Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Inspiring Vet Care; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

6.6 weeks holiday

BVA membership

VDS cover

Cycle to Work

Green Car schemes

Retail discounts

Reduced-cost veterinary care

Job summary

Rufford Veterinary Group is seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team across Southport, Tarleton and Rufford branches. This role offers a varied first-opinion caseload with opportunities to focus on surgery.

We support clinical development and flexible rota patterns, including 40 hours over 4 days or 37 hours over 4 days, with a weekend rota and options for part-time or flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Experienced small animal veterinary surgeon with interest in surgery.
• Willing to work across multiple branches and collaborate with nurses.
• Ability to manage a varied first-opinion caseload.
• Active participation in ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced surgical procedures with guidance as needed.
• Deliver high-quality patient care and monitor post-operative progress.
• Support nursing team to ensure efficient, compassionate care.
• Contribute to clinical development and cross-team learning.

Skills

Surgical expertise

Teamwork

Clinical excellence

Communication

Job description

Salary up to £75,000 DOE plus Welcome Bonus up to £5,000!

Rufford Veterinary Group is looking for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, progressive team across our Southport, Tarleton and Rufford branches. As an established mixed practice with a strong reputation across Merseyside and West Lancashire, we’re proud to combine high clinical standards with a supportive team environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet with a particular interest in surgery who wants to enjoy a varied first-opinion caseload, further develop their clinical skills and work alongside an experienced team that genuinely invests in its people.

You’ll have the opportunity to make the most of your surgical interests, building on your existing experience with the support of a skilled and dedicated nursing team. From routine procedures to more advanced surgery, you’ll be encouraged to develop your capabilities and pursue your clinical interests while delivering excellent patient care. We’re looking for a confident, proactive vet who enjoys working collaboratively, values clinical excellence and wants to play an active part in a forward-thinking practice.

Fix or flex - find your perfect balance

Our people are at the heart of everything that we do, that’s why we know that work-life balance is vital in supporting our people to be their best selves. Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours offers a balance that truly flexes with you and your lifestyle no matter what stage you are in your career.

This is a full-time position offering flexibility around your working pattern, with the option to work either 40 hours across 4 days, with shifts between 9am and 7pm, or 37 hours across 4 days, comprising three shifts between 9am and 7pm and one shorter day from 9am to 4pm. The weekend rota is 1 in 4 weekends, working 9am-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday. We are happy to talk to candidates looking for part time of flexible working hours.

Team and facilities

You’ll be joining a well-established small animal team of 12 Veterinary Surgeons, 19 RVNs and 8 SVNs/VCAs. Our nursing team plays an integral role in patient care, providing excellent support during both routine and advanced procedures and helping create an environment where vets can continue to develop their skills and confidence. With a wealth of experience across the team, you’ll have colleagues to collaborate with, share ideas and learn from, alongside opportunities to contribute your own interests and expertise.

Location and culture

Working across Southport, Tarleton and Rufford, you’ll be part of a practice that combines the resources and experience of a larger team with the friendly atmosphere and continuity of care that clients value. We encourage clinical development, welcome new ideas and are committed to creating a workplace where our people feel supported and can thrive both professionally and personally. If you’re looking for a role where you can enjoy excellent surgical exposure, work alongside a fantastic nursing team and continue building a rewarding career, we’d love to hear from you!

How We’ll Support You

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

• 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
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing 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.

Up to £75,000 DOE