Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Salary up to £65,000 DOE

Kernow Vets are looking for a friendly and approachable Veterinary Surgeon to join our experienced, welcoming team. We’re proud of our supportive culture, collaborative mindset and strong client relationships. With five practices across the group, there may be some opportunity to support neighbouring sites when needed, though we always aim to keep travel as local as possible.

No two days look the same here. Our caseload includes cats, dogs, small furries and the occasional chicken or tortoise, offering plenty of variety. You’ll spend a minimum of one day per week in theatre, with the remainder focused on consultations, allowing for meaningful case continuity. We encourage vets to develop areas of clinical interest wherever possible. Surgical work ranges from routine procedures and dentals through to ECC and more complex cases, with orthopaedics referred locally to an IVC practice with a certificate holder.

The practice is well equipped with digital X-ray, handheld dental X-ray, ultrasound, multiparameter monitoring, tonometry and slit lamp facilities, supporting thorough work-ups and high-quality care.

Our main branch in Lostwithiel is a large, converted practice just off the A390 and close to the town centre. Inside, you’ll find a spacious reception with separate waiting areas, five consulting rooms including a dedicated cat consult (silver ISFM practice), a prep room with two theatres, separate cat and dog wards, an isolation ward, X‑ray and dental suites, a full in‑house lab, dispensary, quiet admin offices, a large staff room and convenient on‑site parking.

Full‑time hours are 40 per week over four days, with a 1 in 5 late shift finishing at 10 pm. Weekends are shared fairly on a 1 in 12 rota, working 8 am to 7 pm Saturday and Sunday, including inpatient care supported by our dedicated nursing team. Overnight emergency cover is provided by our night vet in collaboration with a neighbouring IVC practice, ensuring excellent patient care without compromising work‑life balance.

Part‑time applications of 20 hours or more are welcomed, with shared responsibility for weekends and out‑of‑hours. Weekend work involves sole charge, so confidence in this setting is important, though support and mentoring are always close at hand.

Across the group, you’ll be joining 18 Veterinary Surgeons, 25 RVNs and a brilliant client care team. Our vets range from new graduates to colleagues with over 40 years’ experience, with certificate holders in emergency medicine, dermatology and behaviour. An interest in ophthalmology would be welcomed but is not essential, and we’re happy to support further certificate study. Regular clinical meetings keep communication open and everyone connected.

Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, Lostwithiel offers countryside charm, riverside walks and easy access to Cornwall’s stunning coastline. With a strong local community, beautiful landscapes and a relaxed pace of life, it’s an ideal location for those seeking balance, space and quality of living outside of work.

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:

• Work‑life balance
• 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays pro rata
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Wellbeing
• 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
• Development: £1,250 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 encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• All our Vets get £1,250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infectio…