Senior Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to join Virginia Water Vets at its launch in May 2026—a newly established small animal practice in the heart of Surrey’s picturesque village, blending countryside calm with city convenience (Heathrow nearby, London under an hour away). You’ll work with a supportive, community-focused team that genuinely cares about both animal welfare and staff wellbeing, while building something meaningful from the ground up.

Your week strikes a healthy balance between consultations and surgery, with the freedom to follow cases from start to finish. The practice has built a strong local reputation for dentistry and ophthalmology work, and you’ll have access to visiting specialists plus support from a network of nearby IVC Evidensia practices. With no out-of-hours commitments and a Saturday rota (8:30am–12:30pm) offset by Friday afternoons off, this role prioritises your work-life balance while keeping you clinically engaged.

Beyond the clinic, you’ll have active involvement with local charities including StreetVet and Cats Protection, reflecting the practice’s deep roots in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across a varied small animal caseload (dogs, cats, and small pets)
• Work collaboratively with the clinical team to build the practice’s clinical culture during its launch phase
• Continue developing your clinical skills in routine medical and surgical cases, with opportunities to specialise in dentistry or ophthalmology
• Share your knowledge and experience with colleagues, supporting their development as the team grows
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and colleagues, contributing positively to the practice community
• Take an integral role in the clinical team as an experienced member supporting the practice’s growth

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and current RCVS registration (or eligible to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Confident, motivated approach to delivering high-quality patient and client care as part of a team

Benefits

• Work-life balance: No out-of-hours duties; Saturday mornings only (8:30am–12:30pm) with Friday afternoons off in lieu
• Flexible working: Hours tailored to suit your lifestyle
• Time off: 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Learning & development: £1,250 annual CPD allowance; access to IVC Evidensia Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Financial support: £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• Professional fees: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Healthcare: Private medical insurance; enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Mentorship & networks: Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks across IVC
• Perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies); retail discounts and cashback offers; reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Career pathways: Clear progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Virginia Water Veterinary Clinic is a well-established small animal practice newly relocating to brand-new premises in May 2026, serving the trusted community of Virginia Water village in Surrey. The practice is known locally for its expertise in dentistry and ophthalmology, and operates under IVC Evidensia—the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals united by a shared purpose of happier animals and happier owners.

The team culture emphasises compassion, community engagement, and continuous improvement. You’ll work within a supportive environment where people are encouraged to develop clinical interests, expand capabilities, and play active roles in their professional communities. IVC Evidensia is committed to creating environments where teams grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment at every career stage, with investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.