Salary up to £65,000 DOE, Relocation Allowance up to £2,000 and Welcome Bonus up to £2,500
About the Role
Forest Lodge Vets is looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, down‑to‑earth team. We’re seeking someone who enjoys getting stuck into everyday practice life, values continuity of care and wants to feel genuinely involved in the cases they see and the team they work with.
A varied caseload with true case continuity: we see cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries and a range of exotic patients, most of whom are managed by our highly skilled nursing team. You’ll enjoy a good balance between consults and surgery, with the time and autonomy to work cases up properly and see them through from start to finish. Dedicated admin time is built in, allowing you to focus on quality care without feeling rushed.
Clinical freedom with excellent facilities: our surgical caseload is broad and interesting, including routine procedures, lump removals, foreign bodies, amputations, dentals, TPLOs and other orthopaedic cases. You’ll be well supported with digital X‑ray, ultrasound, K‑laser, Phovia lamp, dental X‑ray, multi‑parameter monitoring and an IDEXX‑supported in‑house lab, alongside our own on‑site lab technician.
Work Arrangement
Two sites: the main practice is based in New Milton, with time split between the main site and a branch surgery. There is real scope to be primarily based at the branch if preferred, offering autonomy and the chance to shape and develop the site. The New Milton practice is a converted house with a large extension and an upcoming full refurbishment, featuring a spacious reception, four consult rooms, theatre and prep area, X‑ray and dental suite, quiet office and study spaces, a comfortable staff room, on‑site parking and a lovely garden that some patients enjoy during warmer months.
Flexible working that fits around your life: the role is ideally 40 hours over four days, with a 1:6 Saturday rota (9 am–5 pm, sole charge). Part‑time applications of 20+ hours are warmly welcomed, including school hours or a gradual return to practice. There is no out‑of‑hours or on‑call work.
Team and Development
You’ll join a team of six vets, seven RVNs, an on‑site lab technician and a client care team led by our practice director. We have certificate holders in dermatology, dentistry and ECC, with visiting specialists in cardiology, orthopaedics and dentistry, and we’re very open to supporting further certificate study and CPD.
Location
New Milton offers an enviable lifestyle for those looking to relocate. Nestled between the New Forest National Park and the stunning south coast, it’s perfect for outdoor lovers, with walking, cycling and beaches all close by. The town itself has great local amenities, while Bournemouth, Southampton and excellent transport links are within easy reach, making it an ideal balance of countryside calm and coastal living.
Benefits
* Work‑life balance
* 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
* Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
* Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential helpline)
* Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
* £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave
* Certificate support and learning/development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
* Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
* All vets & nurses can apply for research funding; vets receive £1,250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
* Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme, Professional Memberships (BVA membership, VDS cover)
* Company pension scheme, with IVC Evidensia contribution
* Greener commute support: Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility criteria)
* Voluntary benefits and discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
* Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice
Additional Information
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analysing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgement. 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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