Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Plymouth Veterinary Group is seeking an engaged Veterinary Surgeon to join its modern, purpose-built 24/7 hospital in a progressive and welcoming environment. You’ll work across a varied small animal caseload—from routine consultations to emergency and critical care—with genuine opportunities to develop your clinical interests. As a referral-accepting hospital, you’ll have the satisfaction of managing cases from initial presentation through to completion.

Full-time hours are 40 per week across four days (typically 9am–7pm), with part-time options available from 20 hours. You’ll enjoy a manageable 1 in 5 weekend rota with Sundays involving sole charge for emergencies only—no additional out-of-hours or on-call requirements beyond this.

The practice’s main site is newly built and supported by three branch surgeries, offering variety across locations. You’ll have access to impressive facilities including digital and dental X-ray, CT, laparoscopy, endoscopy, advanced imaging, and a fully equipped in-house laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and clinical care across a varied caseload of small animal cases
• Work collaboratively with a team of 14 vets, 25 RVNs and SVNs, and dedicated client care staff
• Contribute to a strong clinical culture by sharing knowledge and supporting colleague development
• Manage consultations and surgical cases, with opportunities to develop specialist interests (the practice has certificate holders in exotics, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, and diagnostics, plus visiting specialists in cardiology and ophthalmology)
• Build effective relationships with clients and colleagues, maintaining professional standards and reliability
• Participate in the 1 in 5 weekend rota, including Sunday sole charge for emergencies

Requirements

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

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £65,000 DOE, relocation allowance up to £5,000, welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Time off: 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Learning & development: £1,250 annual CPD allowance, access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses, mentorship from regional clinical coaches and peer networks, active support to develop clinical interests and expand capabilities
• Professional memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees covered
• Health & wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy), £1,250 annual Care Fund
• Other perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies), retail discounts and cashback offers, reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Career development: Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Plymouth Veterinary Group is a modern, purpose-built 24/7 small animal hospital serving Plymouth and the surrounding region. The practice operates a main site plus three branch surgeries, equipped with seven consult rooms, three theatres (including a dedicated orthopaedic theatre), a dental suite, CT and imaging rooms, five species-specific wards plus isolation, and a spacious prep area. The team includes 14 vets, 25 RVNs and SVNs, and dedicated client care staff, with strong clinical expertise across exotics, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, and diagnostics.

Plymouth Veterinary Group is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. IVC Evidensia is committed to supporting careers without limits, investing in learning, innovation, and wellbeing to create environments where teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment at every career stage.