Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is a full-time position (40 hours across four or five days) at a welcoming small animal practice on the stunning Jurassic Coast. The role offers flexibility that’s rare in practice—including the option to work consult-only if that’s your preference, with just one in four Saturday mornings (8:30am–1pm) and zero out-of-hours or on-call requirements. Whether you’re an experienced vet seeking better work-life balance or looking for a supportive environment to build your confidence, Otter Vets genuinely listens to what works for you.

You’ll be joining a thoughtfully structured practice where consultations and surgery are balanced throughout the week, with dedicated admin time built into each day so notes don’t pile up. Caseloads are predominantly small animal (dogs, cats, small furries) and deliberately designed to feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct consultations and surgical procedures across a mixed small animal caseload, supported by an experienced nursing team
• Manage routine surgical work on dedicated operating days each week
• Work some shifts with sole charge elements, but always with access to support from colleagues across the practice and sister branch in Ottery St Mary
• Collaborate with two dedicated RVNs and four support team members who run their own nurse clinics and actively support daily operations
• Utilise modern diagnostic equipment (digital X-ray, ultrasound, tonometry, full IDEXX suite) to deliver thorough case workups

Requirements

• MRCVS registration or equivalent
• Experience in small animal practice (no specific years mentioned, but the role welcomes both newer and experienced vets)
• Willingness to engage with some sole charge responsibility (with support available)
• Interest in continuing professional development and possible certificate/further training

Benefits

• Financial: Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience, welcome bonus up to £5,000, relocation allowance up to £5,000
• Leave & Balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave (including bank holidays), additional holiday for your birthday, no out-of-hours requirements
• Professional Development: £1,250 annual CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave, certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online resource, research funding opportunities, and £1,250 annual Care Fund for personal spending
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, surrogacy pay), colleague wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees covered
• Pension & Commute: Company pension scheme with employer contribution, Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme eligibility
• Additional Perks: Voluntary benefits package, discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers, discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices

About the Practice

Otter Vets is an established small animal practice serving Sidmouth and the surrounding area, operating across two sites (Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary). The team includes experienced vets, two dedicated RVNs, four support staff, and regular long-term locum support. The practice is well equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, tonometry, and a full IDEXX diagnostic suite, reflecting a commitment to thorough case management and high-quality care.

The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a major UK veterinary group, and is deeply rooted in its local community—supporting charity fundraising, hosting coffee mornings, and sponsoring local events like dog shows. Sidmouth itself is a charming seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, offering coastal walks, independent shops, and easy access to countryside, making it an appealing location for those seeking lifestyle balance alongside professional opportunity.