Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

IVC Evidensia; Watford; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Watford is seeking a dedicated veterinarian for a 10-month fixed-term role, offering a mix of consultations and surgeries across various animal species. The position supports a healthy work-life balance with a structured schedule, and you'll join a support team of experienced professionals. Competitive perks include a comprehensive CPD allowance, private medical insurance, and a cycle-to-work scheme, alongside a salary of up to £44,000 depending on experience.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

CPD allowance of £1250

Company pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in veterinary practice with a focus on small animals and exotics.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform consultations with various animal species.
• Manage surgical procedures and diagnostics.
• Participate in a rota system for work-life balance.

Skills

Clinical decision-making

Consultation skills

Surgery

Ultrasound

Radiography

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

A Caseload That Keeps You Sharp

You will see a broad and interesting mix of patients including cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries, exotics and even the occasional chicken. Working on a rota, you will be involved in consultations, surgery, dentistry, ultrasound and radiography, as well as supporting our consult‑only branch. A consult‑only role can also be considered, and there will be some sole‑charge responsibility, making this an ideal opportunity for a vet who enjoys autonomy and clinical decision‑making.

Advanced Facilities to Support Confident Practice

You’ll have access to digital and dental X‑ray, ultrasound, laparoscopic and endoscopic equipment, alongside a fully equipped lab and dedicated anaesthesia and patient care areas, allowing you to work cases up thoroughly and confidently in‑house.

A Working Pattern with Structure and Balance

This is a 10‑month fixed‑term contract, working 28 hours per week, ideally across Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with shifts typically falling between 8.30am and 8pm. The rota includes 1 in 4 Saturday mornings (9am‑1pm), offering consistency alongside work‑life balance.

A Large, Experienced and Supportive Team

You will join a team of 11 vets across two sites, supported by a strong group of RVNs, SVNs and an experienced client care team. The practice is home to certificate holders in medicine, imaging and surgery, with several vets currently working towards further qualifications, including exotics which is a growing area of interest within the team.

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 the following:

• 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
• 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
• 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 £44,000 DOE.