Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal
Dorset Coast Vets | Dorchester, Dorset
Salary up to £70,000 FTE DOE, up to £5,000 welcome bonus and up to £5,000 relocation allowance.
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.
Dorset Coast Vets is looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, growing team, offering an exciting opportunity to become part of a practice that genuinely values clinical freedom, professional autonomy and exceptional standards of patient care.
Based primarily at our Weymouth practice, with some time spent supporting our Dorchester site, this role offers the chance to work across two well-established clinics while building strong relationships with a loyal and expanding client base.
As a busy first-opinion small animal practice, we see a varied caseload that is predominantly canine, alongside cats and rabbits. The position offers an excellent balance of consultations and surgery, with flexibility available for those who would prefer a predominantly consulting role.
Practice Highlights
* Two well-established practices across Weymouth and Dorchester
* Varied first-opinion caseload with strong case continuity
* Predominantly canine caseload alongside cats and rabbits
* Excellent balance of consultations and surgery
* Flexibility for vets seeking a more consult-focused role
* Clinical freedom to work up and manage your own cases
* Endoscopy and laparoscopy facilities
* Digital and dental radiography
* Ultrasound and comprehensive in-house laboratory
* Access to hydrotherapy, laser therapy and physiotherapy services
* Team of 5 Veterinary Surgeons and 9 RVNs
* ECC certificate holder within the team
* Strong support for certificate study and clinical development
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Primary Care 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.
Working Pattern
* Full-time is 40 hours per week over 4 or 5 days
* 2 in 8 Saturdays, 8:30am – 4:30pm
* No weekends outside of the Saturday rota
* No out-of-hours or on-call commitment
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
* 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
How We’ll Support You
* 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 and 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 and RCVS fees
* Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
* Retail discounts and cashback offers
* Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets
£0 - £65,000 a year
Salary up to £65,000 DOE
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.
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