Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a permanent part-time position offering 30–40 hours per week with a set shift pattern and no out-of-hours duties. You’ll work across a five-day and Saturday rota with 1-in-4 weekend cover (sole charge, but with weekday flexibility built in to make it sustainable). The practice operates weekdays 08:30–19:30, Saturdays 09:00–16:00, and Sundays 10:00–16:00, with emergency cover provided by a local independent 24-hour hospital.

You’ll be joining an established, independent-minded practice that launched in summer 2016 and has grown to over 4,000 active clients. Based in West Lancashire, the practice combines modern facilities—including dental radiography and laparoscopy—with a genuine commitment to sustainable working practices and team wellbeing.

This role suits someone who values clinical decision-making over high-volume workload, loves being part of a collaborative team, and recognises there’s more to life than work. You don’t need to be an advanced surgeon; the experienced vet team will support you in developing confidence and skills at a sensible pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality general practice medicine and surgery in a supportive, collaborative environment
• Work alongside four other vets and a strong nursing team who actively contribute to case planning and clinical outcomes
• Lead clinical decision-making while respecting the knowledge and skills of a capable nursing team performing Schedule 2 procedures and running chargeable clinics
• Build trusting, relationship-based care with clients—from vaccination plans to understanding their wider lives
• Manage your time and priorities sensibly, maintaining a methodical approach to your day without burning out
• Contribute to the practice’s culture of continuous improvement, where ideas (clinical and non-clinical) are genuinely welcomed
• Participate in the 1-in-4 weekend rota on a sole-charge basis with weekday flexibility negotiated to suit the team

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS)
• A positive, methodical approach to work with sound time management and priority-setting skills
• Genuine enjoyment of teamwork and collaborative practice; comfortable being supported by experienced colleagues
• A pragmatic, compassionate approach to client communication and clinical care
• Understanding that sustainable work-life balance benefits everyone (clients, staff, and you)
• No specific years of experience required; newly qualified vets welcome if you’re ready for the role

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £45,000–£60,000 pro rata (experience dependent)
• 33 days annual leave
• Funded CPD (certificate costs covered)
• Overtime paid for hours worked above contract
• Paid breaks
• Income protection insurance after 1 year’s service
• AXA private healthcare (small employee contribution)
• Professional memberships covered: RCVS, BVA, BSAVA, VDS
• 20% discount across Vets4Pets, Pets at Home, and The Groom Room

About the Practice

An independent small animal practice established in summer 2016, now serving over 4,000 active clients. The team includes four vets, a practice manager, a head nurse with a dedicated nursing team (including student nurses and veterinary care assistants), and a client care manager with reception support. The practice is proud of its low staff turnover, strong nurse-to-vet ratio, and genuine commitment to an inclusive, honest work environment where people feel comfortable speaking up and work-life balance is actively maintained.

The practice is part of the Pets at Home group and reflects its values of embracing diversity, respecting difference, and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds.