Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Inspiring Vet Care; Hove; On-site; GBP 58,500 - 71,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

6.6 weeks holiday

Funded learning and development programs

Job summary

Inspiring Vet Care is seeking a passionate Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join their close-knit team at Acorn Veterinary Surgery in Hove. You will work collaboratively to provide high standard patient care, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice.

This role offers a competitive salary of up to £65,000 DOE, alongside flexible working hours, exceptional training opportunities, and a supportive environment for personal development. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and dedicated, helping to build strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS.
• Experience in clinical practice highly valued.
• Passion for delivering excellent patient and client care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver first-opinion consultations and routine surgical procedures.
• Build strong client relationships through continuity of care.
• Work collaboratively with the wider clinical team.

Skills

Veterinary degree and registration with RCVS

Strong communication skills

Experience in routine medical and surgical cases

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Proactive approach to learning

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

Up to £65,000 DOE, plus up to £5,000 relocation allowance.

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.

Acorn Veterinary Surgery is a thriving two‑site practice with state‑of‑the‑art equipment, including an in‑house laboratory, digital X‑ray, ultrasound, digital dental X‑ray, and a dedicated operating theatre.

The main site is located on Portland Road in Hove, with a branch practice in Hangleton. You will join a passionate team of four Veterinary Surgeons and seven Registered Veterinary Nurses working across both sites. Shifts at the branch practice involve sole charge alongside a Veterinary Nurse, supporting a close‑knit community practice.

Both locations offer an excellent quality of life. The Hove practice is just a five‑minute walk from the seafront and only ten minutes by car from the South Downs. With vibrant Brighton on the doorstep and excellent transport links to London, it’s a fantastic place to live and work.

At Acorn, we pride ourselves on being a close‑knit, supportive team where collaboration is key and every voice is valued. Our modern facilities and RCVS accreditation enable us to deliver exceptional patient care, while our welcoming team ensures you’ll feel supported from your very first day. If you’re looking for a role that offers flexibility, development, and the opportunity to thrive within a friendly practice, we’d love to hear from you.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Small Animal 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.

Working Pattern

• 28-37 hours per week
• 3-4 days per week, 08:00‑18:00
• No out‑of‑hours
• 1 in 4 Saturday mornings

General Responsibilities

• Deliver first‑opinion consultations and routine surgical procedures
• Perform dental procedures and medical work‑ups
• Build strong client relationships through continuity of care
• Work collaboratively with the wider clinical team
• Develop your clinical interests in your preferred area of expertise

You Might Be a Great Fit If…

We’re looking for a confident and motivated Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and delivering high standards of 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
• A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care

How We’ll Support You

• 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 and 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

• 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analysing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.