Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Permanent vet needed for Oakham Vets, Rutland Up to £41,000 (DOE) At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

As a Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload. You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You’ll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.

About Us Oakham Veterinary Hospital is a long-established practice on the outskirts of Oakham, Rutland. Our premises are purpose-built, offering extensive facilities and diagnostic equipment including CT, ultrasonography, dental radiography, diathermy and equipment to enable us to perform procedures such as laparoscopic bitch spays and complex orthopaedic surgeries. We have a clinical association with the University of Nottingham Vet School, giving us access to leading specialists. With a number of certificate holders amongst the clinical team, including cardiology, surgery, medicine, orthopaedics and advanced nursing certificates, including anaesthesia, we encourage and support the ongoing development of each team member.

Currently we have 8 veterinary surgeons, nursing team of 14 (including SVNs), a hospital assistant, 8 client care. Across the team, we have certificate holders in small animal surgery, medicine and cardiology. Whilst a first-opinion practice, we offer a referral service for cardiology and orthopaedic cases; given the number of certificate holders and extensive clinical experience, we can offer a complete veterinary service.

How You’ll Make a Difference As a Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload.

You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You’ll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivering high-standard consultations, surgical procedures, and inpatient care for a diverse first-opinion caseload alongside our cardiology and orthopaedic referral services
• Managing diagnostic investigations and medical work-ups using our advanced in-house facilities, including CT, ultrasonography, dental radiography, and laparoscopic equipment
• Upholding robust clinical governance in accordance with RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) requirements, including active engagement in clinical audits, morbidity and mortality reviews, and significant event audits
• Working a 40-hour week structured across a 4-day pattern (10-hour shifts), alongside a shared on-call and out-of-hours rota providing dedicated 24-hour emergency care tailored with support to your level of clinical experience

You Might Be a Great Fit If... You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to delivering high-quality patient and client care. You’ll bring:

• A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care

How We’ll Support You At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Up to £41,000 (DOE)