Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent position with The Vet Whitehaven, joining their established team of 4.5 vets in West Cumbria. You’ll work a structured 4-day week with one consistent day off each week, finishing times of 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, or 6:30 pm depending on your shift. The practice runs its own out-of-hours service with a 1:5 on-call rota—no additional Saturday commitments—and the week following your on-call weekend, you’ll drop to just 3 days in practice. The RVN team handles phone triage, so you’re only called in when genuinely needed.

Located in the heart of Whitehaven near the Cumbrian coastline and Lake District National Park, this role offers genuine flexibility around your commitments and lifestyle. The practice was founded on core values of Compassion, Trust, and Community, and they live by them daily—both in how they treat patients and how they support their team.

You’ll work alongside an experienced nursing team of 7 RVNs, 3 SVNs, and support staff who are genuinely collaborative. New graduates and experienced vets alike describe the environment as supportive, fun, and genuinely caring—a place where you’ll feel encouraged to develop your clinical interests and pursue further qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality small animal veterinary care across general and surgical cases
• Work collaboratively with the nursing team—nurses consult alongside vets and handle post-operative checks, nail clips, and puppy/kitten vaccinations
• Participate in monthly team meetings where all input is valued and encouraged
• Contribute to the practice’s commitment to staying current with knowledge, treatments, and equipment
• Support the practice’s community-focused mission and sustainability initiatives
• Be available for the 1:5 on-call rota providing out-of-hours emergency cover

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a veterinary surgeon
• Experience in small animal general practice (level of experience flexible—they welcome both newer graduates and seasoned practitioners)
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate openly with the wider team
• Willingness to engage with the practice’s values of compassion, trust, and community
• Visa sponsorship available if needed

Benefits

• Salary: £39,000–£67,000 depending on experience, with a salary review after 6 months
• Holiday: 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays
• Professional Development: CPD supported to certificate level
• Fees Covered: RCVS and VDS membership fees paid by the practice
• Investment Opportunity: Potential future opportunity to invest in the growing, successful practice
• Flexible Rota: Genuinely flexible working hours to suit your life commitments
• Team Culture: Regular social activities including hill walking, running, team meals, and social events

About the Practice

The Vet Whitehaven is an independently owned and run practice founded by Lynn and Sophie, with a clear mission: to offer quality care at fair prices and create a genuinely happy working environment. They’ve built their reputation on three core values—Trust, Compassion, and Community—and they’re known locally for their 5-star reviews and approachable, honest management team.

The practice operates from beautifully refurbished premises and is well-equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, a dedicated dental suite with IM3 equipment and dental X-ray, and separate kennels and cattery. With over 30 years of combined experience in the team, they’re committed to keeping their knowledge and treatment options up to date whilst creating a sustainable, community-focused business. Based just minutes from the stunning Lake District and Cumbrian coastline, staff enjoy easy access to fell walking, wild swimming, cycling, and climbing in their spare time.