Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time small animal veterinary position with a practice that genuinely respects your time outside work. Based across three branches in East Lancashire (Colne, Burnley, and Barnoldswick), you’ll deliver varied first-opinion care without mandatory out-of-hours commitments—though optional participation is available if you’d like it. The role includes some sole-charge consulting work at the branch locations, but you’ll never be unsupported; Stanley House runs its own in-house OOH service with experienced vets and a dedicated night nurse team handling emergency cover.

You’ll work in an area that genuinely rewards a balanced lifestyle. East Lancashire sits between the charm of the Ribble Valley and easy access to Manchester and Leeds, with historic villages like Skipton and Clitheroe on your doorstep. Whether you’re exploring the Pennines or enjoying strong community spirit and local amenities, the location supports both outdoor adventures and career focus.

Part-time arrangements can be discussed for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide routine consultations and surgery across a varied small animal caseload
• Contribute to developing and strengthening in-house services, particularly in surgery or orthopaedics
• Work collaboratively with a team including certificate holders in medicine, dentistry, and emergency & critical care
• Engage with the practice’s skilled RVN team (specialists in ECC, surgery, anaesthesia, and physiotherapy)
• Utilise excellent on-site facilities including digital imaging, endoscopy, dual surgical theatres, and dental suite
• Participate in a culture centred on sustainable careers and colleague wellbeing

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with proven experience in small animal practice
• VetGDP completed
• Confidence in routine consultations and surgical procedures
• Enthusiasm for working with diverse and interesting cases
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000–£65,000 depending on experience
• Flexible working: Genuine flexibility tailored to your lifestyle
• Annual leave: 6.6 weeks pro-rata
• CPD support: Generous CPD allowance with paid CPD days; access to peripatetic specialist support in ultrasonography and cardiology
• Professional memberships: RCVS membership, VDS cover, and professional subscriptions covered
• Wellbeing benefits: Corporate gym membership, cycle to work scheme, volunteer leave, on-call flat, mental health first aiders, and regular team socials
• Optional private medical insurance
• Outstanding facilities: Digital x-ray, ultrasound, video endoscopy, two surgical theatres, dental suite with dental x-ray, in-house laboratory, and separate canine and feline wards

About the Practice

Stanley House Veterinary Group is an RCVS-accredited, well-established first-opinion small animal practice serving East Lancashire with a loyal and growing client base. The practice operates across three locations: a main hospital in Colne, a consulting and operating branch in Burnley, and a consulting branch in Barnoldswick. With approximately 65 staff members, the team includes vets with certificates in medicine, dentistry, and emergency & critical care, alongside highly skilled RVNs with specialist qualifications in ECC, surgery, anaesthesia, and physiotherapy. Stanley House is part of VetPartners, a corporate group recognised as Employer of the Year at the Press Business IQ Awards.

The practice is built on a philosophy of excellent medicine, team wellbeing, and sustainable veterinary careers. Colleagues are proud of the friendly, collaborative culture, and clients frequently comment on the positive atmosphere they experience.