Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

IVC; Musselburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks’ holiday incl. bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave and pay

RCVS fees covered

Cycle to Work scheme

Retail discounts

Job summary

Gordon Vets in Musselburgh, East Lothian, is seeking a veterinary surgeon to join a well-established 3-branch practice.

We offer a 4-day week (~40 hours) with a 1-in-7 weekend rota, a supportive team with extensive in-house facilities, and opportunities to develop clinical interests while delivering high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS.
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues.
• A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development.
• Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver high standard patient and client care across a varied caseload.
• Develop clinical skills and interests while sharing knowledge with colleagues.
• Be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting development of others.
• Maintain a good work-life balance with a 4-day, 40-hour week and a weekend rota.

Skills

Clinical practice

Communication

Team collaboration

Professionalism

Education

Veterinary degree

RCVS registration or eligibility

Job description

Salary up to £55,000 DOE

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.

Gordon Vets are looking for an enthusiastic team orientated veterinary surgeon to join our friendly well established 3 branch practice on a full time permanent basis

We are based in the beautiful East Lothian town of Musselburgh, with branches in nearby Bonnyrigg and Penicuik. We are very privileged to be so close to the coast, the hills and the city.

Practice Highlights

We are a team of 15 Vets, 12 RVNs, 1 ACA and 12 support staff. Our team of vets and nurses have a wealth of knowledge and experience. We pride ourselves on our family feel and many members of the team have been with the practice for over 10 years, some for over 20 years.

Our vet team includes certificate holders in ophthalmology, exotics, dermatology and soft tissue surgery. Our RVN team is equally strong with certificate holders in exotics, anaesthesia and wound management. Gordon Vets is built on collaboration. Clinical discussions are encouraged, internal referrals are common and camaraderie is strong. You will enjoy an excellent balance of consultations and surgeries.

Gordon Vets is a well equipped practice. Our facilities include:

• 2 fully equipped operating theatres


• Laparoscopic equipment


• Imaging suite with ultrasound (including echo), digital x-ray and dental x-ray


• Endoscopy


• Separate cat and dog wards


• In house lab


• Visiting orthopaedic surgeon


• Cat only clinics


• Puppy clubs


• New for winter 2026- ophthalmology and exotics referral services

Client and patient care are our main focus and we do that by offering a friendly and supportive environment to work in

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload.

You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You’ll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.

Key Responsibilities

Work-life balance is extremely important to us and so the role is a 4 day week based around 40hrs. Our weekend rota is 1 in 7 weekends working from either 8am or 9am until 3pm. Time off in lieu is provided following a weekend worked.

You Might Be a Great Fit If…

You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to delivering high-quality patient and client care. You’ll bring:

• A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS


• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases


• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues


• A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development


• Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively


• A passion for delivering excellent 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 & 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.

£0 - £55,000 a year

Up to £55,000 DOE