Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Penmellyn Vets is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly, supportive small animal team in mid-Cornwall. This full-time position works across 4 days per week with a 1:5 weekend rota (8:30am–4pm), giving you meaningful time off during the week and no out-of-hours or on-call commitments. The practice has been serving the local community for over 130 years and genuinely prioritises both excellent patient care and the wellbeing of its team.

Based at the purpose-built St Columb Major hospital with satellite surgeries across St Austell, Newquay, Pool, Bodmin and Padstow, you’ll enjoy variety without losing the close-knit feel. The caseload balances routine consultations and surgery with a healthy referral workload—perfect if you want to develop your surgical skills across orthopaedics and advanced soft tissue work.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard small animal veterinary care across consultations and surgery
• Work with a varied caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries and occasional wildlife
• Contribute to the hospital’s referral surgical programme, including orthopaedics and soft tissue procedures
• Support the team of 28 vets, RVNs and client care staff across all practice sites
• Participate in a 1:5 weekend day rota (8:30am–4pm)
• Develop your clinical interests with the practice’s support—several team members hold certificates in orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, ECC, cardiology and medicine

Requirements

• Registered as a Veterinary Surgeon with the RCVS
• Strong interest in small animal medicine and surgery
• Experience level: not specified (applications welcome from newly qualified through experienced vets)
• Willingness to participate in a 1:5 weekend day rota

Benefits

• Salary & Leave: Up to £65,000 depending on experience; 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, pro rata); additional birthday holiday entitlement
• CPD & Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave per annum (pro rata); certificate support; access to IVC Evidensia Academy; Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia; research funding opportunities; £1,250 per annum Care Fund
• Facilities & Equipment: Access to CT, laparoscopy, endoscopy, digital and dental X-ray, laser therapy, in-house IDEXX laboratory
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay); colleague wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Support: BVA membership; VDS cover; RCVS fees covered
• Pension & Lifestyle: Company pension scheme with IVC Evidensia contribution; Cycle to Work scheme; Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility); voluntary benefits programme; discounts with hundreds of participating retailers; discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices

About the Practice

Penmellyn Vets is a six-site small animal practice established over 130 years ago, serving the mid-Cornwall community with a reputation for excellent patient care and strong client relationships. The practice operates a purpose-built central hospital in St Columb Major featuring six consultation rooms (including a dedicated RVN consult room), four theatres, dedicated dental and scanning suites, separate kennels, cattery and isolation wards, comfortable staff facilities and on-site parking. The team comprises 28 veterinary surgeons supported by experienced RVNs and a dedicated client care team, with several certificate holders and visiting specialists in ophthalmology and cardiology.

As part of IVC Evidensia (a Mars Veterinary Health company), Penmellyn Vets combines independent practice values with access to wider resources, training and support networks. The practice accepts referrals and maintains high clinical standards across routine and advanced surgical procedures.