Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be joining Willow Veterinary Centre in Newport Pagnell, replacing a beloved team member who’s heading home after 8 years with the practice. This is a full-time small animal role with genuine flexibility—ideal for vets seeking better work-life balance without compromising on clinical variety.

The position is primarily based at the main Newport Pagnell site, with some consulting sessions at the sister Olney practice. You’ll work 40 hours per week over 4 days, plus a manageable 2:5 Saturday morning rota (08:00–13:00). Part-time arrangements are also welcome. The practice prides itself on making scheduling work around your life, not the other way around—whether that’s family commitments, further study, or simply protecting your weekends.

Newport Pagnell sits perfectly on the M1 corridor with excellent transport links, surrounded by lovely countryside and close to Milton Keynes and Bicester Village. It’s an area that balances accessibility with a strong sense of community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide general practice consultations and surgery across small animal cases (dogs, cats, small pets, exotics)
• Work collaboratively with a 8.1 FTE vet team including certificate holders in medicine and exotics
• Support and be supported by 8.8 FTE RVN staff across anaesthesia, nursing care, and patient management
• Utilise modern diagnostic equipment including digital X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy (flexible and rigid), in-house laboratory, and dental X-ray
• Contribute to regular clinical team meetings and case discussions
• Develop clinical autonomy while maintaining the practice’s commitment to collaborative, evidence-based care
• Engage in case follow-through and clinical progression opportunities

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with experience in general practice consulting and surgery
• Committed team player with strong communication skills
• Competence across all general practice disciplines (no sole charge experience required)
• Professional registration with the RCVS

Benefits

• Flexible rota patterns and working hours designed around your priorities and work-life balance
• 6.8 weeks’ annual holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development and personal wellbeing
• Funded learning and development, including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand capabilities
• Collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

About the Practice

Willow Veterinary Centre is part of IVC Evidensia, a multi-site veterinary group. The practice operates from two locations—a main site in Newport Pagnell and a sister practice in Olney. The team is notably stable, with many staff members having worked at Willow Vets for 10, 15, or even 20+ years, reflecting a genuine commitment to staff retention and workplace culture.

The clinical team comprises 8.1 FTE vets with specialist certificates in medicine and exotics, backed by 8.8 FTE RVNs. The practice is well-equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities: digital X-ray, ultrasound, both flexible and rigid endoscopy, in-house laboratory, and dental X-ray. The culture actively encourages clinical autonomy, case follow-through, and regular clinical team discussions, creating an environment where vets can develop their interests and take ownership of patient care.