Overview
Salary up to £65,000 DOE. Kernow Vets are looking for a friendly and approachable Veterinary Surgeon to join our experienced, welcoming team. We’re proud of our supportive culture, collaborative mindset and strong client relationships. With five practices across the group, there may be some opportunity to support neighbouring sites when needed, though we always aim to keep travel as local as possible.
Responsibilities
Varied caseloads include cats, dogs, small furries and the occasional chicken or tortoise, offering plenty of variety. You’ll spend a minimum of one day per week in theatre, with the remainder focused on consultations, allowing for meaningful case continuity. You’ll be encouraged to develop areas of clinical interest wherever possible. Surgical work ranges from routine procedures and dentals through to ECC and more complex cases, with orthopaedics referred locally to an IVC practice with a certificate holder. The practice is well equipped with digital X-ray, handheld dental X-ray, ultrasound, multiparameter monitoring, tonometry and slit lamp facilities, supporting thorough work-ups and high-quality care.
A Main Branch Designed for Teamwork
Our main branch in Lostwithiel is a large, converted practice just off the A390 and close to the town centre. Inside, you’ll find a spacious reception with separate waiting areas, five consulting rooms including a dedicated cat consult (silver ISFM practice), a prep room with two theatres, separate cat and dog wards, an isolation ward, X-ray and dental suites, a full in-house lab, dispensary, quiet admin offices, a large staff room and convenient on-site parking.
Rota and Balance
Full-time hours are 40 per week over four days, with a 1 in 5 late shift finishing at 10pm. Weekends are shared on a 1 in 12 rota, working 8am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays, including inpatient care supported by our dedicated nursing team. Overnight emergency cover is provided by our night vet in collaboration with a neighbouring IVC practice, ensuring excellent patient care without compromising work-life balance. Part-time applications of 20 hours or more are welcomed, with shared responsibility for weekends and out-of-hours. Weekend work involves sole charge, so confidence in this setting is important, though support and mentoring are always close at hand.
Team and Support
Across the group, you’ll be joining 18 Veterinary Surgeons, 25 RVNs and a brilliant client care team. Our vets range from new graduates to colleagues with over 40 years’ experience, with certificate holders in emergency medicine, dermatology and behaviour. An interest in ophthalmology would be welcomed but is not essential, and we’re happy to support further certificate study. Regular clinical meetings keep communication open and everyone connected.
Life in Lostwithiel
Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, Lostwithiel offers countryside charm, riverside walks and easy access to Cornwall’s stunning coastline. With a strong local community, beautiful landscapes and a relaxed pace of life, it’s an ideal location for those seeking balance, space and quality of living outside of work.
What We Offer
* Competitive base salary and benefits package
* Work-life balance with 6.6 weeks annual leave (pro rata, including bank holidays)
* Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
* Private Medical Insurance and Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential helpline)
* Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
* CPD allowance (£1,250) with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
* Certificate support and learning via the IVC Evidensia Academy
* Access to Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia; research funding opportunities
* Care Fund funding (£1,250 per annum) and Infection Prevention/Quality Improvement programmes
* BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees
* Cycle to Work and Green Cars schemes, voluntary benefits and discounts
* Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice
Note: We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process. 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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