Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; Stowmarket; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Stowmarket is looking for a dedicated Veterinary Surgeon to join their team. This role offers up to £50,000 salary depending on experience along with a welcome bonus and relocation allowance. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and a flexible work-life balance. The practice is well-equipped and values community involvement.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£1250 CPD allowance

Qualifications

• Must have a relevant veterinary degree and registration to practice.
• Experience with small animals is essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary care to pets and occasional exotic patients.
• Manage routine procedures and advanced surgeries.
• Support and mentor junior staff within the team.

Skills

Confidence

Teamwork

Client Communication

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

DR X-ray

Dental X-ray

Ultrasound

Job description

Salary up to £50,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £3,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £2,000

At Haughley & Thurston Vet Centre in Suffolk, we're looking for a dedicated and confident Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and experienced team. Whether you're returning to practice after a career break, seeking a consulting-only position, or ready to take on a fresh challenge, we offer the flexibility and support to help you thrive.

Rooted in the Community, Committed to Quality Care

We're a well-established small animal practice that's been caring for pets in the local area for over 40 years. While dogs and cats make up the majority of our caseload, we're proud to hold Chicken Vet Approved and RWAF Silver status, meaning you'll occasionally have the chance to treat more exotic patients too.

A Modern Set-Up Across Two Collaborative Sites

Our two-branch practice offers excellent facilities and a strong sense of cohesion across sites. The Haughley site features three consulting rooms, a spacious prep area, operating theatre, cattery, dedicated kennels, in-house lab, and office space. At our Thurston branch, you'll find three consult rooms including a cat-only space, along with a dental and imaging suite, separate dog and cat kennels, and welcoming staff areas.

Across both sites, we're well-equipped with DR X-ray, dental X-ray, endoscopy, ultrasound, and modern lab equipment to support high standards of care. You'll enjoy a good balance of consulting and surgery, but if you're looking for a consult-only role, we're happy to discuss that too. Our caseload includes a mix of routine procedures and more advanced surgeries such as TPLOs, cystotomies, and gastrotomies with the option to refer when needed.

Teamwork is at the Heart of What We Do

This role will be shared across our Haughley and Thurston branches, although we're happy to accommodate your preferred base where possible. You'll be joining a close-knit and supportive team of 5 vets, 7 RVNs, and 6 receptionists who work collaboratively every day. We're proud to have three certificate holders within the team, covering ECC, dentistry, and small animal medicine, and we benefit from visiting specialists in orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and ultrasonography.

We also work closely with nearby IVC Evidensia practices, including Cedarwood, where our Clinical Director is also based so you'll always have a strong network of colleagues to learn from and lean on.

Giving back is important to us. We actively support charities including the RSPCA and Cats Protection, and we love getting involved in our local community whether that's offering veterinary care or sponsoring the local youth football team.

Invested in Your Growth

We're passionate about supporting professional development, and we're happy to fund certificates or other training that helps you reach your goals. All team members have access to Central CPD membership, and we've played a key role in launching the Suffolk Veterinary Society, a local initiative hosting regular CPD and networking events for the veterinary community.

Flexible patterns that work for you

Our people are at the heart of everything that we do, that's why we know that work-life balance is vital in supporting our people to be their best selves. Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours offers a balance that truly flexes with you and your lifestyle no matter what stage you are in your career and life.

We are looking for someone to cover up to 30 hours per week across 3-5 days with a share in 1:5 Saturday mornings which is sole charge 8:30am - 1pm with no OOH requirement. We are happy to consider candidates looking for flexible working or school hours.

A Beautiful Place to Live and Work

In the heart of Suffolk, Stowmarket offers the perfect balance of countryside charm and modern convenience. With its strong sense of community, weekly markets, and array of shops, cafes, and pubs, it's a town full of character and warmth. Excellent transport links, including direct trains to London and easy access to the A14, make commuting simple while keeping you connected to nearby towns like Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to the picturesque Suffolk coast, Stowmarket is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, peaceful living, and a welcoming atmosphere.

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

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