Opportunities in Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland, United Kingdom

Salary up to £60,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £2,000 plus Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

Here at Academy Vets, we are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and experienced team in Southwest Scotland. We are a busy RCVS-accredited mixed practice, offering a genuinely varied caseload across farm, small animal, and equine work. No two days are the same, with a mix of dairy fertility, herd health planning, small animal consulting and surgery, equine work, and production animal medicine.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys variety and wants to develop skills across multiple species within a supportive and well-established team.

Practice Highlights:

• RCVS-accredited mixed practice (farm, small animal, and equine)
• 10-vet team across 2 branches (Stranraer main site + Newton Stewart branch)
• Experienced clinical team including 1 certificate holder in Cattle Health & Production
• 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 3 Auxiliary Nurses, and 5 Receptionists
• Strong farm and small animal caseload with equine involvement
• Modern diagnostic equipment including small and large animal ultrasound, digital radiography, bull and tup fertility kit, and IDEXX suite
• Supportive environment with encouragement for certificates and further qualifications (e.g. DBR)

About inspiring vet care

Inspiring vet care is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners. We believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Veterinary Surgeon at Academy Vets, you’ll work as part of a collaborative mixed practice team, delivering high-quality care across a varied caseload.

• Provide clinical care across farm, small animal, and equine cases
• Deliver consultations, surgical procedures, and herd health planning
• Participate in the out-of-hours rota and weekend cover
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across both branches
• Contribute to clinical discussions and continuous improvement within the team

Working Pattern:

• Full-time: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–6:00pm (1-hour lunch break)
• Weekend rota included (approximately 2:10 OOH rota)
• Time off in lieu following on-call weekends (half day Friday after first on-call weekend)
• Two vets on call for backup support
• Flexible working options considered where possible

Life in Southwest Scotland

Based in the beautiful Galloway region, Academy Vets is surrounded by stunning coastline, beaches, and the Southern Uplands. The area offers an outstanding quality of life for those who enjoy the outdoors, with opportunities for walking, camping, paddleboarding, and exploring some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys the variety of mixed practice and working as part of a close-knit team. You’ll bring:

• A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility) with the RCVS
• Experience or strong interest in mixed practice (farm, small animal, equine)
• Good clinical skills in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build client relationships
• A proactive, adaptable, and team-focused approach

Unfortunately, this role is not suitable for new graduates or vets requiring a structured graduate development programme. Please refer to our IVC Graduate Academy.

How We’ll Support You

We’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets