Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Salary up to £65,000 DOE plus Relocation Allowance up to £3,000

Avondale Vets is looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive small animal team in Strathaven. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a progressive, purpose-built practice where collaboration, clinical excellence, and exceptional patient care are at the heart of everything we do. You'll enjoy a varied first-opinion caseload with a rewarding balance of consultations, surgery, and diagnostics, while working alongside an experienced team who are passionate about learning and supporting one another.

Whether you're looking to develop your surgical skills, pursue a postgraduate certificate, or simply join a practice with a genuine focus on teamwork and work-life balance, Avondale Vets offers the support and flexibility to help you thrive.

Practice Highlights

• Purpose-built small animal practice based at the Strathaven Rural Centre
• Varied first-opinion caseload with an excellent balance of consultations and surgery
• Well-equipped facilities including digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, in-house laboratory, and laparoscopic surgery
• Expanding orthopaedic service, including TPLO procedures
• Supportive clinical team with certificate holders and colleagues currently undertaking postgraduate qualifications in Surgery/Orthopaedics and Cardiology
• Proud RVN training practice with a strong whole-team approach to patient care and learning
• Friendly, collaborative culture with regular social events and strong community involvement
• Encouragement and support to develop your own clinical interests and career aspirations

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 healthier animals and 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, you'll play an important role in delivering exceptional clinical care while contributing to a supportive and collaborative team environment.

You'll be responsible for:

• Delivering high-quality small animal veterinary care across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics
• Managing a varied first-opinion caseload with clinical freedom and support from experienced colleagues
• Working collaboratively with the wider clinical and nursing teams to provide outstanding patient care
• Building lasting relationships with clients through excellent communication and continuity of care
• Supporting and mentoring student nurses as part of our training practice culture
• Developing your own clinical interests with encouragement and support from an experienced team

Working Pattern

• 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to work across 4 or 5 days
• Working hours of 8:00am-7:00pm
• Flexible rota options available to support a healthy work-life balance
• 1 in 4 Saturday mornings (8:30am-12:00pm)
• No out-of-hours responsibilities, with Vets Now Glasgow providing emergency and OOH cover
• Part-time applications are warmly welcomed, and we're happy to discuss flexible working arrangements

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

Our Team

You'll be joining a welcoming and experienced small animal team consisting of 2 full-time and 2 part-time Veterinary Surgeons, supported by a highly skilled nursing team including a Head Veterinary Nurse, RVNs, an SVN, and an Animal Care Assistant.

Led by our experienced Small Animal Clinical Director, who has been with the practice for over 13 years, the team has a strong focus on collaboration, mentorship, and continuous clinical development.

Life in Strathaven

Located in the heart of South Lanarkshire, Strathaven offers the best of both worlds—beautiful countryside surroundings with Glasgow less than an hour away. The town is known for its welcoming community, excellent schools, independent cafés and shops, and easy access to walking, cycling, and outdoor pursuits.

Whether you're looking for a relaxed rural lifestyle or the convenience of nearby city amenities, Strathaven is a fantastic place to build both your career and your life.

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

• 6.8 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

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