Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

IVC; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks holiday

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave

RCVS fees covered

VDS cover

Cycle to Work

Green Car scheme

Retail discounts

Pet care discount

Job summary

Dragon Vets in Cheltenham is seeking a Senior Vet Surgeon to lead clinical standards, governance and patient care at our Rissington site. You will provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team and oversee complex cases while supporting senior management to drive service growth.

This full-time role (four days per week) offers a clear career path, CPD access and a strong supportive team, with relocation up to £5,000 and a welcome bonus up to £5,000. Salary up to £75,000 DOE.

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree required and RCVS registration
• Significant experience in small/mixed animal practice
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards and governance
• Oversee complex cases and clinical decisions
• Support senior management to drive site growth

Skills

Veterinary degree

RCVS registered

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Veterinary degree

Tools

Surgical equipment

Job description

Senior Vet Surgeon

Salary up to £75,000 DOE

Relocation Allowance up to £5,000 plus a Welcome Bonus of up to £5000

Dragon Vets, part of inspiring vet care, are seeking an enthusiastic Veterinary Surgeon to join our Rissington site as a Senior Vet, The role will require you to help shape the future of the branch by developing the staff and supporting senior management to ensure the site thrives.

We promote further growth and development within the team, giving you access to a large client base with a wide variety of cases, equipment, CPD and a supportive team. In this role you will be working with a large team of dedicated Vets, Nurses and support team members to deliver excellent client and patient care.

The role will be based at our Rissington branch and is a full-time position, working four days per week.

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK's number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Practice Highlights

Located in the heart of Cheltenham, renowned for horse racing and a thriving bar and restaurant scene, Dragon Vets is an established practice and has invested in specialist equipment including CT, DR, rigid and flexible endoscopy, high-end Doppler ultrasonography and well‑equipped operating facilities including laparoscopic kits and TPLO kits, and much more.

We have a team of 16 vets, including certificate holders with Advanced Practitioner status in Small Animal Surgery, Cardiology and Medicine, and value evidence‑based medicine with regular clinical discussions and readily available colleague support.

We function as more than a first‑opinion practice, often performing complex surgeries and treating intensive medical cases that may otherwise have been referred. Having been established for decades, we have a huge client base which comes with lots of variety in caseload.

We have a dedicated, separate out‑of‑hours team - Vets Now - based within the same building, enabling 24‑hour care. Our nursing team is made up of 17 RVNs and 4 SVNs in various stages of their training.

Working Pattern

• Average of 37 hours per week over 4 days

• 1 in 4 Saturday mornings

• No out‑of‑hours or on‑call requirements

• Flexible options available for both part‑time and full‑time applicants

Here's what the team have to say

"I started at Dragon Vets nine years ago working after school as an ACA. After leaving to go to vet school, I was welcomed back into the team as a new graduate vet in 2023. Dragon have given me a supportive and exciting start to my career. We are lucky to have the facilities in house to advance diagnostics and care beyond first opinion. I enjoy working with all the team and am proud to be a part of it." – Sofia, Vet.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care.

You'll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision‑making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you'll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes and ways of working.

You Might Be a Great Fit If…

You are a highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical expertise and a passion for leadership and clinical excellence. You'll bring:

• A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS, with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice, including advanced surgical and medical capability

• Proven experience in mentoring, coaching and supporting veterinary colleagues

• Strong leadership, communication and decision‑making skills

• Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits and quality improvement initiatives

• The ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations

• Professionalism, integrity and a commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we're committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles

• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role‑relevant courses

• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet

• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks

• Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities

• A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays

• Private medical insurance

• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy

• BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees

• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)

• Retail discounts and cashback offers

• Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets

We're committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

£48,000 - £70,000 a year

Up to £75,000 DOE