Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Join a welcoming small animal practice in the heart of Dorset where you’ll enjoy a genuine mix of consulting and surgical work without the pressure of out-of-hours cover. This is a 40-hour week spread over four days with just a 1:4 Saturday morning rota (8:30am–12:30pm), giving you real breathing room for life outside the clinic.

You’ll be working in a recently refurbished, well-equipped single-site practice based in Gillingham’s town centre. The caseload is primarily routine first-opinion work—exactly the kind that builds strong client relationships while keeping your surgical skills sharp. With two dedicated operating days each week, you’ll maintain a healthy balance between procedures and consulting.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care across a balanced caseload of consultations and surgery
• Work collaboratively with an experienced RVN team who actively assist in procedures and run their own clinics
• Utilise in-house diagnostic facilities including digital X-ray, ultrasound, flexible endoscopy, and full laboratory services
• Contribute to a supportive, first-opinion environment where referrals are made thoughtfully to maintain continuity of care
• Manage sole charge sessions with confidence, supported by the broader team

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Comfortable working sole charge in a first-opinion setting
• Strong surgical and consulting experience in small animal practice
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-focused environment
• Experience level: Not explicitly stated, but the role welcomes confident, experienced vets who enjoy GP work

Benefits

• Salary & Leave: Up to £65,000 depending on experience, plus 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, pro rata) and additional birthday holiday entitlement
• CPD & Development: £1,250 annual CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata), certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online resource, and research funding opportunities
• Professional Support: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered by the practice
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy pay)
• Pension & Extras: Company pension scheme with employer contribution, £1,250 annual Care Fund allowance, Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme, voluntary benefits menu, and retail discounts
• Professional Development: Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme, and certificate holder support available

About the Practice

Shreen Veterinary Group is a small animal-only practice based in Gillingham, Dorset, part of the IVC Evidensia group. The practice occupies a recently refurbished converted building in the town centre, featuring three large consultation rooms, dedicated prep and theatre spaces, separate cat and dog wards, a staff rest area, quiet office space, and on-site parking.

The team comprises experienced Veterinary Surgeons, a skilled RVN team who deliver their own clinics, and a dedicated client care team including a certificate holder in Physiotherapy. The practice is well-equipped with modern diagnostic tools—digital X-ray, ultrasound, flexible endoscopy, capnography, and in-house laboratory facilities—allowing the team to manage most conditions in-house whilst making appropriate referrals for specialist care.