Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Kingfisher Veterinary Practice; South Somerset; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in South Somerset is seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon. The role offers a competitive salary up to £74,000, a welcome bonus, and a relocation allowance. You will work in a supportive team environment with a focus on work-life balance and professional development. The position involves performing surgeries, consultations, and collaborating with a dedicated team of vets and nurses.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Private Medical Insurance

CPD allowance

Pension scheme

Discounts at retailers

Qualifications

• Qualified veterinary surgeon registered with the appropriate governing body.
• Experience in small animal practice is preferred.
• Ability to work well in a team with excellent client communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine surgeries including spays and dentals.
• Manage consultations with clients and examine animals.
• Collaborate closely with team members for optimal animal care.

Skills

Veterinary knowledge

Surgical skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

Digital X-ray

Ultrasound

Endoscopy

Job description

Overview

Salary up to £74,000 DOE, welcome bonus up to £5,000 and relocation allowance up to £5,000.

At Kingfisher Vets, we’re inviting you to join a team where your passion for veterinary care will be valued and your wellbeing supported. We’re seeking a dedicated Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our warm team at the refurbished Crewkerne branch in South Somerset.

Your Practice

State-of-the-Art Facilities in a Community-Focused Practice

Our Crewkerne branch has recently undergone a full refurbishment and offers a clinical environment with two modern operating theatres, a fully equipped dental suite with digital dental X-ray, a large prep area, an imaging suite, and separate wards for cats and dogs. Additional features include a dedicated isolation unit, a spacious dispensary, three consult rooms and a reception with separate cat and dog waiting areas. Our staff rest area is well equipped with a biscuit tin for team breaks.

Your Day, Your Way

Most of our vets enjoy a well-balanced mix of consulting and surgery, but a consult-only role can be accommodated. We mainly treat dogs and cats, with occasional rabbits, guinea pigs or ferrets for variety. Surgeries typically include routine procedures such as spays, castrates, dentals, lump removals and soft tissue surgeries, with referral for more complex or critical cases when needed.

To support care delivery, we’ve invested in equipment including a new ultrasound, video endoscopy, digital X-ray, ECG, tonometer and multi-parameter monitoring.

Team and Support

You’ll work with 6 experienced vets (including one with a certificate in Small Animal Medicine), 18 RVNs, 2 student nurses, and a strong support team. Regular visits from an orthopaedic surgeon provide additional in-house expertise. Teamwork is at the heart of our culture, and we value collaboration, client and patient care, and social connection.

We support charitable activities with national and local causes such as Cats Protection, Guide Dogs and RSPCA.

Work-Life Balance

We prioritise work-life balance with a flexible rota and hours that fit your lifestyle. Full-time is 40 hours per week over 4 days with a Saturday morning share (8:30–13:00); there are no OOH. Part-time hours can be considered for the right candidate.

Development and Location

Your professional development matters. We offer funded CPD, certificate support, and time to grow. Access to the IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon, and opportunities for research funding and care fund spending are available.

Based in Crewkerne, you’ll enjoy a balance of peaceful countryside living with good transport links and proximity to the Jurassic Coast.

Benefits and Benefits Summary

In addition to a competitive base salary, our benefits include:

• Work-life balance options and generous holiday entitlement (6.6 weeks annual leave, includes bank holidays; additional birthday leave)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay)
• Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing

• £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
• Certificate support and ongoing learning opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon and research funding for Vets & Nurses
• Care Fund: £1,250 per annum to spend on care projects
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme and Quality Improvement Programme
• BVA membership and VDS cover

• Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Cycle to Work and Green Cars schemes (eligibility applies)
• Voluntary benefits with discounts at retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Additional Information

Salary up to £74,000 DOE. Relocation allowance and welcome bonus details are as listed above.