Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

VC Evidensia UK; Kendal; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave and pay

BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes

Retail discounts and cashback offers

Reduced-cost veterinary care for your

Job summary

Highgate Vets in Kendal, part of Inspiring Vet Care, seeks a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly six-vet team. The role can be tailored to your experience, with support from a collaborative team committed to exceptional patient and client care.

You'll join a first-opinion practice with a busy caseload, no out-of-hours commitments, and a four-day week. Flexible part-time options considered; RCVS registration required. Join us to develop your skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• A veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS.
• Experience 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.
• Proactive learning with openness to feedback and development.

Responsibilities

• Full-time position with a four-day week.
• 1 in 6 Saturday mornings.
• No out-of-hours or on-call commitments.
• Role can be tailored to interests and development.

Skills

Communication

Team player

Proactive learner

Reliability

Education

Veterinary degree & RCVS registration

Job description

Highgate Vets, 173 Highgate, Kendal, North West

Are you looking for a practice where you can enjoy clinical freedom, feel genuinely supported by your colleagues and achieve an excellent work-life balance?

Highgate Vets, part of inspiring vet care, is looking for an enthusiastic Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, experienced six-vet team. Whether you're an experienced vet or looking to continue developing your skills, this role can be tailored to suit you. You'll be supported by a knowledgeable and collaborative team who are passionate about delivering exceptional patient and client care and outstanding client service.

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.

About Highgate Vets

Highgate Vets is a first-opinion small animal practice based in Kendal, on the southern edge of the beautiful Lake District. We operate across two sites, with our main surgery managing medical and surgical cases and our branch practice focusing on preventative healthcare. Our clinical team rotates between both sites, giving you a varied caseload and exposure to all aspects of first-opinion practice.

We're proud of our supportive, close-knit culture where everyone enjoys helping each other develop. Our experienced team encourages clinical discussion, shared learning and pursuing individual interests, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Our Team

And the best bit - You'll be joining an amazing friendly, experienced and supportive team of:

• 6 Veterinary Surgeons
• 6 Registered Veterinary Nurses
• 2 Student Veterinary Nurses
• 1 Veterinary Care Assistant
• 1 Practice Director

Our team is everything!

We're looking for someone who enjoys all aspects of first-opinion practice and wants to become part of a team that genuinely enjoys working together. Whether you have a particular clinical interest or simply want to become a confident, well-rounded GP vet, you'll find the support and encouragement to achieve your goals.

Practice Highlights

• IDEXX in-house laboratory
• Multiparameter monitors
• Infusion pumps
• RCVS Practice Standards accreditation
• RVN Training Practice status
• Cat Friendly accreditation
• Host practice for Pet Blood Bank UK sessions

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Full-time position working a four-day week
• 1 in 6 Saturday mornings
• No out-of-hours or on-call commitments
• We recognise that flexibility matters and happy to consider part-time applications
• Our standard working day runs from 8:00 am to between 6:00–7:00 pm, depending on the rota.

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
• A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care

How We’ll Support You

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

Highgate Vets, 173 Highgate

173 Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4EN, United Kingdom

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