Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Kernow Vet Group; Stowmarket; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Suffolk is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Surgeon to join their team. The ideal candidate will provide exceptional care for a varied caseload, working in a supportive and collaborative environment. With flexible working arrangements, this role encourages professional development through CPD and mentorship from experienced staff. A strong emphasis on community connection and team wellbeing makes this an attractive opportunity for passionate veterinarians looking to grow in their careers.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£1250 CPD allowance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Surgeon with strong assessment and decision-making skills.
• Experience in small animal practice preferred but not essential.
• Must be a team player who values collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality veterinary care to a varied caseload.
• Work alongside a supportive team of veterinarians and nurses.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.

Skills

Strong veterinary skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

DR X-ray

Ultrasound

Endoscopy

Job description

Haughley Veterinary Centre, Stowmarket, Stowmarket, East of England

Salary up to £70,000 FTE DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £2,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

Shape Your Veterinary Career in a Practice That Truly Listens

Haughley & Thurston Vet Centre in Suffolk is searching for a passionate and self-assured Veterinary Surgeon to join our warm and experienced team. Whether you’re returning to the profession after time away, seeking a consulting-focused role, or ready to embrace something new, we offer the flexibility and encouragement to help you thrive.

A Practice Built on Trust and Community

For more than four decades, our practice has been a familiar and trusted name for local families. While dogs and cats form the core of our caseload, our status as a Chicken Vet Approved practice with RWAF Silver accreditation also brings a touch of variety with more unusual patients. Community is at the heart of what we do. We proudly support local charities including Cats Protection and the RSPCA, and even sponsor the local youth football squad, building connections that extend far beyond our consulting rooms.

Two Sites, One United Team

Our two-branch set-up offers a modern, well-organised environment with a strong sense of teamwork across both locations. The Haughley site provides three consulting rooms, a generous prep area, operating theatre, cattery, dedicated kennels, in-house laboratory, and office space. Thurston offers three consulting rooms including a dedicated cat-only room, supported by a dental and imaging suite, separate dog and cat kennels, and inviting staff areas. Across both sites, our equipment includes DR X-ray, dental radiography, endoscopy, ultrasound, and an up-to-date laboratory, ensuring you have everything you need for high-quality care. The role provides a natural mix of consulting and surgery, and if your ideal job is consulting-only, we’re very happy to explore that with you. Our varied caseload includes routine procedures as well as more advanced surgeries such as TPLOs, cystotomies, and gastrotomies, with the option to refer when appropriate.

Where Support and Growth Go Hand in Hand

You’ll be joining a close-knit, supportive team of five vets, seven RVNs, and six receptionists who work collaboratively every day. Within the team, three certificate holders in ECC, dentistry, and small animal medicine offer hands-on mentorship and clinical insight. We also benefit from visiting specialists in orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and ultrasonography, giving you further opportunities to develop your skills. Our Clinical Director, based nearby at Cedarwood, offers additional support and a strong link to a wider network of colleagues. You will never feel isolated here; teamwork and shared learning shape every day.

Your Development Matters to Us

We’re committed to helping you grow, no matter where you are in your career. Support for certificates and further training is always available, and we’re proud to have played a key role in establishing the Suffolk Veterinary Society, which hosts regular CPD and networking events to bring the local veterinary community together.

Flexible Working That Fits Your Life

We value the wellbeing of our team as highly as the care we provide to our patients. That’s why we take a flexible and thoughtful approach to working patterns. We’re looking for someone to ideally work full time 40 hours per week across 4-5 days with a share in 1:5 Saturday mornings which is sole charge 8:30am – 1pm, with no out-of-hours work required. We’re more than happy to explore part time hours if that is your preference.

A Wonderful Place to Live and Work

Located in the heart of Suffolk, Stowmarket offers the perfect blend of rural charm and convenience. The town is home to weekly markets, independent shops, cosy cafés, and vibrant local pubs, all set against beautiful countryside and within easy reach of the Suffolk coastline. With direct train connections to London and close access to the A14, commuting is simple, and neighbouring Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich provide even more to enjoy. Whether you love scenic walks, a peaceful village lifestyle, or impromptu trips to the coast, this is an exceptional place to call home.

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 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

Haughley Veterinary Centre, Stowmarket

63 Old Street, Haughley, Stowmarket, IP14 3NT, 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.