Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon – Independent Hospital
£45,000 – £75,000 DOE
Full-time / Permanent
Chelmsford, Essex
Are you an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon looking for a long-term role within a respected, independent hospital?
Are you confident working independently while valuing collaboration, mentoring, and continuous professional development?
An independent, RCVS-accredited Hospital, set on the outskirts of Chelmsford are seeking a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join its established and highly stable clinical team.
The independent hospital is ran by three vets who work alongside the team, while also supporting two of their branch clinics based locally. The site provides a supportive environment for students, interns, and newly qualified vets, guided by VetGDP advisors and a highly experienced veterinary and nursing team. They have an exceptional staff retention rate with many of the team members having worked at the hospital for over 20 years as well as having interns return to work at the hospital long-term.
The hospital benefits from excellent facilities allowing a diverse caseload with most work carried out in-house. They continue to expand their clinical offering, with vets recently completing laparoscopic surgery training and beginning to offer laparoscopic spay procedures.
Services include:
Routine and preventative care (vaccinations, health checks, microchipping, parasite control)
Consultations in practice and home visits
Dedicated consultation slots for reactive dogs
Soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, including in-house TPLO
Diagnostic imaging: digital radiography, video endoscopy, ultrasound including Doppler
Cardiology diagnostics led by a certificate holder in Cardiology
Dental procedures in a dedicated dental X-ray suite
Therapeutic services including hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, laser therapy, and massage
Animal Health Certification via Official Veterinarians
Specialist nurse-led clinics, including weight management and diabetes
The Role:
The role is predominantly based at the main hospital, with approximately one day per week at a branch clinic, allowing continuity of care and strong client relationships.
This is a hands-on small animal role involving consultations, surgery, and case continuity. You will be expected to work confidently and independently when required, while also contributing to a supportive and collaborative team environment.
Candidate Requirements:
Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Veterinary Surgeon
Confident across consultations an d routine surgery
Comfortable working independently and in sole-charge situations
No specific certificates required although being a VetGDP advisor is advantageous
What’s in it for you?
Salary £45,000 – £75,000 DOE
Competitive annual leave package
5 days CPD with a £2,000 annual allowance
RCVS and VDS fees covered
Opportunity to work in a well-equipped hospital with an outstanding reputation
Long-term career prospects within a genuinely independent practice
Working Hours:
40 hours per week, flexible to consider part time applications
Weekends on rotation
Happy to discuss individual requirements
Location:
The surgery is Iocated on the outskirts of Chelmsford with excellent transport links to North East London, Southend-On-Sea, Harlow, Romford and surrounding areas.
Want to apply or want more information?
Once you submit your CV, someone will be in contact with feedback and an option for an informal chat within 2 working days.
Feel free to call Compass Associates mainline and ask for Carina Walker, though information will be limited without a CV.
Recommendations
Compass Associates Ltd are working in partnership on this position. If you are not interested, but know someone who is, we offer £500 vouchers for each successful recommendation.