Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Haughley Veterinary Centre; Stowmarket; On-site; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established veterinary clinic in Stowmarket is seeking a passionate Veterinary Surgeon with a focus on quality care and community engagement. Salary up to £70,000 per annum plus bonuses. The clinic offers a supportive environment with modern facilities, mentoring from experienced vets, and a commitment to professional development. Flexible working arrangements are available to promote work-life balance. This location in Suffolk provides a blend of rural charm and convenience, making it an excellent place to work and live.

Benefits

Welcome Bonus up to £2,000

Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£1250 CPD allowance

VDS cover

Discounted treatment for pets

Qualifications

• Passion for veterinary care and a self-assured personality.
• Experience with both routine procedures and advanced surgeries.
• Willing to work flexible hours including Saturday mornings.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality vet care for dogs, cats, and other small animals.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, promoting community trust.
• Participate in CPD and networking events for professional growth.

Skills

Consulting-focused role

Mentorship and clinical insight

Teamwork

Adaptability to flexible hours

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Job description

Salary up to £70,000 FTE DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £2,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

Shape Your Veterinary Career in a Practice That Truly Listens

Haughley & Thurston Vet Centre in Suffolk is searching for a passionate and self‑assured Veterinary Surgeon to join our warm and experienced team. Whether you’re returning to the profession after time away, seeking a consulting‑focused role, or ready to embrace something new, we offer the flexibility and encouragement to help you thrive.

A Practice Built on Trust and Community

For more than four decades, our practice has been a familiar and trusted name for local families. While dogs and cats form the core of our caseload, our status as a Chicken Vet Approved practice with RWAF Silver accreditation also brings a touch of variety with more unusual patients. Community is at the heart of what we do. We proudly support local charities including Cats Protection and the RSPCA, and even sponsor the local youth football squad, building connections that extend far beyond our consulting rooms.

Two Sites, One United Team

Our two‑branch set‑up offers a modern, well‑organised environment with a strong sense of teamwork across both locations. The Haughley site provides three consulting rooms, a generous prep area, operating theatre, cattery, dedicated kennels, in‑house laboratory, and office space. Thurston offers three consulting rooms including a dedicated cat‑only room, supported by a dental and imaging suite, separate dog and cat kennels, and inviting staff areas. Across both sites, our equipment includes DR X‑ray, dental radiography, endoscopy, ultrasound, and an up‑to‑date laboratory, ensuring you have everything you need for high‑quality care. The role provides a natural mix of consulting and surgery, and if your ideal job is consulting‑only, we’re very happy to explore that with you. Our varied caseload includes routine procedures as well as advanced surgeries such as TPLOs, cystotomies, and gastrotomies, with the option to refer when appropriate.

Where Support and Growth Go Hand in Hand

You’ll be joining a close‑knit, supportive team of five vets, seven RVNs, and six receptionists who work collaboratively every day. Within the team, three certificate holders in ECC, dentistry, and small animal medicine offer hands‑on mentorship and clinical insight. We also benefit from visiting specialists in orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and ultrasonography, giving you further opportunities to develop your skills. Our Clinical Director, based nearby at Cedarwood, offers additional support and a strong link to a wider network of colleagues. You will never feel isolated here; teamwork and shared learning shape every day.

Your Development Matters to Us

We’re committed to helping you grow, no matter where you are in your career. Support for certificates and further training is always available, and we’re proud to have played a key role in establishing the Suffolk Veterinary Society, which hosts regular CPD and networking events to bring the local veterinary community together.

Flexible Working That Fits Your Life

We value the wellbeing of our team as highly as the care we provide to our patients. That’s why we take a flexible and thoughtful approach to working patterns. We’re looking for someone to ideally work full time 40 hours per week across 4‑5 days with a share in 1:5 Saturday mornings which is sole charge 8:30am – 1pm, with no out‑of‑hours work required. We’re more than happy to explore part time hours if that is your preference.

A Wonderful Place to Live and Work

Located in the heart of Suffolk, Stowmarket offers the perfect blend of rural charm and convenience. The town is home to weekly markets, independent shops, cosy cafés, and vibrant local pubs, all set against beautiful countryside and within easy reach of the Suffolk coastline. With direct train connections to London and close access to the A14, commuting is simple, and neighbouring Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich provide even more to enjoy. Whether you love scenic walks, a peaceful village lifestyle, or impromptu trips to the coast, this is an exceptional place to call home.

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

Salary up to £70,000 DOE