Veterinary Surgeon

PDSA; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD allowance 5 days

RCVS fees paid

PDSA pension 5–10%

Life assurance

Private medical cover

Staff Fetch discounts

Relocation assistance

COS sponsorship

Job summary

PDSA is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to join our busy hospital network in the UK. You will gain exceptional hands-on experience with a high volume of varied surgical and medical cases, progressing through a structured Skills Development Framework and advancing your clinical expertise in soft tissue, ophthalmic and orthopaedic procedures.

We offer flexible working patterns, opportunities for both full-time and part-time roles, and a clear pathway for salary progression as your skills grow, with

Qualifications

• 12 months' UK small animal practice experience.

Job description

For over 100 years, PDSA has provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people facing financial hardship. Join us and help make a real difference to pets and the people who love them, while being part of a charity that's evolving to reach even more communities.

Grow your surgical career with us as a Veterinary Surgeon

At PDSA, you'll enjoy high case volumes and exceptional hands-on experience, exposure to a high number of varied cases to rapidly develop your surgical skills, and a busy mix of daily consults and emergency work. You will advance your clinical skills through our structured Veterinary Surgeon Skills Development Framework across procedures such as:

• Surgery, including pyometras, cystotomies, enterotomies, femoral head and neck excisions (FHNE), enucleations, and caesarean sections.
• Dentistry, from routine extractions through to major surgical extractions.
• Emergency and complex surgical case management, with a clear pathway to develop advanced skills in soft tissue surgery and ophthalmic surgery*.

As you progress through the framework, your skills are formally reviewed each year, providing a clear pathway for career development and salary progression as your clinical expertise grows.

About you

We are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys a varied role with a great mix of consultations and surgery, managing a diverse caseload while making a real difference to pets and owners who need our support.

To be successful, you'll:

• Have experience delivering high-quality patient and client care.
• Take a pragmatic, efficient, and welfare-focused approach to clinical decision-making.
• Be confident, adaptable, and efficient when working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Be computer literate and comfortable using clinical systems.
• Have 12 months' UK small animal practice experience.

About the Hospital

PDSA Huyton is a highly collaborative and effective hospital, a great place for teamwork, case discussion, and shared learning. As a large and very busy hospital, we handle a high volume of varied cases alongside a heavy emergency workload, giving you access to a rich pool of knowledge and experience across our team's diverse clinical interests. To support you in this fast-paced environment, we offer flexible working patterns with both full-time and part-time opportunities available to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

Our Pet Hospitals are well-equipped and include separate dog and cat kennelling facilities, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment*.

Work pattern & rota

• Flexible working hours between 08:30 and 18:30.
• Full-time and part-time hours available, with the option of longer shifts to reduce the number of working days per week.
• Weekend rota currently operates on a 1 in 6 basis.

Rewards, Support and Benefits

• Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.
• CPD allowance of 5 days, £1000 per year for development. Payment of your full RCVS fees, so you’re never out of pocket. (Where applicable)
• Extensive internal CPD programmes plus discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show.
• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days (pro rata).
• Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.
• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover included.
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.

Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

For candidates requiring visa sponsorship, we can provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for eligible Vet Surgeons. We have experience supporting international colleagues through the sponsorship process and are committed to helping you navigate each stage with clarity and confidence, enabling you to establish a long-term career in the UK.

Relocation

We offer financial support to help with relocation for candidates moving to join us. As part of the recruitment process, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a PDSA colleague to learn more about the support available, and our hiring managers are happy to share local insight to help you consider your move with confidence.

Diversity & Inclusion

PDSA is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and the appropriate pre-employment checks. As a safeguarding organisation, we expect all colleagues to share our commitment to protecting children, adults at risk and one another.

* The range of procedures undertaken may vary between PDSA Pet Hospitals, depending on local caseload, facilities and clinical expertise.