Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Ivc; Southampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Cycle to Work

Green Car scheme

Relocation allowance

Retail discounts

Job summary

Heathside Vets in Southampton is seeking an enthusiastic Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, supportive team. You’ll share a balance of consultations and surgery, with a caseload including orthopaedics, laparoscopy, BOAS surgery, cardiology and advanced investigations.

This full-time role offers a 1:5 weekend rota and a four-day break after each worked weekend, with temporary accommodation available if needed.

Responsibilities

• Balance of consultations and surgery with opportunity to develop clinical interests
• Caseload includes orthopaedics, laparoscopy, BOAS surgery, cardiology and a wide range of medical investigations
• 1:5 weekend rota with sole-charge Saturday and Sunday, four-day break after each weekend

Job description

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Heathside Vets - Southampton
Salary up to £70,000 DOE, up to £5,000 welcome bonus and relocation allowance 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.

Heathside Vets, part of ivc, is looking for an enthusiastic Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, progressive and supportive team. With a long-established client base and a stable team who know and trust each other, this is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a practice where you can build lasting relationships with both clients and colleagues.

More Than First Opinion

You’ll enjoy a great balance of consultations and surgery, with plenty of opportunity to work cases up thoroughly and develop your clinical interests. Alongside routine first-opinion work, our caseload includes orthopaedics, laparoscopy, BOAS surgery, cardiology and a wide range of medical investigations.

We’re particularly keen to hear from Vets with an interest in ophthalmology, although this isn’t essential. If you’re considering a certificate, we’ll also support you in developing your skills and progressing your career.

The Tools to Do Great

Our converted-house practice, with several extensions, is well equipped with ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound, digital and dental X-ray, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy and surgical laser, alongside orthopaedic equipment including MMP and SOP kits. We’re proud to offer many procedures in-house that would traditionally require referral.

A Team That Has Your Back

You’ll work alongside four other Veterinary Surgeons, eight Veterinary Nurses and a dedicated support team. Our team includes a Cardiology and Medicine certificate holder and Vets experienced in laparoscopic surgery. Our nurses are hugely experienced too, having trained student nurses for more than 26 years. We’re also proud to be a Silver ISFM practice.

A Working Pattern That Gives You Balance

This is a full-time position working 42 hours across four or five days. You’ll join a 1:5 weekend rota, covering sole-charge Saturday 8:30am–4pm and Sunday 9:30am–1pm, followed by a four-day break after each worked weekend. Temporary accommodation is also available if required.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Located on the beautiful Hampshire coastline, Heathside offers the best of both worlds, charming small-town living with easy access to Southampton and Portsmouth. It’s a fantastic area for those looking for a great quality of life outside work, with the coast and countryside right on your doorstep.

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. 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.