Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Forest Lodge Vets is looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, down-to-earth team. We’re seeking someone who enjoys getting stuck into everyday practice life, values continuity of care and wants to feel genuinely involved in the cases they see and the team they work with.

We’re a small animal practice seeing cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries and a range of exotic patients, whom are mostly managed by our highly skilled nursing team. You’ll enjoy a good balance between consults and surgery, with the time and autonomy to work cases up properly and see them through from start to finish. Dedicated admin time is built in, allowing you to focus on quality care without feeling rushed.

Our surgical caseload is broad and interesting, including routine procedures, lump removals, foreign bodies, amputations, dentals, TPLOs and other orthopaedic cases. You’ll be well supported with digital X-ray, ultrasound, K-laser, Phovia lamp, dental X-ray, multi-parameter monitoring and an IDEXX-supported in-house lab, alongside our own on-site lab technician. A supportive, experienced nursing team is always on hand to help you develop and grow.

The main practice is based in New Milton, with time split between the main site and a branch surgery. There is real scope to be primarily based at the branch if preferred, offering autonomy and the chance to shape and develop the site. The New Milton practice is a converted house with a large extension and an upcoming full refurbishment, featuring a spacious reception, four consult rooms, theatre and prep area, X-ray and dental suite, quiet office and study spaces, a comfortable staff room, on-site parking and a lovely garden that some patients enjoy during warmer months.

The role is ideally 40 hours over four days, with a 1:6 Saturday rota (9am–5pm, sole charge). Part-time applications of 20+ hours are warmly welcomed, including school hours or a gradual return to practice. There is no out-of-hours or on-call work.

You’ll join a team of six vets, seven RVNs, an on-site lab technician and a client care team led by our practice director. We have certificate holders in dermatology, dentistry and ECC, with visiting specialists in cardiology, orthopaedics and dentistry, and we’re very open to supporting further certificate study and CPD.

New Milton offers an enviable lifestyle for those looking to relocate. Nestled between the New Forest National Park and the stunning south coast, it’s perfect for outdoor lovers, with walking, cycling and beaches all close by. The town itself has great local amenities, while Bournemouth, Southampton and excellent transport links are within easy reach, making it an ideal balance of countryside calm and coastal living.

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 -

6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays

Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday

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

£1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave

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

BVA membership

VDS cover

Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a…