An established, first-opinion small animal practice in the Southeast is seeking an experienced to join their stable, supportive team. This is a replacement role within a well-run practice with low staff turnover, strong clinical standards and a genuine focus on work–life balance. The team is not rushed to hire and is happy to wait for the right person.
Salary – £60,000 – £70,000
The exact salary within this banding will be awarded commensurate on experience.
Location
Salfords, Surrey
Established first-opinion small animal practice, opened in 2018 and extended in 2021. The practice is operating at capacity with a loyal, established client base and high standards of care.
The Role
1. 4-day working week
2. 10-hour days with a paid 30-minute lunch
3. Vets finish at 6:30pm; phones off after 6pm
4. Opportunity to leave early if work is completed
5. Part-time considered alongside another hire
Weekend rota:
6. 1 in 3 Saturdays (8am–4pm)
7. TOIL for each Saturday worked
8. Potential to move to 1 in 6 Saturdays if an additional part-time vet joins
Working pattern:
9. Mix of consulting and operating
10. 15-minute consults as standard
11. Longer consults for complex cases, new clients and euthanasia
12. Blocked end-of-day admin time
13. Same-day appointments always held back
Out-of-hours:
14. Currently supported via a sister hospital
15. Long-term plan to move to fully in-house 24/7 care at group level
Candidate Requirements
16. Experienced, self-sufficient GP veterinary surgeon
17. Confident managing their own caseload
18. Comfortable with routine soft tissue surgery and dentals
19. Able to “hit the ground running” without placing pressure on the team
20. Happy to support and potentially train new graduates in the future
21. Openness to mentoring or GDP Adviser responsibilities is advantageous but not essential
Special interests such as dermatology, surgery, behaviour or cardiology are welcomed, the role can be shaped accordingly.
Practice Overview
22. First-opinion small animal practice
23. Stable team with low staff turnover
24. Strong leadership with an organised, structured and supportive management style
25. Excellent nurse, reception and PCA support on site
Facilities include:
26. Ultrasound
27. Dental X-ray (separate prep room)
28. Laser
29. Diathermy
30. Suction
31. Video equipment
32. Separate theatre and prep areas
33. Access to endoscopy and advanced equipment at a sister branch
Across the wider group there are certificate holders and special interests in dermatology, behaviour, cardiology, orthopaedics and exotics.
Culture and Development
34. Open-door, supportive culture
35. Daily case discussion encouraged
36. Strong mentoring environment
37. Emphasis on finishing on time and maintaining balance
38. Collaborative team that covers for one another
39. Christmas and summer social events
The practice prides itself on non-corporate values, flexibility, high clinical standards and long-term stability.
Benefits
40. Salary: £45,000 – £70,000 DOE
41. 4-day working week
42. 5 weeks holiday, increasing with service
43. Option to buy an additional week of leave
44. January / February annual leave incentive
45. £1,500 CPD allowance plus paid CPD leave
46. Certificate support available
47. RCVS fees plus one additional membership paid
48. Staff discounts on treatments, food and products
49. Direct insurance claims supported
Next steps: