Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Join a modern small animal practice that’s genuinely committed to work–life balance. This permanent role is open to full-time, part-time, consult-only, or tailored arrangements—whatever suits your career stage and lifestyle. You’ll work a typical 40-hour week over four weekdays (08:30–19:00) with one in three Saturday mornings (09:00–13:00, consultations only), though alternative patterns can be negotiated.

Based in the charming market town of Shipley, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, you’ll have access to excellent independent shops, cafés, green spaces, and easy connections to Leeds. The practice itself is modern and well-equipped, handling a rewarding mix of routine preventative, medical, and complex surgical cases—all worked up to high clinical standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide first-opinion small animal care across routine, preventative, and complex medical and surgical cases
• Work with a dedicated team of Veterinary Surgeons, RVNs, SVNs, VCAs, and Receptionists in a collaborative, supportive environment
• Contribute to a practice culture that prioritises case continuity and clinical development
• Engage in mentoring and knowledge sharing—the team includes a Clinical Director who progressed from new graduate within the practice
• Support the practice’s commitment to local community, including partnership with a hedgehog charity

Clinical Environment

You’ll have access to modern diagnostic and surgical equipment:

• State-of-the-art ultrasound (abdominal and cardiac imaging)
• Digital X-ray
• Flexible and rigid endoscopy
• 15-minute consultation slots with protected admin time
• Proper breaks and time for case follow-up

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS)
• Passion for small animal medicine and surgery
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, supportive team environment
• Commitment to clinical excellence and continuous professional development
• All experience levels welcome—from new graduates to experienced practitioners

Benefits

• Salary & Bonuses: Up to £70,000 DOE, plus £5,000 welcome bonus and £5,000 relocation allowance
• Annual Leave: 6.6 weeks inclusive of bank holidays, plus additional entitlement for your birthday
• CPD & Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata; full certificate support; access to IVC Evidensia Academy and Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia
• Wellbeing Support: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (confidential helpline); enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, surrogacy pay); dedicated Mental Health First Aider on shift
• Professional Support: BVA membership and VDS cover provided
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Colleague Benefits: Cycle to Work scheme; Green Cars Scheme; discounted pet treatment at IVC Evidensia practices; access to hundreds of retail discounts and cashback; voluntary benefits package
• Research & Innovation: All vets can apply for research funding; £1,250 per annum Care Fund allowance; access to Infection Prevention and Control and Quality Improvement programmes

About the Practice

Shipley and Idle Veterinary Centre is a modern first-opinion small animal practice located in Shipley, Yorkshire. Part of IVC Evidensia (a leading UK veterinary group), the practice combines independent clinical focus with corporate support infrastructure. The team is experienced, collaborative, and actively invested in colleague development—demonstrated by the clinical progression pathway that has taken vets from new graduates to Clinical Director within the practice. Mental health and wellbeing are genuinely prioritised, with a dedicated Mental Health First Aider available on every shift.

The practice is proud to support local community initiatives, including a partnership with a hedgehog charity. Located less than a mile from Saltaire, the setting offers village charm with easy access to city amenities.

Equal Opportunities

IVC Evidensia is committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging. The practice actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups and is a Disability Confident Employer. Reasonable adjustments during recruitment are gladly discussed.