Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Riverside Veterinary Care is looking for an experienced small animal vet with a strong interest in surgery. The role suits a confident GP vet who enjoys variety, with the chance to develop advanced soft tissue surgery and orthopaedic procedures as the practice expands its surgical service.

This is a hands-on position within a well-equipped, independent practice that is currently growing through a major building project at the Abergavenny branch. You will have scope to influence how the service develops, while working across consulting, surgery and medical cases.

The rota is designed around work life balance, with full-time vets generally working a 4 day week and 1:6 weekends, which count towards the 4 day week. Vets also work one late shift each week, from 1 pm to 10.30 pm, and there is no OOH as calls are forwarded to Vets Now in Newport after 10.30 pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Work across consulting, surgery and medical cases in a busy small animal practice.
• Take part in a developing surgical service, with opportunities to perform and build advanced soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures.
• Support the growth of the new surgical hub at the Abergavenny branch.
• Contribute to a varied caseload and, where appropriate, spend more time in theatre as your caseload increases.
• Work late shifts and weekend rota duties as part of the planned schedule.

Requirements

• Experienced small animal vet.
• Confident GP vet with strong surgical skills.
• Ideally holding a surgical certificate or equivalent experience.
• Enjoys a wide range of general practice cases.

Benefits

• Salary of £45,000 to £60,000.
• 8% employer pension contribution.
• Generous CPD allowance, with certificates supported and funded.
• Personal improvement allowance for physical and mental wellbeing.
• Future shareholder or ownership prospects for the right person.
• Professional fees paid for RCVS and VDS.
• Full private health insurance.
• No OOH, with calls forwarded to Vets Now in Newport after 10.30 pm.
• 1:6 weekends, with weekends counting toward the 4 day week.
• Higher rate paid for hours worked after 6.30 pm or on weekends.

About the Practice

Riverside Veterinary Care is a proudly independent modern small animal practice in Monmouthshire, with two standalone clinics in Abergavenny and Ebbw Vale. The practice has received Best Vet in County at the Best UK Vets Awards in 2023 and 2024, and won the John Sheridan Award at the Vet Dynamics Conference 2023.

The team works with digital X ray, ultrasound, an in house laboratory and laser therapy. A major building project is underway at the Abergavenny branch, where a new surgical hub, separate dental suite with dental X ray, three additional consulting rooms and improved dog and cat kennels are being created, with completion due in October 2026.