Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Join Vet4Life Surbiton as a full-time veterinary surgeon in a modern, well-resourced first-opinion practice that genuinely prioritizes work-life balance. You’ll manage your own small animal cases with complete clinical autonomy, while having easy access to colleagues holding certificates in emergency & critical care, advanced practice, surgery, and medicine. The rota is structured around your wellbeing: 38.3-hour working weeks across Monday–Friday with a set day off, plus 1 in 4 Saturdays (9am–5pm) and 1 in 12 Sunday shifts (10am–4pm)—no out-of-hours on-call whatsoever.

Located on the Surrey/Middlesex border within walking distance of the Southwestern train line, the practice operates across three sites in Surbiton, Teddington, and Shepperton, serving a dynamic and engaged client base in Southwest London. The team regularly socializes together with quiz nights, seasonal celebrations, and genuine camaraderie—not corporate forced fun.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality first-opinion small animal veterinary care, managing your own caseload independently
• Perform routine consultations, surgery, and diagnostics using state-of-the-art in-house equipment
• Collaborate with a 10-vet team and specialist-qualified nurses on complex cases where appropriate
• Contribute to the positive, inclusive workplace culture that defines Vet4Life
• Develop clinical specialisms in areas such as dermatology, cardiology, or exotics, supported by the practice

Requirements

• RCVS registered veterinary surgeon with a minimum of 3 years’ first-opinion practice experience
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while valuing team collaboration
• Passion for delivering high-quality patient and client care
• Professional approach to a positive, inclusive workplace
• Interest in clinical development or pursuing further qualifications is welcomed (not essential)

Benefits

• Competitive salary from £50,000 per annum, depending on experience
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees fully paid
• External CPD fully funded, plus access to extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
• Career progression opportunities within Linnaeus group
• Pension scheme with employer contribution
• Life assurance and enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Staff discount schemes
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme and cycle-to-work scheme
• Wellness program including employee assistance program, eyecare voucher scheme, and free annual flu jab
• Recruitment referral reward scheme

About the Practice

Vet4Life Surbiton is a modern, RCVS-accredited first-opinion small animal practice with three sites across Surbiton, Teddington, and Shepperton in Southwest London. The practice is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including endoscope, laparoscopic kit, ultrasound scanner, CR radiography, Class 4 laser, and fully equipped in-house laboratory.

The team comprises 10 experienced veterinary surgeons and nurses with diverse qualifications and special interests. Several team members hold certificates in emergency & critical care, advanced veterinary practice, small animal surgery, small animal medicine, surgical nursing, and consulting. Additional special interests span dermatology, cardiology, exotics, and staff wellbeing. Vet4Life is part of Linnaeus, a company of Mars Veterinary Health, and is committed to providing an environment where team members can thrive through professional development, supportive management, and access to quality resources.