Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Riverside Vets is looking for a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join its independent first-opinion practice in Bishopstoke, Hampshire. The role is built around continuity of care, clinical freedom and working closely with a team that values collaboration, growth and a supportive day-to-day culture.

This is a full-time position with a four-day week, averaging around 36 hours, and includes a mix of consulting and surgery with at least one dedicated ops day each week. Consultations are 20 minutes as standard, and shifts vary across 8 to 4, 9 to 5, 9 to 7 and 11 to 7, with no more than two 7 pm finishes per week. The rota also includes 1 in 6 duty weekends at present, with a maximum of 1 in 4, Saturday consults separate from duty weekends, and time off in lieu for Saturdays worked.

Bishopstoke offers an appealing base for work life balance, with the New Forest and South Downs within reach, the coast nearby and London just over an hour away by train. On-site accommodation is available if preferred, and the practice describes its rota as fair, sustainable and designed to allow genuine downtime.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out a mix of consulting and surgery within a first-opinion small animal caseload.
• Work across a rota that includes at least one dedicated operating day each week.
• Provide medical and surgical care with continuity for the practice's own clients.
• Take part in duty weekends as scheduled, with Saturday consults kept separate from duty weekends.
• Contribute to a team culture that shares cases and supports one another through busy days.

Requirements

• At least one year of first-opinion veterinary experience.
• Kind, capable and clinically solid approach.
• Ability to fit naturally into a collaborative team environment.
• Experience delivering high standards of medical and surgical care with continuity.
• Visa sponsorship is not available.

Benefits

• Salary from £40,000 depending on experience.
• Full-time four-day week, averaging around 36 hours.
• 20-minute consultations as standard.
• On-site accommodation available if preferred.
• Minimum 6 weeks' holiday, increasing with length of service.
• CPD actively encouraged, with certificates supported and funded.
• RCVS and VDS paid.
• Independent practice with clinical freedom.
• Digital endoscopy, dental x-ray, in-house lab, ultrasound and other equipment.
• Own out-of-hours service for the practice's clients only.
• 1 in 6 duty weekends currently, with a maximum of 1 in 4.
• Time off in lieu for Saturdays worked.
• Clinical director available for backup.

About the Practice

Riverside Veterinary Surgery is an independent, privately owned practice that has been established since 1976. It aims to provide excellent veterinary care in a relaxed and friendly environment, with individual protocols and treatments tailored to clients and their pets.

The practice says it has five veterinary surgeons supported by highly trained nurses, and treats small animals and horses from one facility. Its company information lists the website as riversidevets.co.uk, and the practice is based in Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire.