Job Description
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Heathside Vets - Southampton
Salary up to £65,000 DOE, up to £5,000 welcome bonus and relocation allowance 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.
Heathside Vets, part of ivc, is looking for an enthusiastic Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and progressive team. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a supportive practice where you'll enjoy a varied caseload, develop your clinical interests and deliver exceptional patient care alongside a collaborative and experienced team.
You'll enjoy an excellent balance of consultations and surgery, with the opportunity to work up cases thoroughly while benefiting from access to advanced equipment and a broad caseload. Alongside routine first-opinion work, you'll gain exposure to orthopaedics, laparoscopy, BOAS surgery, cardiology and a wide range of medical investigations, with plenty of opportunities to develop your own clinical interests. Whether your passion lies in medicine, surgery or a combination of both, we'll support you every step of the way.
Located on the beautiful Hampshire coastline, our friendly practice combines the charm of small-town living with easy access to Southampton and Portsmouth. We pride ourselves on providing gold-standard care in-house, allowing us to offer many procedures that would traditionally require referral.
You'll be joining a close-knit team of five Veterinary Surgeons, eight Veterinary Nurses and a dedicated support team. Our practice includes a certificate holder in Cardiology and Medicine, vets experienced in laparoscopic surgery, and a nursing team that has proudly trained student nurses for over 26 years. Collaboration, learning and enjoying what we do are at the heart of our culture, both inside and outside of work.
Practice Highlights
* Varied caseload with an excellent balance of consultations and surgery.
* Advanced procedures including laparoscopy, orthopaedics, BOAS and cardiology.
*Clinical freedom with support to develop your own interests.
* Cardiology and Medicine certificate holder within the team.
* Well-equipped with ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound, digital and dental X-ray.
* Endoscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy and surgical laser.
* Orthopaedic equipment including MMP and SOP kits.
* Long-established nurse training practice with over 26 years' experience.
* Friendly, collaborative team with a strong social culture.
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
* Full-time position working 42 hours per week
* 1 in 5 weekend rota.
* A four-day break follows every worked weekend.
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
* A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care
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:
* 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.
