Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Plymouth Veterinary Group is a modern, purpose-built 24/7 hospital seeking an engaged Veterinary Surgeon to join a welcoming and progressive team. This role offers the chance to work in a hospital environment where collaboration, case continuity and high clinical standards sit at the heart of everything—without the chaos of sole charge or unpredictable on-call demands.

You’ll enjoy a diverse small animal caseload spanning routine consultations through to emergency and critical care, with in-house specialists in exotics meaning you’ll see some truly unusual patients. A good balance of consultations and surgery across the week gives you genuine opportunities to develop clinical interests. With a 1:5 full weekend rota (Sundays sole charge for emergencies only) and no additional out-of-hours work, you’ll know your schedule in advance. Full-time hours are 40 per week over four days (typically 9am–7pm); part-time applications over 20 hours are also considered.

Plymouth itself is exceptional for lifestyle—the sea is on your doorstep, Dartmoor National Park is nearby, and you’re minutes from Cornwall and Devon’s coastline. The city offers vibrant cultural life, excellent food and transport links, making it a fantastic base whether you’re outdoorsy or urban-minded.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide consultations and surgery across a broad spectrum of small animal cases
• Manage emergency and critical care presentations as part of the 24/7 hospital service
• Work collaboratively with a team of 14 vets, 25 RVNs and SVNs to ensure case continuity and high clinical standards
• Participate in the 1:5 weekend rota at the main hospital site (Sundays sole charge for emergencies only)
• Utilise advanced hospital facilities including CT, laparoscopy, endoscopy and fully equipped theatre
• Contribute to clinical development and quality improvement initiatives across the main site and three branch surgeries
• Accept and manage referrals from local IVC practices, Vets for Pets and PDSA

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with RCVS registration
• Small animal clinical experience (new graduates and experienced vets welcomed)
• Strong communication and collaborative working skills
• Commitment to high clinical standards and continuous learning
• Flexibility to participate in the 1:5 weekend rota

Benefits

• Salary & Welcome: Up to £65,000 DOE, relocation allowance up to £5,000, welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Leave & Time Off: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, pro rata), additional holiday for your birthday
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata), certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, research funding opportunities
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees all covered
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Colleague Perks: Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility), discounted pet treatment at IVC Evidensia practices, voluntary benefits, retail discounts and cashback
• Care Fund: £1,250 per annum to spend via IVC Evidensia Care Fund
• Other: Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme, access to visiting specialists in cardiology and ophthalmology

About the Practice

Plymouth Veterinary Group is a modern, purpose-built 24/7 small animal hospital operated by IVC Evidensia. The main site features seven spacious consult rooms, a central prep area with three theatres (including a dedicated orthopaedic theatre), a dental suite, X-ray and CT rooms, five species-specific wards plus isolation, a vet library, staff room and ample on-site parking. The practice is supported by three branch surgeries and is proud to be a Burgess Excel Award winner and Gold Standard Rabbit practice.

The team comprises 14 vets (ranging from new graduates to those with 15+ years experience), 25 RVNs and SVNs, and a dedicated client care team led by the Practice Director. Certificate holders specialise in exotics, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery and diagnostics, with visiting specialists in cardiology and ophthalmology. The practice accepts referrals from local IVC practices, Vets for Pets and PDSA, and works closely with charities including RSPCA and the local Monkey Sanctuary.