Equine Veterinary Surgeon

WhatsApp Inc.; Highweek; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day working week

Private health insurance

RCVS and VDS fees paid

Birthday off

Job summary

Purosearch is recruiting an Equine Veterinary Surgeon for an established South Devon practice. This permanent role, or maternity cover, offers up to £65,000 DOE and a four-day working week with a 1:5 out-of-hours rota. The clinic is well-equipped and part of a larger veterinary group. Relocation and salary are negotiable.

The successful candidate will join a five-vet equine team, delivering high-quality care and helping grow the equine service in a supportive, ambulatory-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Seasoned equine veterinary surgeon with strong clinical skills.
• Certificate holders or those working towards one in equine specialties.
• Interest in equine lameness would be advantageous.
• Proactive team player with a passion for clinical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a collaborative equine veterinary team.
• Deliver high-quality care to patients and clients.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the equine service.
• Participate in a shared out-of-hours rota (1:5) with strong support.

Skills

Equine medicine

Equine reproduction

Teamwork

Equine lameness

Education

Equine veterinary certificate

Job description

Equine Veterinary Surgeon - South Devon

• Company: Purosearch
• Salary: £45,000 to £65,000 a year
• Hours: Full-time
• Location: DEVON
• Working pattern: On-site
• Job type: Permanent
• Posting date: 2 Oct 2026
• Closing date: 1 Nov 2026

Summary

Equine Veterinary Surgeon (Experienced) - South Devon

Independent Practice | Up to £65,000 DOE | Flexible (Permanent or Maternity Cover)

An established, independently owned equine veterinary practice in beautiful South Devon is seeking an experienced Equine Veterinary Surgeon to join its dynamic and supportive team. This opportunity is available as either a permanent role or maternity cover, offering flexibility for the right candidate.

With a rich heritage dating back to the days when vets travelled by horse and cart, the practice has evolved into a forward-thinking, modern equine service while maintaining its strong community roots and personal approach.

Why Join This Practice?

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a dedicated equine team within a much larger, collaborative veterinary group. The equine department consists of five vets (full-time and part-time), including certificate holders in Equine Medicine, Equine Practice, and Equine Reproduction, with additional team members working towards further qualifications.

Unlike smaller ambulatory-only teams, this role benefits from being part of a wider network of 47 vets and 130 staff, creating a vibrant, supportive, and social working environment.

The practice is currently fully ambulatory, with ambitions to expand into its own clinic in the future. It is well-equipped with advanced diagnostic tools including:

• Video endoscopy
• Digital radiography
• Ultrasound
• Surgical laser

Set in South Devon, the location offers an exceptional lifestyle, with access to coastline, countryside, and moorland. The team regularly enjoys social activities such as surfing, horse riding, and swimming, making the most of the area.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Work as part of a collaborative equine veterinary team
• Deliver high-quality care to patients and clients
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of the equine service
• Participate in a shared out-of-hours rota (1:5) with strong support

Candidate Requirements

• Experienced Equine Veterinary Surgeon
• Strong team player with a proactive approach
• Passion for delivering excellent clinical care
• Certificate holder or currently working towards one
• An interest in equine lameness would be advantageous (but not essential)
• Enthusiasm for helping to grow and shape the practice

What's on Offer

• Salary up to £65,000 DOE
• 4-day working week (typically 9:00am - 6:00pm with rolling lieu day)
• 1:5 out-of-hours rota, with vet and nurse support
• Company vehicle available if required
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and sick pay
• Generous CPD allowance
• Private health insurance
• Paid RCVS and VDS fees
• Birthday off as an extra holiday
• Cycle to Work and Electric Car schemes
• Paid time off for charity work
• Generous staff discount
• A wide range of additional workplace perks
• Proud recipient of the BVA Good Workplace Silver Award

Work-Life Balance & Culture

The rota is designed with work-life balance in mind, allowing time to enjoy everything South Devon has to offer. The wider team culture is friendly, inclusive, and highly supportive, with regular social events and a genuine focus on wellbeing.