Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This part-time maternity cover position offers a flexible schedule working 18 hours per week, typically Monday and Wednesday from 8:30am to 6:30pm. You'll be joining an established small animal practice in Oswestry, Shropshire, near the Welsh border, with a branch surgery 20 minutes away near Wrexham. The role includes optional participation in the weekend rota (1 in 8 Saturday shifts), and out-of-hours cover is provided by VetsNow, keeping your on-call commitment minimal.

The practice is well-equipped with two operating theatres, an imaging suite featuring modern ultrasound and digital radiography, a dedicated dental suite with dental radiography, and an Imagyst scanner for rapid cytology results. You'll see a broad range of medical and surgical cases, including orthopaedic procedures such as lateral suture and MMP cruciate repairs and patella luxation surgery. A large garden provides a peaceful space for breaks and exercising inpatients.

You'll work collaboratively with a supportive team of two Small Animal Clinical Directors and six Veterinary Surgeons, many holding certificates in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. The practice prioritises colleague wellbeing, clinical development, and work-life balance with regular clinical meetings and case discussions.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload
• Work collaboratively with the wider practice team on medical and surgical cases
• Continue developing your clinical skills and interests
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture
• Maintain excellent standards of care while supporting the ongoing development of team members
• Participate in regular clinical meetings and case discussions

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and current 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, openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 FTE, depending on experience
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay covering maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

About the Practice

The practice is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. Park Issa Veterinary Hospital in Oswestry is an established practice delivering exceptional patient and client care and committed to the highest standards of service. The practice operates two locations: the main Oswestry surgery and the New Foundry branch in Johnstown (established 2008), with all surgical procedures performed at the Oswestry location.

The team is values-led, focusing on care, community, and continuous improvement. The practice offers clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles, backed by world-class learning resources and wellbeing initiatives.