Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join Westmorland Veterinary Group’s small animal team in Kendal, working with a practice that genuinely prioritises work-life balance. You’ll be confident in basic surgery and clinical skills, though support is always available from the team. The standout feature of this role: out-of-hours care is provided by Vets Now, meaning you’re free from overnight on-call duties. Weekends follow a fair rota pattern with Saturday and Sunday shifts running 8am–12pm only, allowing you to maintain a healthy personal life.

The practice sits in the scenic North West, and the team is committed to creating a friendly, supportive working environment where continuous learning is actively encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care including routine consultations, diagnostics, and surgical procedures
• Work collaboratively with the small animal team, which includes student nurses, newly qualified vets, and highly experienced practitioners with 30+ years’ experience
• Utilise the practice’s modern diagnostic equipment including digital X-ray with AI technology, endoscopy, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory facilities
• Contribute to a quality improvement and infection prevention culture across the practice
• Support professional development within the team and engage in continuous learning opportunities

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with confidence in basic surgical and clinical skills
• Reliable and professional approach to patient and client care
• Ability to work collaboratively within a supportive team environment
• Willingness to work weekend day shifts (Saturday and Sunday 8am–12pm)

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £65,000 depending on experience
• Leave: 6.6 weeks annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, plus additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata); certificate support; access to the IVC Evidensia Academy; online access to Vetlexicon encyclopaedia; research funding opportunities
• Financial Support: £1,250 per annum via the Care Fund; BVA membership and VDS cover included
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Additional Perks: Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility); voluntary benefits programme; retail discounts and cashback; discounted treatment for your own pets at any IVC Evidensia practice

About the Practice

Westmorland Veterinary Group is a thriving two-site practice based in Kendal that once operated as a mixed practice and has since developed separate farm and small animal teams. The small animal team includes a range of experience levels, from student nurses to new graduate vets through to practitioners with over 30 years’ experience. The practice includes certificate holders, including an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, and actively encourages further qualifications and training. The practice is well equipped with modern diagnostic technology: digital X-ray including AI functionality, endoscopy, ultrasound machines, multi-parameter anaesthetic monitoring, and an in-house laboratory.

Part of IVC Evidensia, the practice is committed to diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging, and operates as a Disability Confident Employer.