Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll be joining an expanding and energized small animal practice in Chadwell Heath, well positioned for easy access to the M25 and Central London transport links. This is a full-time role with a refreshingly honest work-life balance: a 1:3 weekend rota, a 4-day week with one weekday off, and zero out-of-hours commitments. It’s the kind of schedule that lets you actually have a life outside the clinic.

The practice sees a wide variety of small animal cases and benefits from state-of-the-art equipment including ultrasound, digital X-ray, and full in-house laboratory. You’ll be working with a close-knit team of 2 vets, 2 RVNs, 1 student nurse, and 1 veterinary care assistant. Cheryl, the owner, has a particular passion for surgery (recently completed her surgical certificate) and the team also specializes in rabbit care, geriatric patients, and dentistry. Only a small amount of sole charge responsibility is expected, meaning you’ll have support and collaboration built into every day.

Cheryl is looking for an approachable and passionate vet who enjoys both the clinical excellence and the relationship-building side of practice. You’ll be expected to support less experienced vets when needed and act as a mentor to the clinical team—a role that many established vets find deeply rewarding.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality small animal veterinary care across routine and surgical cases
• Mentor and support less experienced vets and the clinical team
• Contribute to the practice’s strong client relationships and reputation for personalized care
• Work collaboratively with the nursing team on preventative care, diagnostics, and treatment plans
• Engage with the team’s interests in surgery, rabbits, geriatric medicine, and dentistry
• Support the practice’s commitment to providing excellent patient outcomes using modern diagnostic equipment

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Confident, personable approach to clients and colleagues
• Willingness to mentor and support less experienced team members
• Genuine interest in building strong relationships with clients
• Flexibility and collaborative attitude within a small team environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £75,000 (dependent on experience)
• Generous CPD support including funding for professional certificates
• Enhanced annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Paid professional memberships (RCVS, BVA, and VDS)
• No out-of-hours commitments
• 1 in 3 weekend rota
• 4-day working week with one additional weekday off per week
• Supportive and friendly work environment
• Exclusive colleague discounts including High Street retailers and restaurants

About the Practice

Vets4Pets Chadwell Heath is an established small animal practice led by Cheryl Lucas, who is deeply invested in both clinical excellence and team wellbeing. The practice operates under the Vets4Pets brand and has built a strong reputation for personalized client care and modern veterinary practice. The team is expanding and energized, with a culture that values mentorship, professional development, and a genuine work-life balance—rare in veterinary practice.

The practice is equipped with contemporary technology to support diagnosis and treatment, and the team’s collective interests span surgery, small exotic pets, geriatric care, and dentistry. This is a practice that actively supports its team’s continuing professional development and encourages a supportive, collaborative approach to patient care.