Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

The Hampshire Vet is seeking an exceptional veterinary surgeon with a strong interest in either advanced imaging or internal medicine to join their rapidly expanding independent practice in Basingstoke. This is a full-time permanent position working a 4-day week with set days off and early finishes built into the rota – alongside weekend duties on a 1:5 rota with time off in lieu. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills across operating and consulting duties while accessing cutting-edge equipment, including a new laparoscopic surgical suite and ongoing investment in imaging technology.

You’d ideally bring a certificate or Advanced Practitioner status in your chosen specialism and be ready to hit the ground running. The practice is in an exciting phase of expansion – working towards RCVS Hospital status and investing in three new operating theatres, a dedicated dental suite, an isolation unit, and future CT scanner capability. The Hampshire countryside location offers excellent work-life balance, with easy access to the South Downs, New Forest, and London.

The practice operates on-site night teams providing 24/7 care, meaning day vets are not required to work out-of-hours shifts – a significant draw for those seeking sustainable scheduling.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard small animal veterinary care across medicine, surgery, dentistry, and inpatient management, with scope to specialise in your chosen area (advanced imaging or internal medicine)
• Contribute to the practice’s clinical development and evidence-based approach to patient care
• Collaborate with a 14-vet team including multiple certificate holders and advanced practitioners across surgery, cardiology, ophthalmology, and emergency care
• Work alongside nine RVNs and a three-strong night RVN team who manage surgical and inpatient care and perform Schedule 3 procedures
• Liaise with visiting specialists (cardiology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology) and referral partners (Anderson Moores, Lumbry Park, Fitzpatrick’s) for complex cases
• Participate in weekend day duties (Saturday and Sunday 8 am–7 pm on 1:5 rota) with two long weekends in each 5-week cycle
• Support the practice’s culture of clinical excellence, personal development, and work-life balance for all staff

Requirements

• Registered as a veterinary surgeon with the RCVS
• Strong clinical interest in advanced imaging or internal medicine
• Certificate or Advanced Practitioner status (desirable but not essential – enthusiastic, self-directed learners also encouraged to apply)
• Evidence-based approach to medicine and commitment to ongoing professional development
• Collaborative team player who values clinical autonomy and personal interests
• Experience level not specified – the practice welcomes applicants across the career spectrum

Benefits

• Salary: £40,000–£75,000 depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks holiday (including bank holidays)
• CPD encouraged with certificates supported and funded by the practice
• Professional membership fees paid for RCVS and VDS
• Private healthcare
• 4-day working week with set days off each week
• Early finish 4 out of 5 weeks
• Protected lunch breaks and set admin time each day
• Weekend rota: 1:5 (Saturday and Sunday 8 am–7 pm) with time off in lieu and two long weekends per 5-week cycle
• No out-of-hours night shifts required – on-site night teams cover overnight care
• Access to advanced surgical and imaging equipment including laparoscopic suite
• Team social events and vibrant, supportive workplace culture

About the Practice

The Hampshire Vet is a proudly independent small animal practice founded by Emily and Jamie in 2022, reflecting their lifelong ambition to establish a hospital-standard clinic in Basingstoke. The practice opened hospital-standard premises in August 2023 after initially operating as a mobile service to build its client base. It has rapidly grown from a 3-vet startup to a 38-strong team (including dedicated night staff) providing 24/7 in-patient care. The practice holds RCVS Small Animal Practice accreditation and ISFM Gold status, and won New Business of the Year at The Basingstoke Inspire Business Awards 2024, plus the Wellbeing Champion Award in 2025.

The team comprises 14 vets with postgraduate qualifications and diverse clinical interests, nine qualified RVNs, three dedicated night RVNs, and an eleven-strong client care team. The practice maintains strong links with specialist referral centres and is investing heavily in advanced equipment and facilities as it moves toward RCVS Hospital status. The culture prioritises clinical excellence, evidence-based medicine, outstanding client communication, personal development, and genuine work-life balance for all staff.