Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Inspiring Vet Care; Macmerry; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.8 weeks’ holiday

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

Inspiring Vet Care in East Lothian is seeking a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join on a full-time, temporary basis. You will manage a varied caseload, perform routine surgeries, and be part of a collaborative clinical team focused on high standards of patient care.

The role offers a 40-hour week, no out-of-hours, and a salary up to £50,000 DOE with a 12-month FTC, in a modern, supportive practice environment with development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 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 relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Proactive approach to learning with openness to feedback and development.
• Professionalism, reliability and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Passion for delivering excellent patient and client care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver consultations and manage a varied first opinion caseload.
• Perform routine surgical procedures and support medical work-ups.
• Contribute to inpatient care and continuity of cases.
• Work collaboratively within a supportive and experienced clinical team.
• Participate in a balanced mix of consulting and surgical duties.
• Support high standards of clinical care and client communication.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

RCVS registration

Job description

Salary up to £50,000 DOE - FTC 12 Months

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.

Animals 1st is looking for an enthusiastic Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive team on a full-time, temporary basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a well-established, collaborative practice where high clinical standards and strong team support are a priority.

You’ll enjoy a varied first opinion caseload with a balanced mix of consulting and surgery, working alongside experienced colleagues who are always willing to share knowledge and provide guidance. Whether you are an experienced vet or looking to further develop your skills within a supportive environment, this role offers an excellent platform to grow and thrive clinically.

Animals 1st is a modern and well-equipped small animal practice with a strong reputation for delivering high standards of patient and client care within the local community. We pride ourselves on providing a calm, welcoming, and professional environment for colleagues, clients, and patients alike.

Practice Highlights

• Experienced clinical team of 3 Veterinary Surgeons supported by a skilled nursing and support team
• Certificate holders within surgery and medicine supporting clinical development and case discussion
• Varied first opinion caseload with a balanced mix of consultations, medical work-ups, and surgical procedures
• Supportive training practice environment focused on learning and professional development
• Modern facilities including radiography, ultrasound, and separate dog and cat wards
• Collaborative approach to case management with strong internal referral and discussion culture
• Strong focus on high clinical standards and excellent patient experience

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Small Animal 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.

• Deliver consultations and manage a varied first opinion caseload
• Perform routine surgical procedures and support medical work-ups
• Contribute to inpatient care and continuity of cases
• Work collaboratively within a supportive and experienced clinical team
• Participate in a balanced mix of consulting and surgical duties
• Support high standards of clinical care and client communication

Working Pattern

• 40 hours per week
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8am-6pm
• No out-of-hours commitment

Life in East Lothian

Animals 1st is based in beautiful East Lothian, offering the perfect balance of countryside and seaside living while being only a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh. The area provides easy access to stunning beaches, outdoor activities, and vibrant city amenities, making it an ideal location for those seeking both professional opportunity and an excellent quality of life outside of work.

At Animals 1st, we pride ourselves on a positive and inclusive culture where teamwork, communication, and mutual support are central to how we work. It’s a friendly and welcoming environment where colleagues are encouraged to collaborate, share knowledge, and support one another in delivering excellent care.

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 well-being. 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

• 6.8 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 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 £50,000 DOE