Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Salary up to £65,000 DOE and relocation allowance up to £5,000.

Otter Vets are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team in Sidmouth on a 6‑month fixed‑term contract.

Our caseload is a great mix, mostly cats and dogs with a few small furries. Time is split well between consultations and surgery, with dedicated admin time built into each day so you can stay on top of notes without feeling rushed. Surgical work is largely routine, with set operating days each week. If you prefer a consult‑only role, we’re very open to discussing this.

There are some elements of sole charge within the role, but you’re never truly on your own. Support is always available, both within the practice and across our other branches, giving reassurance and backup whenever it’s needed. You’ll be supported by a brilliant nursing team who assist with both surgery and consultations, as well as running their own nurse clinics, helping the day run smoothly and collaboratively.

The practice is well equipped with digital X‑ray, ultrasound, tonometry and a full IDEXX suite, allowing you to work cases up confidently and deliver high‑quality care. Our focus is on doing things properly, without unnecessary pressure or compromise.

This is a full‑time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days, with just one in four Saturday mornings from 8:30 am to 1 pm. There are no out‑of‑hours or on‑call requirements. We’re also open to part‑time applications. This is a 6‑month fixed‑term contract.

Our friendly team works across two sites and includes an experienced vet, two dedicated RVNs and four fantastic support team members, with regular long‑term locum support as well.

Sidmouth is a beautiful seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, offering a relaxed pace of life surrounded by stunning scenery. With coastal walks, independent shops, cafés and easy access to the East Devon countryside, it’s an ideal location for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you’re relocating or already nearby, Sidmouth offers a wonderful balance of work, wellbeing and lifestyle.

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 on 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
• £1,250 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 receive £1,250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional memberships: BVA, VDS, CAVS, RCVS fees covered
• Company pension scheme (IVC Evidensia will make a contribution)
• Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme for a greener commute (subject to eligibility)
• Voluntary benefits – choose from a range of options that suit you
• Discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

£0 – £65,000 a year.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analysing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgement. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.