Veterinary Surgeon FTC - Small Animal

IVC Evidensia Group; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Zetland Vets - Fishponds, Bristol, South West, is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon on a fixed-term contract for 15 months. The role offers a salary up to £56,000 FTE DOE and a varied caseload across hospital clinic and branches.

You will join a welcoming team across 8 sites, with opportunities in surgery and consulting, and support from experienced colleagues with a range of certificates. The position suits both recent graduates and experienced vets, with 36 hours per week over four days, no

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration or eligibility.
• Experience in clinical practice with routine medical and surgical cases.
• Strong communication and client relationship skills.
• Proactive approach to learning with openness to feedback.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high standards of patient and client care across a varied caseload.
• Develop clinical skills and share knowledge with colleagues.
• Support development of the clinical team and culture.

Skills

Veterinary degree

RCVS registration

Clinical experience

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Veterinary degree (RCVS)

Job description

Zetland Vets - Fishponds, Bristol, South West

Veterinary Surgeon - Fixed Term Contract for 15 months

Salary up to £56,000 FTE 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.

We are looking for an enthusiastic GP vet to work across our hospital clinic and other branches. We have a lovely welcoming team across 8 sites in Bristol, run by an experienced team, many of whom have been with the practice for more than a decade!

Fishponds is a busy two-vet practice, offering both surgery and consulting, supported by an experienced team. This role would suit either a recent graduate or an experienced vet confident in both surgical and consulting duties.

You will be well support by our experienced (and lovely) colleagues with Certificates in Surgery, Cardiology, Feline medicine and Small Animal Medicine. We also have certificates ‘ln-Progress’ and a wealth of other experience and qualifications across our branches in other handy subjects such as Behaviour, Pain Management and Acupuncture.

Working Pattern

• 36 hours per week, worked over 4 days
• Participation in a shared weekend rota
• Role split across two branches: Zetland Hospital and Fishponds
• Monday & Tuesday: Based at Fishponds,Wednesday: Based at Zetland Hospital (ward vet duties and consulting),
• Thursday: Float role providing sick leave and holiday cover, Friday: Day off
• Working hours: 8:30am – 6:30pm
• No Saturday work required
• Part-time option available for the right candidate

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.

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

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and well-being. 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

• 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.

Zetland Vets - Fishponds

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Maizie Brown from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.