Veterinary Surgeon

Enjoy the variety of first-opinion practice, with the clinical freedom to manage your cases and a genuine voice in how the business develops.

An independent, owner-led practice in Kent is looking for an experienced small animal vet to join as its third Veterinary Surgeon.

This relatively new practice has built a growing client base and an increasingly varied caseload. This is a chance to join while there is still plenty to shape, combining well-equipped clinical facilities with the opportunity to contribute ideas, develop an interest and help introduce services as the practice evolves.

Independent ownership, everyday involvement

The practice is co-owned by its Lead Vet, Deputy Nurse and Practice Manager, who all work within the team, alongside a Managing Director who is an experienced veterinary surgeon and practice owner. Decision-makers are involved in day-to-day practice life, with regular team meetings and an open approach to suggestions.

You can expect your ideas to be heard and discussed, with decisions guided by the needs of patients, clients and colleagues. The aim is to build a lasting community practice where returning clients know the people caring for their pets.

Good GP work, with support when you need it

Your caseload will span preventative healthcare, consultations, medical work-ups, routine surgery and emergency procedures. As the practice becomes more established, the team is seeing more returning clients and increasingly complex cases, offering scope for continuity of care and clinical development.

The Lead Vet holds a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and supports colleagues with more complex surgical cases. An experienced visiting surgeon also enables a range of orthopaedic procedures to remain in-house. If you are medicine or imaging bias then this could also be the perfect fit but not essential.

You will work alongside an experienced, growing nursing team, with a collaborative approach that makes good use of everyone’s skills. Newly refurbished clinical areas include digital radiography, ultrasound, a dedicated theatre and preparation area, a separate dental suite with dental radiography, isolation facilities, and separate cat and dog waiting areas. Further investment and improvements are planned.

About you

You will bring a solid postgraduate grounding in small animal first-opinion practice, confidence managing your own cases, and comfort with routine surgery and consultations.

There is no requirement for a certificate or specialist interest. Whether you particularly enjoy medicine, surgery, imaging or the breadth of general practice, what matters is sound capability across core GP work, a collaborative approach and an interest in contributing to the practice’s long-term development.

The package

The salary is £45,000–£70,000 depending on experience. The working pattern is a four-day week with one in three Saturdays, averaging 40 hours per week, with no routine out-of-hours.

You will receive 5.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays, with time off in lieu for any bank holidays worked. RCVS and VDS fees are paid, and CPD is supported and encouraged.

Visa Sponsorship Available.

Life in Kent

The practice is surrounding by Kent countryside, woodland and walking routes, with useful connections further afield. Maidstone and Tonbridge just a short commute away. London in less than an hour away by train, while the coast and Gatwick Airport are around an hour away.

If you want clinical freedom, varied GP work and the chance to help shape an independent practice, apply to arrange a conversation and explore the opportunity to visit and meet the team.

For further information, an informal chat, or to apply, please email Debbie Loding at Debbie@vettedrecruitment.co.uk or 07384 551799 today.

You must be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and eligible to register with the RCVS to be considered for this role.

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