Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent position offering 37 hours per week across a varied and rewarding small animal caseload. You'll work a flexible pattern: three 10-hour weekdays (with one hour unpaid lunch), one 5-hour weekday, and a shared 1-in-4 weekend rota (alternating between Saturday 8:30am to 3pm and Saturday/Sunday 9am to 7pm with a weekday in lieu). The practice values thorough patient care, with 20-minute consultations as standard to allow proper work-ups and surgery time.

You'll be joining a close-knit clinical team of 20 vets, 12 RVNs, and 12 VCAs/SVNs across three practices. The practice has earned a reputation for excellence, with certificate holders in Surgery (3), Medicine (4), Cardiology (1), Ophthalmology (2), Emergency and Critical Care (1), and one vet studying for Dermatology. East Dulwich offers a vibrant south London location with the practice positioned across from Peckham Rye Park.

As a Veterinary Surgeon, you'll deliver high-standard patient and clinical care while contributing to the supportive, continuous-improvement culture. The practice uses premium anaesthetic protocols, comprehensive monitoring, and a collaborative approach to training and incident review.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard medical and surgical care across a varied small animal caseload
• Conduct thorough consultations and work-ups within allocated time slots
• Collaborate with the wider clinical team, including mentors and regional coaches, to develop clinical interests
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues, supporting their ongoing development
• Work flexibly within a busy, sometimes high-pressure environment while managing time and priorities effectively
• Contribute to a supportive clinical culture of continuous improvement and incident review
• Maintain professional standards of patient and client care

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Confidence in your clinical abilities and a proactive approach to learning
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Openness to feedback and professional development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work in a busy environment and manage competing priorities

Benefits

• Salary up to £75,000 dependent on experience, plus welcome bonus of up to £1,000 and relocation allowance of up to £1,500
• 6.8 weeks' holiday annually, including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay covering maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks

About the Practice

The Neighbourhood Vet began as a single practice in East Dulwich 14 years ago, expanding to three practices with a team of 20 vets, 12 RVNs, 12 VCAs/SVNs, and 28 support staff. The practice originated from a derelict former art gallery; through significant planning and renovation, it now features a comfortable waiting area, dedicated surgery, x-ray room, three consulting rooms, and separate dog and cat wards. Part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with over 2 million animals, the practice is committed to delivering healthier animals and happier owners through high-quality clinical care and staff wellbeing initiatives.