Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - FTC

IVC Evidensia Group; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks' annual leave

CPD allowance and paid leave

Private medical insurance

RCVS and VDS fees covered

Discounted veterinary care

Job summary

Avon Lodge Veterinary Centre, part of IVC Evidensia, seeks a Veterinary Surgeon for a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. The role is based between Wells Road and Bishopsworth, Bristol, with a 4-day week and 40-hour load.

You will provide high-quality care for small animals and support a friendly, experienced team. The position welcomes 2–3 years of clinical experience, with opportunities to develop clinically and professionally within a supportive practice culture.

Qualifications

• Registration as a Veterinary Surgeon with the RCVS.
• Experience working in small animal clinical practice, with confidence in consulting, medical case management and routine surgery.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.
• A proactive approach to learning, clinical reflection and continuous professional development.
• A commitment to evidence-based medicine, clinical excellence and collaborative working.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, evidence-based veterinary care to pets and their owners.
• Manage a diverse caseload of medical and surgical patients, from preventive healthcare through to complex diagnostics.
• Perform routine surgical procedures and contribute to maintaining high clinical standards across the practice.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients through excellent communication and continuity of care.
• Support and mentor colleagues while contributing to a positive, collaborative and progressive practice culture.

Skills

RCVS registration

Small animal practice experience

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Job description

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.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-orientated Veterinary Surgeon, this role would be ideal for a candidate with 2-3 years clinical experience, to join our team at Avon Lodge Vets on a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract.

Avon Lodge Veterinary Centre is a friendly and experienced small animal practice, with this role based between our newly refurbished Wells Road practice and our branch in Bishopsworth. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Vet with a passion for delivering high standards of clinical care to join our supportive team while covering maternity leave.

You’ll be joining an enthusiastic and experienced team, including our Head Vet, 3 Veterinary Surgeons, Head Nurse, 5 RVNs, 1 ANA, Head Receptionist, 4 receptionists and Practice Manager.

Practice Highlights

• Newly refurbished Wells Road practice
• Refurbished branch practice (2023)
• Dedicated dental suite with dental radiography
• Silver Cat Friendly status
• DR-Xray
• Vets Now supported patient care over-night
• Friendly team culture with regular socials

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, you'll work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload.

You'll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You'll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.

Working Pattern

• 40 hours per week
• Shift patterns between 8:30am and 7:00pm
• 1 in 4 Saturday mornings
• 4 day week
• 1 day weekly sole charge at our branch practice (consult only)
• 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave

General Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, evidence-based veterinary care to pets and their owners.
• Manage a diverse caseload of medical and surgical patients, from preventive healthcare through to complex diagnostics.
• Perform routine surgical procedures and contribute to maintaining high clinical standards across the practice.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients through excellent communication and continuity of care.
• Support and mentor colleagues while contributing to a positive, collaborative and progressive practice culture.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

We're looking for a confident and motivated small animal veterinary surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and delivering high standards of patient and client care.

You’ll bring:

• Registration as a Veterinary Surgeon with the RCVS
• Experience working in small animal clinical practice, with confidence in consulting, medical case management and routine surgery
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload effectively
• A proactive approach to learning, clinical reflection and continuous professional development
• A commitment to evidence-based medicine, clinical excellence and collaborative working

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:

• A varied and rewarding first opinion caseload, with the opportunity to develop your medical, surgical and diagnostic skills in a supportive environment.
• Clear career pathways, whether you're looking to progress into clinical leadership, pursue a certificate, develop mentoring responsibilities, or move into wider leadership roles within the group.
• Ongoing learning and development through collaboration with experienced colleagues, access to world-class learning resources, and a strong culture of clinical discussion and knowledge sharing.
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on delivering exceptional patient care, supporting colleagues, and continuously improving the service we provide to our clients and their pets.
• Clinical freedom to work up cases to a high standard, supported by modern facilities, skilled nursing teams and access to referral services when needed.
• The opportunity to contribute to clinical standards, quality improvement initiatives and the development of practice services.

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks' annual leave
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay

Private Medical Insurance

• Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• £1250 CPD allowance plus 48hrs paid leave
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Discounted veterinary care

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.

283 Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 2PP, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Maizie Brown from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.