, without unnecessary pressure or compromise.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality primary care to small animal patients (dogs, cats, small furries)
• Conduct consultations and perform routine surgical procedures on scheduled operating days
• Manage clinical records and maintain thorough case notes with dedicated admin time
• Work some elements of sole-charge shifts with practice support and backup available
• Collaborate with the nursing team on consultations and surgical support
• Contribute to a supportive, team-focused practice culture

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Small animal experience and genuine interest in primary care
• Ability to work collaboratively within a supportive team
• Flexibility around some elements of sole charge (with practice backup available)

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), additional holiday for your birthday, one in four Saturday mornings, no out-of-hours or on-call duties
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (confidential helpline), enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay), colleague wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave, certificate support, learning and development via the IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia access, research funding opportunities, £1,250 per annum via the Care Fund, Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees paid
• Financial & Colleague Benefits: Company pension scheme (with employer contribution), Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility), voluntary benefits package, discounts/cashback with hundreds of retailers, discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices
• Relocation Support: Up to £5,000 relocation allowance available
• Salary: Up to £65,000 depending on experience

About the Practice

Otter Vets is a small animal practice located in Ottery St Mary, East Devon, treating dogs, cats, and small pets. The practice operates across two sites and is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary group. The team is composed of experienced vets, dedicated RVNs, and support staff working collaboratively to deliver high-quality, balanced primary care in a friendly, supportive environment.

IVC Evidensia is committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging. As a Disability Confident Employer, they actively welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments during recruitment.