Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

PDSA is recruiting a Veterinary Surgeon for New Cross Pet Hospital, where you will enjoy a varied caseload with a strong mix of consultations and surgery. The role offers hands-on surgical experience across routine and complex work, supported by the Veterinary Surgeon Skills Development Framework.

You will gain experience in soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics, dentistry and emergency and complex surgical case management, with a clear pathway to develop further skills in soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmic surgery and complex reconstructive procedures. As your clinical expertise grows, your skills are formally reviewed each year, supporting career development and salary progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out a varied mix of consultations and surgical work.
• Manage a diverse caseload for pets and owners who need PDSA support.
• Work on soft tissue surgery, including pyometras, cystotomies, enterotomies, enucleations and caesarean sections.
• Take part in orthopaedic procedures such as cruciate repairs, FHNE, hip reductions and fracture management.
• Handle dentistry, from routine extractions through to major surgical extractions.
• Support emergency and complex surgical case management.

Requirements

• MRCVS registration.
• Experience delivering high-quality patient and client care.
• A pragmatic, welfare-focused approach to clinical decision-making.
• Confidence working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Computer literacy and comfort using clinical systems.
• Ideally 12 months of UK small animal practice experience.

Benefits

• Salary of £49,169 to £63,962.
• 37.5 hours per week on a full-time, permanent contract.
• Flexible working options to support work life balance and individual circumstances.
• CPD allowance of 5 days and £1,000 per year for development.
• Full RCVS fees paid where applicable.
• Extensive internal CPD programmes plus discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show.
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy or sell an extra five days.
• Three paid special days off each year, including Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day.
• Pension contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
• Life assurance at four times annual salary.
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover.
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts through the Fetch benefits platform.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.

About the Practice

New Cross Pet Hospital is a busy practice in South East London, with great transport links and a location described as being only five minutes from London Bridge. The hospital has six consulting rooms, two dedicated theatres, a large prep area, an imaging suite with digital radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy, extensive orthopaedic equipment, and feline, canine and isolation kennel wards.

The team includes seven Veterinary Surgeons, nine Veterinary Nurses, three Veterinary Care Assistants and a Head Nurse. PDSA provides vital veterinary care for pets of people facing financial hardship and says it has been doing so for over 100 years.