Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

VC Evidensia UK; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Cycle to Work

Green Car schemes

Retail discounts

Reduced-cost veterinary care for your:

Care Fund for vets

Job summary

Plymouth Veterinary Group in Plymouth, Devon, seeks a confident Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team. The role centers on a varied first‑opinion caseload with access to a busy 24/7 hospital for support and referrals.

You’ll work on a four‑day pattern (9am–7pm) with 1:5 weekends and no regular OOH commitments, while benefiting from a strong team of 14 Vets and 25 RVNs/SVNs in a supportive, growth‑oriented practice.

Qualifications

• Looking for a confident GP Vet who enjoys a good mix of consulting and surgery.
• Caseload includes a wide range of first‑opinion work with opportunities in orthopaedics, laparoscopic procedures and Emergency & Critical Care.
• Join a collaborative team of 14 Veterinary Surgeons and 25 RVNs/SVNs with access to specialist knowledge and hospital facilities.

Responsibilities

• Work predominantly in the branch with a mix of consultations and surgeries.
• Manage first‑opinion caseload and follow cases from start to finish.
• Collaborate with the 24/7 hospital for referral support when needed.

Job description

Plymouth Veterinary Group, Plymouth, Plymouth, South West

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Plymouth Vets - Plymouth, Devon

Salary up to £70,000 DOE, relocation allowance up to £5,000 and welcome bonus 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.

Plymouth Vets, part of ivc, are looking for a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and experienced team. If you’re looking for a role where you can enjoy the variety of first-opinion practice while having access to a wealth of specialist knowledge and hospital facilities when you need it, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Make Your Mark in Branch

Your role will be predominantly based in our branch, giving you the opportunity to build strong relationships with your clients and follow cases through from start to finish. Alongside your first-opinion caseload, you’ll have the reassurance of our busy 24/7 hospital nearby, with access to additional expertise, equipment and referral support whenever needed.

A Caseload That Keeps You Interested

We’re looking for a confident GP Vet who enjoys a good mix of consulting and surgery. Your day-to-day caseload will include plenty of varied first-opinion work, alongside opportunities to get involved with orthopaedics, laparoscopic procedures and emergency and critical care cases. We’re keen to support your clinical interests too, whether that’s developing an existing passion or exploring something new.

Exceptional Facilities When You Need Them

Our purpose-built hospital offers three operating theatres, including a dedicated orthopaedic theatre, seven consultation rooms, species-specific wards, isolation facilities and dedicated imaging and dental suites. Advanced equipment includes CT, digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, laparoscopy and a fully equipped in-house laboratory.

A Team That Wants You to Succeed

You’ll join a collaborative team of 14 Veterinary Surgeons and 25 RVNs/SVNs, supported by a dedicated Client Care Team. Our clinicians range from recent graduates through to highly experienced Vets, with certificate holders in exotics, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery and diagnostic imaging. Visiting cardiology and ophthalmology specialists also add to the wealth of knowledge available. We’d particularly love to hear from Vets with an interest in cardiology or dermatology, and support is available for certificates and further development.

A Working Pattern That Works

Full-time hours are worked across four days, typically 9am–7pm, with part-time applications welcomed from 20 hours per week. There’s a 1:5 weekend rota, with Sunday emergency-only shifts, and importantly, no additional OOH or on-call commitments.

Life in Plymouth

With the South Devon coastline on your doorstep and Dartmoor just a short drive away, Plymouth offers an incredible quality of life. From beaches, coastal walks and watersports to a variety of cafés, restaurants and shops, there’s plenty to enjoy both in and outside of work.

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

• 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.

Plymouth Veterinary Group, Plymouth

26 William Prance Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 5WR, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Amelia Bateman from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.