Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a permanent, full-time position working a highly sociable 4-day week with just one Saturday morning (9 am–12 pm) per month. You’ll be joining Vets4Pets Totton, a growing small animal practice near Southampton, where no out-of-hours duties mean your evenings and most weekends are genuinely yours. The practice sits on the edge of the New Forest National Park, making it an ideal location for those who love nature and countryside living without sacrificing proximity to the coast.

You’ll work alongside Judith, the practice owner and an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery with postgraduate qualifications in emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and orthopaedics. Her expertise opens doors to a varied caseload including orthopaedic and advanced soft tissue surgeries, exotic species care (the team has seen raccoons and skunks!), and referrals from local practices. A peripatetic orthopaedic surgeon visits regularly, and you’ll have access to specialist centres nearby for complex cases.

The nursing team brings over 50 years of combined experience. Head Nurse Dawn and RVN Debbie are trained clinical coaches (the practice is a Nurse Training Practice), supporting second-year SVN Erin, experienced VCA Katie, and incoming trainee Ellie. Reception is equally strong—three-person team who keep things running smoothly. This is a collaborative, genuinely supportive environment where people enjoy working together.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct morning consultations (9 am–12 pm) and afternoon consultations (3 pm–6 pm closure)
• Perform routine surgical procedures and theatre operations (11 am–2 pm slot)
• Manage occasional sole charge periods with confidence
• Develop your chosen clinical interests with full practice support—whether medical cases, imaging, cardiology, or exotic species
• Work collaboratively with Judith on case management and referral work
• Contribute to the varied caseload including orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, and exotic medicine

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Experienced in small animal general practice
• Confident consulting skills and comfortable performing routine surgical procedures
• Comfortable with occasional sole charge work
• A medical bias or keen interest in imaging, cardiology, or exotics is especially welcome (but not essential)
• Professional approach to CPD and willingness to develop specialist skills

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000–£65,000 depending on experience
• Work-life balance: 4-day week, no out-of-hours duties, one in four Saturday mornings (9 am–12 pm only)
• Leave: 5 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Professional development: Generous CPD allowance and certificate support; practice will invest in equipment and training to support your goals
• Fees: RCVS, VDS, and BVA fees paid by the practice
• Perks: Yearly car park pass, life assurance (4× salary), exclusive discounts at Pets at Home and Groom Room
• Schedule flexibility: Structured days with proper lunch breaks; typically finish between 6:15 pm–6:30 pm as practice closes at 7 pm

About the Practice

Vets4Pets Totton was established 7 years ago with a mission to be part of the local community and has built strong client retention. While the practice benefits from management guidance through Pets at Home Support Office, the clinical day-to-day is run independently by the team, drawing on over 30 years of combined experience. The facility is well-equipped with ASIF kit and air drill, BOAS surgery instrumentation, dental X-ray, ultrasound, Tonopen, and multiparameter monitoring in theatre. The practice accepts referrals and works with peripatetic orthopaedic surgeons, creating opportunities to manage complex cases in-house where possible.

The team culture is warm and collaborative. Staff feedback consistently highlights the enjoyable work environment, variety of cases, good hours, and genuine support for professional growth. Several team members hold specialist qualifications or degrees that add depth to the practice’s capabilities, and everyone is clearly invested in animal welfare and each other’s success.