Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Ivc; Lower Blandford St Mary; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

6.6 weeks’ holiday

Job summary

St Mary's Veterinary Clinic in Ferndown, Dorset, is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join a first-opinion practice under Inspiring Vet Care. You will manage a varied caseload of cats and dogs, performing consultations and soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and more, with clinical freedom to manage cases end-to-end.

The role supports ongoing CPD, career development, and a focus on work-life balance, with a rota designed for full-time or four/five days and no on-call after hours in the

Qualifications

• Experienced Veterinary Surgeon with UK registration and track record in small animal practice.
• Ability to work across a varied caseload including consultations and surgery.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of cats and dogs with a balance of consultations and surgeries.
• Develop clinical interests such as dentistry, imaging, or soft tissue procedures with support from the team.
• Collaborate with a wider clinical network across St Mary's and Aniwell Vets to share knowledge and best practices.

Job description

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
St Mary's Veterinary Clinic - Ferndown, Dorset
Salary up to £70,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £5,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

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.

St Mary's Vets, part of inspiring vet care, is an established first-opinion practice in Ferndown, known for its loyal clients and great reputation. As we begin an exciting new chapter alongside our sister practice, Aniwell Vets, we're growing our team and investing in our people, facilities and future. We're looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join us and enjoy a role where you can do great clinical work while developing the areas you're most passionate about.

First-Opinion Variety, with Freedom to Flourish

You’ll enjoy a varied caseload of predominantly cats and dogs, with a great balance of consultations and surgery. From preventative healthcare and everyday medical cases to soft tissue surgery, dentistry and more complex presentations, you’ll have the clinical freedom to manage your cases from start to finish and build lasting relationships with your clients.

Your interests matter to us, too. Whether you’d love to focus on consulting, develop your surgical skills, explore dentistry or imaging, or pursue a different area of interest, we’ll support you in building a role that keeps you engaged and fulfilled.

A Wider Team, Even More Support

Working across St Mary's and Aniwell gives you access to a wider clinical team, with experienced colleagues to share knowledge, collaborate and bounce ideas around. With strong referral pathways available when you need another opinion, you’ll have support and reassurance while retaining the personal touch that makes first-opinion practice so rewarding.

Modern Equipment and an Exciting Future

You’ll have access to digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and a fully equipped in-house laboratory, with a full refurbishment of St Mary's also planned. We actively support CPD, further training and clinical development, including working towards a certificate.

A Rota That Fits Your Life

Choose full-time hours across four or five days, part time applications are also welcomed. You’ll work just 1:3 Saturday mornings, from 8:30am to 12:30pm, with no out-of-hours or on-call commitments. This role is suited to an experienced Veterinary Surgeon and isn't suitable for new graduates.

Make Dorset Your Home

With Bournemouth's beaches, the New Forest and the Jurassic Coast nearby, Ferndown offers a wonderful balance of countryside, coast and quality of life.

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

• 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 pa DOE