Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a genuine opportunity to step into a leadership position at an expanding, independently owned two-site small animal practice in West London. You’ll work a highly manageable 4-day week (9–7pm) with Saturday mornings only on a 1:3 rota, and crucially, there are zero out-of-hours or on-call duties—all emergency cover is outsourced to NSVE, meaning your evenings, Sundays, and bank holidays are genuinely yours.

You’ll be joining Principal Vet David and the team at Petwell House Vets’ Hayes and Feltham clinics, both easily accessible via the Elizabeth Line and National Rail with quick links to Heathrow. The role is tailored for an experienced, confident GP vet ready to work sole charge and take the next strategic step in their career. You’ll have the clinical freedom to work up cases your way, with full backing to develop specialist interests—whether that’s pet behaviour, exotic pets, or any area that excites you. You’re encouraged to introduce new services that reflect your passions, and you’ll play a direct role in shaping the practice’s direction alongside David, contributing to key decisions and helping drive the practice forward.

Both clinics feature excellent facilities including dedicated prep areas, theatres, diagnostic suites, digital X-ray, ultrasound, and a full Idexx in-house lab. Renovations are planned for later this year, with dental X-ray investment coming soon. Your days balance consultations (mornings finish at 11:30am, evenings start at 4pm) with a manageable procedures list, case workup, admin, and client calls—you’ll be out the door at 7pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality small animal clinical care across general practice medicine and surgery
• Work confidently in sole charge of the clinic during your scheduled shifts
• Manage your own caseload with clinical autonomy to determine diagnostic and treatment approaches
• Contribute strategically to practice development and decision-making alongside the principal vet
• Mentor and support junior team members as the practice grows
• Develop and deliver specialist services aligned with your professional interests
• Maintain excellent client communication and relationships across both Hayes and Feltham clinics

Requirements

• Fully qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Confident working sole charge with proven small animal practice experience
• Strong clinical judgment and ability to manage cases independently
• Ambition to grow professionally and contribute to practice leadership
• Genuine interest in client relations and team collaboration
• Willingness to embrace continuous professional development

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £55,000–£70,000 per annum
• 33 days annual holiday
• CPD actively encouraged with certificate support
• Professional membership fees covered (RCVS and VDS)
• Genuine work-life balance: 4-day working week, no out-of-hours duties
• Clinical autonomy and strategic input into practice direction
• Opportunity to develop specialist interests and introduce new services
• Excellent transport links (Elizabeth Line, National Rail, close to Heathrow for weekend breaks)

About the Practice

Petwell House Vets is a well-established, independently owned small animal practice with two branches in Hayes and Feltham, West London. Since David joined as Head of Clinic in 2019 and became Director in 2022, the practice has undergone significant positive transformation. The team is passionate about providing exceptional service to clients and individually tailored, compassionate care to every animal. Independence allows the practice to tailor services to each pet’s unique needs, and the friendly culture prioritises both pet welfare and team wellbeing.

The practice is actively expanding its vet team and investing in facilities and services, creating a genuinely progressive environment where ideas are valued and colleagues are supported. This is a practice with real purpose and momentum—the kind of place where you can build a meaningful career.