Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

You'll join The Wheelhouse Veterinary Centre as a Primary Care Veterinary Surgeon, working full-time across their Chesham and Amersham surgeries on a four-day week with Saturdays only included in the rota. This is an established practice set in the picturesque Chilterns countryside, perfectly positioned for outdoor enthusiasts with easy access to woodland parks, golf clubs, and London commuting.

The practice operates across four branches with a team of 14 vets and 20 nurses, creating a genuinely collaborative environment where clinical excellence and peer support are embedded in the culture. You'll be joining a group that handles diverse first-opinion caseloads while maintaining strong clinical standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality patient and client care across a varied small animal caseload
• Work collaboratively with the wider clinical team of 14 vets and 20 nurses across four branches
• Perform routine medical and surgical procedures using well-equipped facilities
• Contribute positively to clinical culture and support the development of junior colleagues
• Develop your clinical interests, with scope to pursue endoscopy, endosurgery, or oncology if desired
• Engage in ongoing clinical learning and share knowledge with peers

Requirements

• BVSc, BVetMed, BVMS or equivalent veterinary degree
• Registration with the RCVS (or eligibility to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning and openness to feedback
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Additional qualification or interest in Endoscopy, Endosurgery, or Oncology is preferred but not essential

Benefits

• Salary of up to £70,000 depending on experience
• Relocation allowance of up to £5,000
• Welcome bonus of up to £3,000
• Four-day working week with Saturday-only rota
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Funded CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay for maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (subject to eligibility)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

About the Practice

The Wheelhouse Veterinary Centre has been serving the local Buckinghamshire community for over 50 years. Owned by Independent Vetcare, the practice operates four branches with a clinical team of 14 vets and 20 nurses unified by a commitment to clinical excellence and team engagement. The practice is led by Clinical Directors Charles Winslade, Kevin Spencelayh, and James Warwick.

The practice is well equipped with an endoscope, laparoscopic equipment for bitch spays, ultrasound scanner, DR and CR radiography, Class 4 laser, and four consultation rooms. Team members have completed or are undergoing certificates in surgery (including orthopaedics), internal medicine, feline medicine, cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and emergency and critical care. The practice actively supports local and national charities including StreetVet, Hearing Dogs, Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue, and Macmillan Cancer Support.