Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

IVC; Ballyclare; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

7 weeks holiday

Cycle to Work

Green Car scheme

Relocation support

Job summary

Clare Veterinary Group in Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, is seeking a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our busy practice. This full-time, permanent role focuses on small animal medicine and surgery, offering a varied caseload and strong clinical support within a thriving multi-site group.

Relocation support up to £5,000 is available. The position offers a balanced rota and a competitive salary up to £55,000 DOE, with benefits such as private medical insurance and generous holiday entitlement.

Qualifications

• Registered with the RCVS and eligible to work in Northern Ireland.
• Flexible, collaborative team player with a commitment to high standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality small animal medical and surgical care.
• Manage a varied first-opinion caseload with case continuity for patients and clients.
• Collaborate with a supportive multi-disciplinary team and participate in ongoing clinical learning.

Education

RCVS registration

Job description

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Clare Veterinary Group | Ballyclare, Co. Antrim

Full-time | Permanent

Salary up to £55,000 DOE

Relocation Support up to £5,000

At Inspiring Vet Care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s leading veterinary care provider, we’re trusted with the care of more than two million animals each year, united by a simple purpose: healthier animals and happier owners.

Join a Thriving Practice in the Heart of Northern Ireland

Clare Veterinary Group is looking for a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and experienced team in Ballyclare. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a progressive, multi-site practice that combines an interesting and varied caseload with genuine clinical support, excellent facilities and a rota designed to promote a healthy work-life balance.

Whether you’re looking to continue developing your skills, pursue a particular area of interest or simply join a welcoming team that values collaboration and high-quality patient care, we’d love to hear from you.

A Role That Offers Variety, Challenge and Support

Clare Veterinary Group is a well-established mixed practice with a strong reputation across County Antrim and beyond. While this role is focused entirely on small animal work, you’ll benefit from being part of a larger veterinary team with a wealth of experience and expertise across multiple disciplines.

Our caseload is varied and rewarding, spanning both medical and surgical cases with minimal referrals. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of services in-house, allowing our vets to work cases up thoroughly while delivering continuity of care to patients and clients.

From routine consultations and preventative healthcare to diagnostic investigations, surgery, dentistry, imaging and emergency care, no two days are the same. This is an opportunity to build confidence, expand your clinical skills and enjoy a genuinely engaging first‑opinion caseload.

A Team You’ll Be Proud to Join

You’ll be joining a highly supportive and collaborative team of veterinary professionals who are passionate about delivering exceptional care.

Across the group, our veterinary team includes 25 vets, two of whom hold certificates, supported by 10 Registered Veterinary Nurses, five Student Veterinary Nurses, dedicated clinical support colleagues and an experienced reception and administration team.

We believe that great veterinary medicine is built on teamwork. Case discussions, shared learning and supporting one another are an integral part of daily practice, creating an environment where both experienced vets and those earlier in their careers can thrive.

Modern Facilities Across a Growing Practice

Clare Veterinary Group operates from a purpose-built main site in Ballyclare, alongside three additional small animal branches in Whiteabbey, Carrickfergus and Cavehill.

We are equipped to provide a wide range of services and procedures in-house. Our facilities support advanced diagnostics, digital imaging, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, non‑complex orthopaedics, an in‑house laboratory and 24‑hour patient care through our own out‑of‑hours service.

The breadth of services we provide means you’ll have access to an excellent caseload and the opportunity to continue developing your clinical interests with the support of an experienced team around you.

Built Around Work-Life Balance

We recognise that a fulfilling veterinary career should work alongside life outside of practice.

Our rota has been carefully structured to provide variety while supporting wellbeing. The role includes a shared weekend rota of 1 in 4 weekends, alternating between first and second on‑call responsibilities. Sunday duties are compensated with an additional half day off in lieu, and the rota also includes two Friday half‑days per month.

There is a weekly first‑on‑call commitment of one evening every fortnight, and the overall structure provides the opportunity for a regular day off each week, helping to create a sustainable balance between professional and personal commitments.

We’re happy to discuss the rota in more detail throughout the recruitment process and answer any questions you may have.

Grow Your Career Your Way

Clare Veterinary Group is a practice that actively encourages professional development.

Whether you’re already pursuing a particular interest or looking to explore new areas of clinical practice, you’ll find both encouragement and practical support to help you achieve your goals. With a large experienced team, a strong in‑house caseload and a culture of continuous learning, this is an excellent environment for career progression.

You’ll have access to funded CPD, mentoring, clinical discussion and development opportunities, allowing you to shape a career that suits your ambitions.

Life in Ballyclare

Located just outside Belfast, Ballyclare offers the perfect blend of accessibility, affordability and lifestyle.

With Belfast city centre less than thirty minutes away, you’ll benefit from excellent shopping, dining and entertainment while enjoying the relaxed pace of a thriving local community. The stunning North Coast, the Glens of Antrim and the Causeway Coast are all within easy reach, providing endless opportunities for walking, cycling, surfing and exploring some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.

For those relocating, Northern Ireland’s airports and ferry connections are also conveniently accessible, making travel throughout the UK and Ireland straightforward. To help make a move even easier, relocation support of up to £5,000 is available for the successful candidate.

What We’re Looking For

We’re keen to hear from Veterinary Surgeons who are passionate about providing outstanding patient care and building strong relationships with clients.

You’ll enjoy working as part of a collaborative team, be comfortable managing a varied first‑opinion caseload and have a genuine commitment to clinical excellence. While previous experience is welcomed, we are happy to consider applications from vets at different stages of their careers who are eager to learn and contribute positively to the team.

Applicants must be registered with the RCVS and eligible to work in Northern Ireland.

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

• 7 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.

£34,000 - £55,000 a year

Up to £55,000 DOE