Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Thistle Vets is seeking an experienced veterinary surgeon to join their 10-vet team across two Edinburgh sites. This is a full-time permanent role offering genuine flexibility around your circumstances and clinical interests. The practice operates a 4-day week (08:30-19:00) with a 1:6 Saturday rota (09:00-17:00) and 1:12 Sunday rota (10:00-13:00). All out-of-hours cover is provided by VetsNow, so there are no OOH commitments in this role. Part-time arrangements are actively welcomed.

The role offers clear potential for progression into senior and leadership positions for those ambitious to develop broader responsibilities within the practice. You'll work alongside a highly qualified team, several of whom hold or are working towards postgraduate qualifications including certificates in cardiology, ophthalmology, feline medicine, acupuncture, internal medicine, and dermatology.

The Chesser clinic was comprehensively refurbished in summer 2023 and features two theatres, dedicated imaging and dental suites, separate dog and cat wards, a large prep area, and a full in-house laboratory. The practice is equipped with endoscopy, video otoscopy, doppler ultrasound, DR x-ray, dental x-ray, bronchoscopy, multiparameter monitors, electrocautery, ECG, tonometry, slit lamp, and specialist orthopaedic equipment including TPLO and MMP sets.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal clinical care with 20-minute consultations reflecting the practice's ethos of thoroughness and attention to detail
• Perform comprehensive workup and treatment planning, supported by extensive in-house equipment and facilities
• Collaborate with a team of experienced vets and nurses to provide best-practice clinical care
• Contribute to the practice's culture of peer learning and professional development
• Take on leadership responsibilities as desired, with opportunity to progress into senior roles within the practice

Requirements

• RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon
• Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience
• Strong clinical knowledge in small animal medicine and surgery
• Willingness to engage with the team's supportive learning environment
• Flexibility and openness to discussing your personal requirements and career goals

Benefits

• Salary from £40,000 to £80,000, scaled relative to experience and qualifications
• Generous annual CPD budget of £1,500 to use as you wish
• Full funding and support for postgraduate certificate study, including travel and accommodation
• Paid leave to attend courses and conferences
• Annual salary reviews with long service rewarded by additional leave
• 5 core weeks annual leave plus select bank holidays, with extra days awarded for length of service
• RCVS and VDS fees fully paid
• Nest Pension enrolment
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Sick pay
• No OOH commitments (VetsNow provides all out-of-hours cover)

About the Practice

Thistle Vets is a proudly independent practice serving the pets of Edinburgh since 1982. Operating across two sites with a team of 10 vets, the practice is motivated by progressive, quality-focused veterinary medicine. The recently refurbished Chesser clinic represents significant investment in both clinical capabilities and working environment, with state-of-the-art equipment and purpose-built facilities supporting specialist and routine small animal work.

The practice actively creates opportunities around the right candidates and encourages informal discussions about how roles might be tailored to individual circumstances. The team's approach combines clinical excellence with a welcoming, eclectic culture where vets can learn from one another and grow their interests and specialisms.