Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Ivc; Lydney; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks holiday

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave & pay

BVA membership & RCVS fees

Cycle to Work

Retail discounts

Reduced-cost veterinary care

Job summary

Sundean Vets in Lydney is seeking a confident Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team and deliver high‑quality care. The role covers consultations, medical cases and a range of surgeries within a supportive practice family culture.

The position offers a broad caseload with opportunities to pursue interests in medicine, dentistry or imaging, and involves a 40‑hour week with a 1:6 Saturday rota. Relocation and welcome bonuses are available.

Qualifications

• RCVS registration with proof or eligibility to register.
• Experience in first-opinion veterinary practice with confidence in routine medical and surgical cases.
• Excellent communication with clients and colleagues; ability to collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Carry out consultations and medical case management.
• Perform routine soft tissue surgery and dentistry.
• Contribute to preventative healthcare, diagnostics, and chronic disease management.
• Handle urgent and emergency cases within normal working hours.
• Develop clinical interests and collaborate with the team.

Skills

RCVS registration

Clinical experience

Strong communication

Team player

Continuous learning

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

Permanent Vet at Sundean Vets, Lydney

Up to £65,000 (DOE) pro rata

Relocation support of up to £5000 & welcome bonus of £5000 (pro rata)

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.

We're excited to be accepting applications for a vet to join our wonderful team. The position will be based at our Lydney site, but there will be occasional cover at our Cinderford branch to support the team during holidays and periods of leave. The role offers a broad and interesting caseload, including: consultations and medical case management, routine soft tissue surgery, dentistry, preventative healthcare, diagnostic work-ups, chronic disease management and urgent/emergency cases that arise during normal working hours. Whether you're particularly interested in medicine, imaging, dentistry, surgery or another area of first-opinion practice, we'd be keen to help you develop that interest.

Hours of work

Ideally, we're looking for someone to cover a full-time position for 40 hours per week. There's also the shared 1:6 Saturday morning rota (09:00 - 13:00). There are no out of hours or on call required. We're happy to discuss alternative working patterns for the right candidate.

About Us

We're an experienced, close-knit team, with many of our Veterinary Surgeons bringing 9+ years of experience in practice. Across our Lydney and Cinderford teams, we have colleagues with advanced training in Small Animal Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging and Dentistry, giving you access to a wealth of knowledge and experience within the group. We're also proud of our staff retention. Many members of our team have been with us for a very long time, and we have seen colleagues join us early in their careers and develop their skills and clinical interests while staying as part of the Sundean family. We have a genuinely supportive, friendly and fun family culture. We know each other well, look out for each other when things get busy and enjoy working together. You'll have experienced colleagues around you to discuss cases with, bounce ideas off and ask for advice when you need it.

A Wonderful Area to Thrive In

Lydney is a historic market town on the edge of the Forest of Dean and River Severn, offering a great combination of countryside, community and accessibility. If you enjoy getting outside, you'll be spoilt for choice. The Forest of Dean offers miles of woodland walks and cycling routes, while the wider Wye Valley provides opportunities for walking, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.

Lydney itself has a friendly local community, independent cafés, pubs and restaurants, a picturesque harbour and riverside walks. The surrounding area offers plenty to explore. For those wanting the benefits of rural living without feeling isolated, Lydney is particularly well placed. Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham and South Wales are all within easy reach, while the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are right on your doorstep.

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 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.