Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About The Role

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal Dorset Coast Vets - Dorchester, Dorset Salary up to £75,000 FTE DOE, up to £5,000 welcome bonus and up to £5,000 Relocation Allowance

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Dorset Coast Vets, part of ivc, are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and growing team. You’ll be based primarily at our Weymouth practice, with some time spent at our Dorchester site, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the variety of two well-established practices while becoming part of a supportive local team.

If you’re looking for a role with genuine clinical freedom, great client relationships and a lovely work-life balance, this could be a great fit.

A Varied First-Opinion Caseload

If you enjoy the variety that comes with first-opinion practice, you’ll feel right at home here. Our caseload is predominantly dogs, alongside cats and rabbits, giving you plenty of variety while allowing you to build strong relationships with your clients and follow your patients throughout their care.

You’ll enjoy a great balance of consultations and surgery, with the flexibility to make the role your own. If you particularly enjoy consulting, we’re also happy to consider a more consult-focused position.

Clinical Freedom & Great Facilities

We want you to have the freedom to investigate and manage your own cases while knowing that experienced colleagues are always around when you need them.

Our practices are well equipped with digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, laparoscopy and an in-house laboratory, alongside access to hydrotherapy, laser therapy and physiotherapy services. So, whether you’re working up a complex case or managing routine first-opinion work, you’ll have plenty of support and facilities around you.

A Team That Has Your Back

You’ll be joining a welcoming team of five Veterinary Surgeons and nine RVNs, alongside our dedicated Client Care Team and supportive Practice Director.

We have an ECC certificate holder already within the team and really value sharing knowledge and supporting one another. Whether you’re looking to broaden your clinical experience, develop a particular interest or work towards a certificate, CPD and further development are actively encouraged.

A Work-Life Balance That Works

We know that life outside of work matters too. Full-time hours are 40 hours per week across four or five days, while part-time applications from 18 hours per week are also welcomed.

The rota includes just 1 in 4 Saturdays (8:30am–4:30pm), with no additional weekend work, out-of-hours or on-call commitments.

Make Dorset Your Home

Weymouth offers beautiful sandy beaches, a picturesque harbour and a relaxed seaside lifestyle, while historic Dorchester is just a short distance away with plenty of shops, cafés and great transport links. With the Jurassic Coast, countryside and coastlines right on your doorstep, there are endless opportunities for walking, watersports and exploring, making this a brilliant place to enjoy both your career and your time away from work.

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, 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

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

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