Job Description
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Plymouth Vets | Plymouth, Devon
Salary up to £65,000 DOE, relocation allowance up to £5,000 and welcome bonus 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.
Plymouth Vets is a modern, purpose-built 24/7 hospital seeking an engaged Veterinary Surgeon to join its welcoming and progressive team. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a collaborative environment where case continuity, teamwork and high clinical standards are central to daily practice.
As a dedicated small animal hospital, the caseload is varied and rewarding, ranging from routine consultations to emergency and critical care. With in-house expertise in exotics, the team also sees more unusual cases, adding an extra layer of interest and diversity to the role, including the occasional monkey.
You’ll benefit from a well-balanced mix of consulting and surgery, with genuine opportunities to pursue and develop your clinical interests. As a referral-accepting hospital, you’ll have the satisfaction of managing cases from initial presentation through to completion, working closely with a supportive team that values shared knowledge and continuous development.
Practice Highlights
* Modern purpose-built 24/7 small animal hospital
* Referral-accepting hospital with strong case continuity
* Varied caseload including emergency and critical care
* In-house expertise in exotic species
* Digital and dental radiography
* CT, laparoscopy and endoscopy facilities
* Advanced imaging capabilities
* Fully equipped in-house laboratory
* Dedicated out-of-hours team at Derriford Hospital
* Seven consult rooms and three theatres
* Dedicated orthopaedic theatre
* Dental suite and advanced imaging rooms
* Five species-specific wards plus isolation facilities
* Team of 14 Veterinary Surgeons
* Supported by 25 RVNs and SVNs
* Certificate holders in exotics, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery and diagnostics
* Visiting cardiology and ophthalmology specialists
* Active support for certificate study and career development
We accept referrals locally and provide out-of-hours emergency and critical care for surrounding practices, including Vets4Pets and the PDSA, supported by a dedicated OOH team at our Derriford Hospital.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Primary Care 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
* Full-time hours are 40 per week across four days (typically 9am–7pm)
* Part-time options available from 20 hours per week
* 1 in 5 full weekend rota
* Sundays involve sole charge for emergencies only
* No additional out-of-hours requirements
* No on-call commitments
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to delivering high-quality patient and client care. You’ll bring:
* A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS
* Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
* Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
* A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
* Professionalism, reliability and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and well-being. 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.
