Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

The Vale Veterinary Group is seeking an experienced small animal veterinary surgeon to join their independent practice across three locations in Devon (Tiverton, Cullompton, and Honiton). This is a permanent full-time position offering a rare work-life balance: a 4-day working week with shifts typically between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm, featuring multiple short consulting blocks that leave genuine time for admin, investigations, and lunch. You’ll manage an interesting and varied caseload with a surgical bias, though the practice is equally open to your specialist interests.

Out-of-hours work is manageable and sustainable—the practice operates its own OOH service (not outsourced), delivering better continuity of care and emergency skill development. You’ll work a 1:12 rota, meaning you never work more than one duty shift in a row and take only part of a weekend (3 weekends in 12). Weekday duty shifts start at 11 am with time off following and an extra day off on Monday after Sunday work. The practice is perfectly positioned in South West Devon, offering beautiful countryside, coastal access, and genuine community feel—exactly what many vets move to the region for.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide small animal veterinary care across a collaborative team of three vet partners (Kate, Eva, and Fran) who actively discuss cases, pool ideas, and mentor colleagues
• Manage consulting, inpatient, and operating shifts with cases worked up and managed to a high standard in-house
• Contribute to the team’s ‘Ten-minute Takeover’ fortnightly meetings where CPD learning and special interests are shared (lunch provided)
• Develop surgical skills and special interests with full support; the practice actively encourages ongoing professional development
• Participate in the sustainable 1:12 OOH rota, covering evenings, weekends, and overnight emergency care as part of the practice’s own service
• Work within a practice culture that values case discussion, collaborative problem-solving, and high standards of individual care

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS or equivalent) with preferably some post-qualification experience
• Passion for small animal medicine and/or surgery with genuine interest in developing specialist skills
• Commitment to the practice’s values: care and compassion, excellence, integrity, and genuine teamwork
• Ability to work within a collaborative, discussion-based team environment
• Willingness to engage in continuing professional development and share learning with colleagues
• Full driving licence (essential for working across three practice locations)

Benefits

• Salary: £40,000–£65,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• Work-life balance: 4-day working week with sustainable 1:12 OOH rota
• Holiday: 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays; holiday entitlement increases with length of service
• Professional support: CPD funding available; professional certificate courses supported and fully funded
• Health & wellbeing: Bupa private healthcare, enhanced maternity pay, employee assistance programme
• Professional memberships: RCVS membership and BVA subscription covered
• Pension: Company pension scheme
• Additional perks: Generous staff discount, cycle to work scheme, visa sponsorship considered

About the Practice

The Vale Veterinary Group is an independent, vet-owned and managed practice with three locations across Devon (Tiverton, Cullompton, and Honiton). Founded on a commitment to high standards of veterinary care and exceptional teamwork, the practice is led by partners Kate, Eva, and Fran—all of whom have recently joined the partnership and remain deeply rooted in the local community. The practice is celebrating a milestone this year as one of their founding partners retires after 43 years, creating this opportunity for a new team member.

The team includes vets with certificate qualifications in small animal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, and diagnostic imaging, with colleagues currently undertaking cardiology certificates. The practices are well-equipped with digital and dental radiography, advanced ultrasound machines with cardiac probes and software, and a new scope and processor for endoscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, and cystoscopy procedures. The practice culture prioritises listening to staff, valuing opinions, and maintaining a family-like environment where people genuinely enjoy working. The practice operates its own out-of-hours service, ensuring continuity of care and control over scheduling.