Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Ivc; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 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

Job summary

Plymouth Vets, part of IVC, is seeking a confident Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team in Plymouth. You’ll manage a varied first-opinion caseload with access to a busy 24/7 hospital and opportunities to develop interests in orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery and diagnostic imaging.

Full-time hours are four days (typically 9am–7pm) with 1:5 weekends and no on-call commitments. We offer private medical insurance, generous holiday, CPD support, and relocation assistance as well

Qualifications

• Confident GP Vet with interest in small animal care.
• Experience in first-opinion practice and willingness to develop specialisms.
• Ability to build strong relationships with clients and the team.

Responsibilities

• See a varied first-opinion caseload including opportunities in orthopaedics, laparoscopic procedures and emergency care.
• Collaborate with a busy 24/7 hospital for referrals and support when needed.
• Deliver high standards of care and patient welfare.

Job description

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

• 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

Salary up to £70,000 DOE