Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Vetsmiths, a boutique independent practice that’s built something genuinely special in just four years. You’ll enjoy a varied small animal caseload with excellent case continuity, allowing you to build lasting relationships with clients and their pets. The role is ideally full-time, but the practice is open to part-time arrangements for the right candidate.

The rota is genuinely manageable: 1 in 4 Saturday mornings only, with no Sundays, bank holidays, or overnight on-call duties (Vets Now handles all emergency coverage just five minutes away). You’ll have protected admin time and lunch breaks with no interruptions—the team actually enforces this in their cosy kitchen area. Evening finish times are reliable and predictable.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-standard small animal veterinary care with a focus on building client relationships and case continuity
• Work collaboratively within a four-vet team (Chris, Lorna, Keshia, and Martha), each bringing specialist interests including rabbit medicine, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging, cardiology, and feline behaviour
• Utilise fully equipped facilities including DR and dental X-ray, advanced ultrasound with cardio package, iM3 dental unit, and in-house laboratory
• Contribute to the practice’s award-winning culture of exceptional client and patient care
• Work alongside 3 RVNs, 3 ANAs, and 6 receptionists who form an outstanding support team
• Benefit from regular visits by Andy Morris, a referral orthopaedic surgeon, enabling in-house case management

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS or equivalent)
• Genuine passion for small animal medicine and client care
• A collaborative approach and people-focused mindset
• Interest in developing specialist areas (the practice actively supports this)

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £48,000–£70,000 FTE (pro-rata for part-time)
• Five weeks’ holiday plus all bank holidays
• Your birthday off to celebrate
• Generous, uncapped CPD allowance—if it’s the right course and works for the practice, they support it
• Paid professional fees (RCVS and VDS)
• Annual town-centre parking permit (evenings, weekends, and selected Dorset locations)
• Pet insurance premiums paid for 1 dog, 2 cats, or 2 rabbits (after three months)
• Generous staff discount scheme
• Workplace pension
• Free fresh fruit and locally sourced coffee
• Supportive, award-winning, genuinely friendly team environment
• Beautiful location with easy access to Bournemouth, Poole beaches, and the New Forest

About the Practice

Vetsmiths is an independent, family-run practice opened in 2020 in a stunning Grade II listed building in the heart of Wimborne Minster. Owned by Chris and Sam, the practice was designed to be different from traditional vet clinics—more welcoming, modern, and with genuine character. The team of four vets brings a lovely mix of experience and specialist interests, supported by 3 RVNs, 3 ANAs, and 6 receptionists. The practice is RCVS-accredited and has held ISFM Silver Cat Friendly status for five consecutive years.

Vetsmiths’ culture centres on trust, respect, and genuine care. Every team member has a voice and equal value, and wellbeing is genuinely prioritised. The practice is sociable and community-focused, supporting local independent businesses and driving sustainability initiatives—they’ve planted over 4,300 trees through their partnership with Ecologi. Recognition speaks volumes: Best Independent Vets in Dorset 2021, Best Business in Wimborne 2023, Best New Business in East Dorset 2024, Silver Outstanding Customer Service 2025, and finalist for Family Business of the Year.