Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Independent Vetcare Limited; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks' holiday

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave and pay

BVA membership, VDS & RCVS fees

Cycle to Work

Retail discounts

Reduced-cost veterinary care

Job summary

Spring Lodge, part of Independent Vetcare Limited, seeks a confident Veterinary Surgeon to join a busy practice near Witham. You’ll work across cats, dogs, small animals and wildlife, with access to ultrasound, endoscopy, ECG, IDEXX lab, digital and dental x-ray, and a wide range of equipment.

You’ll join a large supportive team on a 4-day, 40-hour week, with no on-call and a balanced weekend rota. Up to 3k relocation, up to 3k welcome bonus, and a salary up to 70,000 DOE.

Qualifications

• Registered veterinary surgeon with relevant certificates or active progress toward them.
• Experience in small animal practice with surgery and medicine focus.
• Ability to handle complex cases with multidisciplinary support.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care across cats, dogs, small furries and wildlife.
• Participate in a roaster with 40 hours over four days.

Skills

Ophthalmology certificate

Orthopedics surgery

Soft tissue surgery

Internal medicine

Cardiology

Education

Veterinary degree

Tools

Ultrasound

Endoscopy

ECG

IDEXX lab

Digital x-ray

Dental x-ray

Laparoscopic equipment

Orthopaedic equipment

Job description

Salary up to 70,000 DOE Relocation Allowance of up to 3,000 available Welcome Bonus of up to 3,000 available 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. For over 50 years, Spring Lodge has been a trusted part of the Witham community. We're now looking for a confident Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys high standards, great teamwork and getting real satisfaction from their clinical work. Clinical Variety with Real Depth

• You'll see a broad mix of patients including cats, dogs, small furries and wildlife
• Certificate holders in ophthalmology, orthopedics surgery , soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, cardiology
• The caseload includes routine work alongside certificate holders in surgery, cardiology, ophthalmology and internal medicine. With hospital status allowing exposure to complex cases.
• You'll have access to ultrasound, endoscopy, ECG, a full IDEXX lab, digital and dental x-ray, and a wide range of laparoscopic and orthopaedic equipment, all within a practice committed to continuous improvement and sustainability.
• Our main site offers separate cat and dog areas, multiple consult rooms, three theatres, dedicated imaging and lab spaces, purpose-built wards, quiet office areas and welcoming staff facilities ,opportunities to work across multiple branches.
• Vets work 40 hours over four days, with shifts from 8am to a 6.30pm last appointment. The rota includes 1 in 5 Saturday mornings and 1 in 8 emergency day cover for our own clien

Facilities That Help You Do Your Best Work

You’ll have access to ultrasound, endoscopy, ECG, a full IDEXX lab, digital and dental x-ray, and a wide range of laparoscopic and orthopaedic equipment, all within a practice committed to continuous improvement and sustainability.

A Nursing Team That Truly Supports You

Our highly skilled RVNs play an active role in patient care and diagnostics, helping create a smooth, collaborative working day where vets can focus on what matters most.

Space, Comfort and Modern Design

Our main site offers separate cat and dog areas, multiple consult rooms, three theatres, dedicated imaging and lab spaces, purpose-built wards, quiet office areas and welcoming staff facilities - opportunities to work across multiple branches.

Work-Life Balance That Really Works

Vets work 41 hours over four days, with shifts from 8am to a 6.30pm last appointment. The rota includes 1 in 5 Saturday mornings and 1 in 8 emergency day cover for our own clients only. There's no on-call, and weekend working is balanced with extra time off, allowing up to five consecutive rest days.

A Team You’ll Learn and Grow With

You’ll join a large, supportive team with certificate holders across surgery, medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology and advanced practice, alongside strong support for future certificates, wellbeing initiatives and regular in-house CPD.

Life in and Around Witham

Based in Powers Hall End, Spring Lodge offers a peaceful setting with excellent transport links, direct trains to London, easy access to the A12 and plenty of green space nearby, ideal for a balanced and well-connected lifestyle.

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 - 70,000 a year Up to 70,000 DOE