Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Kingfisher Veterinary Practice; South Somerset; On-site; GBP 67,500 - 82,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome Bonus up to £5,000

Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Company pension scheme

CPD allowance of £1250

Job summary

A community-focused veterinary practice in South Somerset is looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly team. Offering a competitive salary of up to £75,000 depending on experience, plus benefits including a £5,000 welcome bonus and relocation allowance. The practice provides a well-equipped environment and supports professional development, ensuring a fulfilling career. Candidates should have a degree in Veterinary Medicine and possess excellent surgical and communication skills. Full-time and part-time applications are welcome.

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Surgeon with a degree in Veterinary Medicine.
• Experience in both consultations and surgical procedures.
• Willing to work at different practice locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide surgical and medical care to pets.
• Conduct consultations and provide advice to pet owners.
• Manage a varied caseload and maintain a good work-life balance.

Skills

Compassionate Care

Strong Communication

Teamwork

Surgical Skills

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

Digital X-ray

Veterinary Software

Job description

Overview

Salary up to £75,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £5,000, Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

Kingfisher Vets has been caring for pets in the local community for over 100 years, and we’re now looking for an enthusiastic Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, supportive team. With four sites across the area, this is a varied and engaging role where no two days are the same. A driving licence is essential, as occasional work across our other branches is part of practice life.

The Role

A Caseload That Keeps You Learning

You’ll enjoy a healthy balance of consultations and surgery throughout the week, with cases ranging from routine procedures through to ECC work. This variety keeps the role interesting and rewarding, and if you have a particular clinical interest you’d like to develop, we’re very open to supporting this wherever possible.

Practice Environment

A Purpose-Built Practice Designed to Work Well

Our main centre in Crewkerne is a modern, purpose-built practice with a spacious reception and separate waiting areas, three consultation rooms, a prep area with two theatres, a dedicated dental suite and an imaging suite featuring a new ultrasound machine. Separate cat and dog wards, an isolation room, quiet office space for admin, and a comfortable upstairs staff flat with full kitchen facilities help make the working day run smoothly. There is also a large on-site staff car park and accommodation available if required.

Facilities & Support

Well Equipped for High-Quality Care

Clinicians are supported by excellent facilities including video endoscopy, ECG and multiparameter monitoring, tonometry, digital dental X-ray and a fully equipped in-house laboratory. We also work with a visiting specialist to provide access to advanced orthopaedic surgery, ensuring patients receive the best possible care.

Working Patterns

Working Patterns That Support Balance

Full-time hours are 40 per week across four days, with a 1:3 Saturday morning rota from 8:30am to 1pm on a sole-charge basis. Part-time applications of 30+ hours per week are welcomed, and there is no out-of-hours work.

Team & Development

A Team That Truly Supports One Another

You’ll be joining a team of eight vets with experience ranging from new graduates to over 40 years in practice, supported by 18 RVNs and a dedicated client care team led by our practice manager. We’re happy to support certificate study, and while a dental certificate or special interest would be advantageous, it’s not essential. Team wellbeing is a real priority, with regular social events, lunch and learn sessions, and a trained mental health first aider within the practice.

Life in Crewkerne

Life in and Around Crewkerne

Crewkerne offers a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by beautiful Somerset countryside, with easy access to the Jurassic Coast, rolling hills and charming market towns. It’s ideal for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, while still being well connected to larger towns and transport links for days out or commuting.

Why We Value Our People

Because our people matter

• We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:
• Work-life balance
• 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays pro rata
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Wellbeing
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing
• Development
• £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional Memberships
• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees
• Colleague Benefits
• Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
• Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
• Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
• Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Salary up to £75,000 DOE