About the Role
This is a permanent full-time position working four days per week (exact days to be confirmed), giving you genuine work-life balance alongside meaningful clinical work. You'll be part of Pennard Vets' Maidstone branch, one of the UK's leading independent veterinary practices with a 125-year legacy built on values that have stood the test of time.
As an experienced Veterinary Surgeon, you'll diagnose and treat a range of small animal illnesses and injuries, working collaboratively with a supportive team that values your expertise and professional development. Your role combines clinical excellence with mentoring other team members, ensuring both animal welfare and outstanding client relationships remain at the heart of everything you do.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform consultations and medical treatment for small animals
- Undertake surgical operations including neutering, general surgery, anaesthesia monitoring, and related procedures
- Carry out diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood samples, and ultrasound scans
- Immunise animals and perform euthanasia when necessary
- Handle, administer, and record all drugs in accordance with professional guidelines
- Process and dispatch laboratory samples correctly
- Undertake home visits as required
- Provide emergency and out-of-hours veterinary cover on a rota basis
- Prepare paperwork for animals travelling abroad and insert identification microchips
- Maintain accurate and detailed patient records
- Contribute to practice development through marketing, education, and self-improvement initiatives
- Liaise with other professionals within the industry and refer appropriately
- Mentor and support team members, maintaining professional courtesy and respect
- Work within practice policies and procedures, arriving prepared and on time for each shift
Requirements
- MRCVS qualification and RCVS registration
- Excellent communication skills with clients and colleagues
- Strong organisational skills to manage a high caseload and prioritise effectively
- Attention to detail and accuracy in medical record keeping and treatment planning
- Strong diagnostic and surgical skills with the ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations
- Compassionate and empathetic towards animals and their owners
- Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of animal behaviour, physiology, and pharmacology
- Familiarity with laboratory, diagnostic equipment, and software
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous learning
- Physical capability to lift and restrain animals of various sizes, stand for extended periods during surgery and consultations
- Manual dexterity to perform delicate surgical procedures and handle small laboratory equipment
- Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and on-call shifts as required
- Availability to respond to emergency calls outside regular business hours
- Valid driving licence and reliable transportation for home visits and emergency calls
Benefits
- Permanent full-time contract with four-day working week (exact days to be confirmed)
- Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience
- Supportive, values-driven workplace that genuinely invests in your growth and professional development
- Part of an Employees Owned practice with a genuine stake in every client relationship
- Access to CPD and opportunities to stay current with the latest veterinary techniques
- Mentoring and leadership development opportunities
- Opportunity to work within a practice committed to continuous improvement and innovation
About the Practice
Pennard Vets is one of the UK's leading independent veterinary practices, now Employees Owned and the first vets in Europe to become a certified B Corporation. With over 125 years of history, the practice has established itself on core values of client and team focus, compassion, continuous improvement, clarity, and unity. The practice combines intuition and intelligent innovation to deliver proactive, personalised care powered by cutting-edge thinking.
Located across three sites in the Maidstone area (Maidstone, Allington, and Langley Park, Kent), Pennard Vets specialises in small animal care. The practice believes that people do their best work when they're happy and doing what they love, and this philosophy shapes every aspect of working here. You'll be joining a team that genuinely values professional development, team welfare, and the importance of maintaining high standards of animal and client care.
