Veterinary Surgeon Small Animal

Kernow Vet Group; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 55,000 - GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary service provider in Plymouth is seeking an engaged Veterinary Surgeon to join their team. This role offers an opportunity to work in a modern hospital, providing both routine and emergency care. Candidates will enjoy a balanced caseload with various clinical interests encouraged. A competitive salary with additional benefits, such as a relocation allowance, is offered along with flexible working options. A commitment to professional development and a supportive team environment are key aspects of this position.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£1250 CPD allowance

Access to discounts with retailers

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon registered with the RCVS.
• Experience in emergency and critical care is desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other veterinary professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality veterinary care to a diverse range of cases.
• Manage both routine consultations and emergency situations.
• Work as part of a team in a busy hospital environment.

Skills

Veterinary medicine

Collaboration

Emergency care

Surgery

Education

Registered Veterinary Surgeon

Tools

X-ray

CT scanner

Dental equipment

Job description

Plymouth Veterinary Group, Plymouth, Plymouth, South West

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

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.

A Caseload That Keeps You Curious

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.

Hospital-Level Facilities Without Compromise

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 local IVC practices, Vets for Pets and the PDSA, ensuring a diverse and stimulating clinical workload.

Designed for Teams, Patients and Progression

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.

Flexible Working with Structure and Support

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.

A Team That Invests in You

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.

Recognised Excellence with a Community Focus

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.

Life in and Around Plymouth

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 -

Work-life balance

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

Development

£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 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

Plymouth Veterinary Group, Plymouth

26 William Prance Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 5WR, 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.