Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Plymouth Vets is a modern, purpose-built 24/7 hospital looking for an engaged Veterinary Surgeon to join our welcoming and progressive team. This is an opportunity to work in a hospital environment where collaboration, case continuity and high clinical standards sit at the heart of everything we do.

We are a dedicated small animal practice seeing a broad mix of cases, from routine consultations through to emergency and critical care. With in-house specialists in exotics, our caseload also includes more unusual patients including the occasional monkey. You’ll enjoy a good balance of consults and surgery across the week, with genuine opportunities to develop areas of clinical interest where possible.

As a referral-accepting hospital, you’ll have the satisfaction of seeing cases through from start to finish.

You’ll be supported by outstanding facilities including digital and dental X-ray, CT scanner, laparoscopy, endoscopy, advanced imaging and a fully equipped in-house laboratory. We accept referrals from the local area and also cover Out of Hours emergency critical work for local IVC practices, Vets 4 Pets and the PDSA with our own dedicated OOH team at the Derriford Hospital.

Our main site is a new, purpose-built hospital, supported by three branch surgeries, meaning your time will be split across sites. The hospital boasts a large reception, seven spacious consult rooms, a central prep area with three theatres including a dedicated orthopaedic theatre, a dental suite, X-ray and CT rooms, five species-specific wards plus isolation, quiet office space, a vet library, welcoming staff room, large boardroom for CPD events and meetings, and ample on-site parking.

Full-time hours are 40 per week over four days, typically 9am–7pm, with part-time applications over 20 hours also considered. You’ll take part in a 1:5 full weekend rota at the hospital, with Sundays being sole charge for emergencies only. There is no additional out-of-hours or on-call work.

You’ll join a team of 14 vets, supported by 25 RVNs and SVNs and a dedicated client care team led by our Practice Director. Our vets range from new graduates to those with over 15 years experience. We have certificate holders in exotics, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery and diagnostics, with one currently completing a dentistry certificate, alongside visiting specialists in cardiology and ophthalmology.

Support for further certificates is actively encouraged.

We are proud to be a Burgess Excel Award winner, a Gold Standard Rabbit practice, and to work closely with charities including the PDSA, RSPCA and the local Monkey Sanctuary.

Relocating to Plymouth offers an exceptional lifestyle. With the sea on your doorstep, Dartmoor National Park nearby and easy access to Cornwall and Devon’s coastline, it’s ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors. Plymouth also offers vibrant city life, great food, cultural attractions and excellent transport links, making it a fantastic place to live, work and explore.

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 pro rata

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 pro rata

Certificate support

Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy

Access to Vetlexicon – our online…