Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Bright Leaf Recruitment; Colne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon for a full-time or part-time role in Colne. The position offers flexible working hours, competitive salary ranging from £40,000 to £65,000, and significant professional development opportunities. The supportive team environment prioritizes staff wellbeing and includes excellent facilities. The successful candidate will join a fully equipped hospital and must be confident in routine consultations and surgeries.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays

Subsidised corporate gym membership

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced family leave policies

Qualifications

• Must be confident in routine consultations and surgery.
• Not suitable for additionally newly qualified vets at this time.

Responsibilities

• Participate in an out-of-hours rota: 1 in 8 weekends on call.
• Ensure high-quality first-opinion care across East Lancashire.
• Support professional development particularly in surgical or orthopaedic interests.

Skills

Confidence in routine consultations

Confidence in routine surgery

Education

Completed VetGDP

Job description

Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon (Full‑time or Part‑time)

My Client in Lancashire is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced small animal veterinary surgeon to join its friendly and supportive team. This is an excellent opportunity for a vet looking to take the next step in their career while benefiting from flexible working hours that can be tailored to suit individual lifestyles.

Overview

This practice, with a long‑standing history dating back to 1911, operates from a main hospital in Colne with two consulting branches, providing high‑quality first‑opinion care across East Lancashire. The small animal team manages a high and varied caseload, creating excellent opportunities for professional development, particularly for vets with surgical or orthopaedic interests who are keen to expand in‑house services.

Team & Culture

The group is proud of its well‑established, welcoming and supportive team culture. Staff wellbeing is a priority, with regular wellbeing meetings and an ongoing focus on ensuring colleagues feel valued, supported and part of a close‑knit team. The strong social culture includes charity and community events such as the annual Pendle Pub Walk, fundraising activities, career days and local events, helping to build strong bonds both within the team and the wider community.

Workload & Hours

Full‑time work is a 40‑hour week with participation in the out‑of‑hours rota: 1 in 8 weekends on call and one weeknight on call every two weeks. Time off in lieu is generously provided – including two days off following a worked weekend, a Friday off after a Saturday on call, and the following day off after a weeknight on call. Flexible and part‑time working options are also available and actively encouraged. Overnight care is supported by a dedicated team of registered veterinary nurses (three night RVNs, two holding ECC certificates) working through the night. On‑site accommodation is available for those who wish to stay at the practice, offering a private flat with shower and television facilities.

Facilities

The main hospital in Colne is exceptionally well equipped, featuring digital radiography, ultrasound, flexible and rigid endoscopy, two fully equipped operating theatres with multiparameter monitoring, and a dedicated dental suite with dental radiography. An extensive in‑house laboratory, multiple consulting rooms, separate canine and feline wards and a designated bereavement room support comprehensive care. Visit specialists in ultrasonography and cardiology collaborate to work up the majority of cases in‑house.

Training & Development

Applicants should have completed their VetGDP and be confident in routine consultations and surgery, as the practice cannot support an additional newly qualified vet at this time. The practice works closely with the University of Central Lancashire as a training practice and is a registered nurse training facility. Continuing professional development is actively encouraged, with a generous CPD budget, five paid CPD days per year and support for certificates where appropriate. RCVS membership, VDS cover and two additional professional subscriptions are provided.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary ranges from £40,000 to £65,000 depending on experience.
• Annual leave entitlement is 6.6 weeks including bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell holiday.
• Employee Assistance Programme, one paid volunteering day per year, subsidised corporate gym membership, cycle to work scheme, enhanced family leave policies, and the option to join private medical insurance via payroll.
• Colleague pets are treated as part of the family; treatments are provided at cost where appropriate, and well‑behaved pets are welcome at work.

Contact

To learn more about this exciting opportunity or wish to apply, please don’t hesitate to contact [e-mail] or give us a call at 01422 433900. We are dedicated to assisting talented Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons like you in finding the ideal job.

Recruitment Agency Information

Not all our exceptional roles are listed on our website. If you’re considering a career move, please get in touch with us directly to discuss your options. Our team of expert recruiters has extensive experience in the veterinary industry and can guide you towards the best opportunities available. If our current vacancy doesn’t match your requirements, visit https://www.brightleaf.co.uk to explore a comprehensive list of our current vacancies in Small Animal Veterinary Surgery and sign up for our email alerts to stay updated on the latest openings.

About Bright Leaf Recruitment

Bright Leaf Recruitment has been successfully placing highly skilled Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons and veterinary nurses in great roles across the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Australia since 2010. Trust our expertise and industry knowledge to help you find the perfect match for your career goals. Contact us today and take the next step towards a fulfilling career as a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon.