Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent role working 40 hours across four or five days, with Saturday mornings on a one-in-four rota (8:30am to 1pm). There are no out-of-hours or on-call requirements. The practice is also open to part-time, school-time, or flexible working patterns, so you can discuss what suits you best.

You'll be joining Otter Vets in Sidmouth, a well-established practice set in a charming coastal Devon location. The caseload is varied, primarily cats and dogs with some small furries, with a good balance between consultations and surgery. Surgical work is mainly routine with set operating days, and if you'd prefer a consult-only role, the practice is happy to consider that too. While there are some elements of sole charge work, support is always close by across both the Sidmouth and sister practice in Ottery St Mary.

You'll work alongside a fantastic nursing team who play a key role in both consultations and surgery. The practice is well equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, tonometry, and a full IDEXX suite, giving you confidence to work cases up thoroughly. You'll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team with genuine opportunities to develop your skills, including support towards certificates if desired.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied small animal caseload of cats, dogs, and small furries
• Perform routine medical and surgical cases, primarily on set operating days
• Work collaboratively with the nursing team during consultations and surgery
• Continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing knowledge with colleagues
• Contribute positively to the clinical culture of the practice
• Support the ongoing development of colleagues around you

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
• Proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable as part of a team and committed to delivering high-quality care

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• 6.6 weeks' holiday, including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, 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
• CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

About the Practice

Otter Vets is a well-established veterinary practice in Sidmouth, Devon, with over 50 years' history in the community. The practice operates two locations: the main branch in Sidmouth and a sister branch in Ottery St Mary (almost as long-established). Part of the inspiring vet care group, the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with over 2 million animals, Otter Vets combines local roots with access to group resources and support.

The practice treats a mix of small animals, livestock, and horses, though this particular role focuses on small animal primary care. The team is committed to supporting ongoing development and well-being, with access to mentors, clinical coaches, peer networks, and a collaborative, values-led culture centred on care and continuous improvement.