Veterinary Surgeon, Small Animal

About the Role

This 12-month fixed-term position offers a varied and rewarding small animal caseload in a fully equipped practice. You'll work a 4-day week (8:30am to 7:00pm, with one early finish at 4:30pm), plus 1 in 9 weekends from 8:00am to 6:00pm. The role sits within Rowe Veterinary Group, a multi-site organisation with over 40 first opinion vets and a dedicated referral hospital, giving you scope to develop clinical interests and follow cases through to specialist care.

The Thornbury practice is no standard GP surgery. Equipped with ultrasound, digital X-ray, imaging and dental facilities, the team manages a wide range of cases in-house, including general surgery to a high level. You'll work alongside 3 vets, some of whom hold or are pursuing advanced practitioner status, supported by clinical and non-clinical staff including experienced nurses and care assistants.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide excellent patient care and clinical support across a varied caseload of dogs, cats, and small furries
• Manage both surgical and medical cases confidently, including routine and non-routine presentations
• Handle inpatient care and emergency cases for the practice group and local referrals
• Gain and apply experience in emergency and critical care medicine
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing to the clinical culture and development of the team
• Work collaboratively with the wider practice team to maintain high standards of care

Requirements

• BVSc, BVetMed, or BVMS degree and current 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 £55,000 FTE, depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund
• Funded learning and development, including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (where eligible)
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Rowe Veterinary Group was founded in 1948 and has been serving the Bristol area for over 70 years. The group operates six veterinary practices across North Bristol, including a 24-hour hospital in Bradley Stoke and branch surgeries in Yate, Winterbourne, Brimshaw, Thornbury, and Wotton-under-Edge (which includes an MRI facility). The Thornbury location specialises in small animal care for dogs, cats, small furries, birds, and exotic animals, and is part of the larger Rowe Referrals network.

Rowe is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The organisation is committed to supporting ongoing development and well-being through career pathways, learning resources, mentorship, and a values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement.