Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

The RSPCA is recruiting two Veterinary Surgeons for its Greater Manchester Animal Hospital and surrounding satellite centres. One position is permanent; the other is fixed-term until November 2026 to cover maternity leave. Working 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday), with shifts including some daytime 8am to 4pm patterns and genuine lunch breaks, this role balances professional challenge with flexibility to fit your home life. You'll undertake an approximate 1 in 6 to 7 on-call rota for overnight and weekend shifts, plus regular offsite work at RSPCA branches and centres across the region.

This is not your typical veterinary practice. Your caseload focuses exclusively on rescued, stray, neglected, and abused animals rather than owned pets. You'll deliver lifesaving care to thousands of animals brought in by RSPCA frontline officers each year, while supporting animals undergoing rehabilitation. Every day brings variety: from dentistry and soft tissue surgery to shelter medicine, welfare assessment, and occasional sole-charge duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform dentistry procedures and soft tissue surgeries including neutering
• Provide specialist expertise in shelter medicine and animal welfare assessment
• Undertake occasional sole-charge duties at the hospital
• Participate in offsite shelter medicine work approximately once weekly with local RSPCA branches and centres
• Apply RSPCA policies to assess animals and make informed rehoming decisions
• Provide welfare support and professional veterinary advice to the RSPCA Inspectorate
• Oversee treatment and rehabilitation of injured, ill, and vulnerable animals across a broad range of veterinary disciplines
• Communicate complex clinical and welfare decisions clearly and compassionately to non-clinical staff, animal centre teams, and the Inspectorate

Requirements

• Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS)
• Full, valid UK driving licence (essential for regional travel)
• 2 years or more previous clinical experience (preferred)
• Interest in or previous experience with shelter medicine (desirable)
• Ability to handle dogs, cats, small furries, and provide basic initial triage for birds and wildlife
• Pragmatic, welfare-oriented mindset
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously and make informed clinical decisions
• Legal right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available)
• Subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for certain RSPCA roles

Benefits

• Salary: £48,404 to £56,946 per annum plus 4% shift allowance
• 35 hour working week on full-time basis
• 25 days holiday per year
• Pension scheme
• Healthcare cash plan
• Life assurance
• Occupational sick pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional development support
• Family friendly policies
• Dog friendly workplace policies
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discount schemes

About the Practice

The RSPCA is a UK-registered charity (charity number 219099) dedicated to preventing cruelty and promoting animal welfare in England and Wales. The Greater Manchester Animal Hospital is part of a network of RSPCA centres and hospitals delivering specialised veterinary care to rescued and vulnerable animals. Unlike private practice, the RSPCA's focus is exclusively on animal welfare outcomes for animals in need, supported by frontline rescue teams.

The team is highly skilled, collaborative, and committed to making a tangible difference. You'll work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a passion for animal welfare. The organisation actively encourages diversity and inclusion, particularly welcoming applications from underrepresented groups including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. Adjustments are available at any stage of the recruitment process on request.