Veterinary Surgeon Small Animal

Kernow Vet Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Southampton is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly team. The role involves providing quality clinical care primarily to cats and dogs, and mentoring new graduate vets. Full-time vets work four days per week with no out-of-hours responsibilities. The practice offers a competitive salary up to £70,000 along with various benefits including annual leave, private medical insurance, and CPD support. This position is ideal for a confident vet looking to thrive in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Welcome bonus up to £5,000

Relocation allowance up to £5,000

6.6 weeks annual leave

Additional holiday for birthday

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

£1250 CPD allowance

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted treatment for pets

Qualifications

• Qualified veterinary surgeon experienced in first-opinion practice.
• Enjoys a varied caseload including cats, dogs, and small animals.
• Strong keen interest in animal care and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent veterinary care to a range of pets.
• Mentor and support new graduate vets.
• Engage in routine theatre work and thorough medical work-ups.

Skills

Confident first-opinion practice vet

Experience with a variety of animal patients

Mentoring new graduate vets

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

Dental X-ray equipment

Digital X-ray

Multi-parameter monitoring

Ultrasound

IDEXX in-house laboratory

Job description

Shield Veterinary Centre, Southampton, South East

Salary up to £70,000 DOE, Welcome bonus of up to £5,000, Relocation allowance of up to £5,000

Shield Vets is looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, well-established team. This role is ideal for a confident GP vet who enjoys all aspects of first-opinion practice and is keen to play an active role in mentoring and supporting our new graduate vets as they develop their skills.

A Caseload with Variety and Balance

Our patients are predominantly cats and dogs, alongside rabbits, small furries and the occasional wildlife case brought in by the public. The caseload has a slight bias towards consultations, supported by two dedicated operating mornings each week. If you are an experienced vet who prefers a consult-only role, we are very open to accommodating this.

Well-Equipped for Quality Clinical Care

Theatre work is largely routine, with a strong emphasis on thorough medical work-ups where appropriate. You will have access to excellent facilities including dental X-ray and dental equipment, digital X-ray, multi-parameter monitoring, ultrasound and a full IDEXX in-house laboratory, allowing you to practice confidently and to a high standard.

A Welcoming and Practical Practice Setting

The role will be primarily based at our Bishop’s Waltham branch, with occasional shifts at Hedge End. Bishop’s Waltham is a converted bungalow with a spacious extension, offering separate cat and dog waiting areas, two consult rooms, a theatre and prep area, kennels, isolation facilities, a cosy staff room and on-site parking.

Working Patterns That Respect Your Time

Full-time vets work four days per week with a fixed day off, covering 8am–6pm or 9am–7pm shifts. Saturday mornings are sole charge on a 1:4 rota from 8am–12pm. There is no out-of-hours or on-call work, and part-time applications of 20+ hours per week are welcome.

A Supportive Team with Development in Mind

You’ll join a team of six vets, nine RVNs and a dedicated client care team. We already have a vet holding a Feline Practice GP Certificate and are very open to supporting further certificate study.

Life in and Around Southampton

Living near Southampton offers the best of both worlds. With easy access to the New Forest, the South Downs and the coast, it’s perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors. At the same time, Southampton provides vibrant city life, excellent transport links, shopping, dining and cultural attractions, making it a fantastic place to live and 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
• 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

Development

• £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

Professional Memberships

• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS Fees
• Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
• Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
• Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
• Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Shield Veterinary Centre

Victoria Road, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton, SO32 1DJ, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Amelia Bateman from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.