Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Whitehouse Veterinary Clinic; Limavady; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Limavady is seeking a skilled Veterinary Surgeon to care for a variety of animals, including exotics. The role offers part-time hours, a supportive team environment, and an emphasis on work-life balance. With access to modern facilities, you'll manage diverse cases and thrive in a collaborative atmosphere. The position includes a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

7 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

CPD allowance

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong surgical and medical skills are essential.
• Compassionate care for animals is required.

Responsibilities

• Consult on a variety of cases including routine surgeries.
• Perform surgeries and manage in-house cases.
• Care for a diverse range of animals including exotic species.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Surgical proficiency

Compassion

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Job description

Overview

Join Our Talented Team at Whitehouse Veterinary Clinic. At Whitehouse Veterinary Clinic, we’re excited to welcome a skilled and compassionate Veterinary Surgeon to our team. Whether your strengths lie in medicine, surgery, or both, this is a brilliant opportunity to grow your career alongside a supportive and forward-thinking team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills will help you thrive here as you build strong relationships with both colleagues and clients.

Practice and Facilities

A Modern Practice with a Personal Touch. We’re proud to be the only RCVS GP accredited clinic in Derry, offering outstanding first-opinion care across two sites in Whitehouse and Drumahoe. Our Whitehouse practice is a converted house that’s been thoughtfully renovated into a bright, modern space with four consulting rooms, an imaging suite, prep and theatre, separate wards for cats and dogs, an isolation area, and a spacious reception with dedicated waiting areas. We’ve also invested in facilities that make day-to-day life smoother for the team, with four office spaces, a welcoming staff room, a fully equipped kitchen, and plenty of parking. To keep everyone fuelled, we offer free tea and coffee and have weekly fruit deliveries.

Facilities That Help You Deliver Your Best

• Ultrasound
• Dental X-ray
• Endoscopy
• IDEXX blood machines
• Orthopaedic suite with a full TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement) kit

With these resources, we’re able to manage a wide variety of cases in-house, from routine surgeries and dentals to more advanced procedures such as perineal hernias, anal gland removals, and orthopaedics like TTAs and lateral sutures.

Caseload and Responsibilities

Our caseload is varied, with dogs, cats, rabbits, and some exotics such as birds and reptiles, plus the unique opportunity to care for animals at a local small zoo including raccoons, deer, wallabies, and other rare breeds. Each week, our vets enjoy a healthy balance of consults and surgical time, with at least one vet dedicated to surgery every day.

Team and Support

You’ll be joining a friendly and close-knit group of seven vets, twelve RVNs, and four support staff, including two practice managers. Our team includes certificate holders in medicine and surgery, and we’re proud to work alongside a visiting orthopaedic specialist. We’re dedicated to helping our people grow, offering full support for those interested in pursuing further certifications or clinical interests.

Beyond the practice, we genuinely enjoy spending time together, with recent team outings including completing the Derry 5k Tough Mudder! We also stay connected to the wider community, working closely with charities such as Cats Protection, PDSA, and Guide Dogs.

Flexibility and Working Pattern

At Whitehouse, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. Supporting your work-life balance is essential, and we’re committed to offering patterns that flex with your lifestyle. For this role, the rota includes part-time hours of 28 per week, plus a half-day Saturday on a 1:3 basis. Out-of-hours cover is shared fairly, with one night every three weeks and one weekend in 18.

Life in Londonderry

Living and working in Derry offers the best of both worlds, a vibrant city steeped in history with the warmth of a close-knit community. Known for its lively arts and music scene, and award-winning restaurants, the city has plenty to explore when you’re off duty. The surrounding landscapes are breathtaking, with easy access to the Causeway Coast and Donegal’s wild beaches and mountains, making it a perfect spot for both city lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive base salary (up to £58,000 DOE FTE)
• Work-life balance
• 7 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays pro rata
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
• £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia
• Research funding opportunities for Vets & Nurses
• £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund for Vets
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover
• Cycle to Work and Green Cars schemes to support greener commuting
• Voluntary benefits and retailer discounts
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice