IVC
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
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Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
St Mary's Veterinary Clinic - Ferndown, Dorset
Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £5,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £5,000
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.
St Mary's Vets, part of ivc, has been caring for pets and supporting the local community for many years, earning a loyal client base and an excellent reputation along the way. We're now looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive team at an exciting time, helping to shape the future of the practice as we begin a new chapter alongside our sister practice, Aniwell Vets.
A Role with Variety, Autonomy and Clinical Freedom
If you enjoy the pace and diversity of first-opinion practice, this role offers the perfect blend of medicine, surgery and case continuity. You'll manage a varied caseload from initial presentation through to diagnosis and treatment, seeing everything from routine procedures to emergency and critical care. With the support of an experienced team and referral pathways whenever needed, you'll have the clinical freedom to deliver the highest standards of patient care while developing strong, lasting relationships with your clients.
Two Practices, One Supportive Team
As part of the merger with Aniwell Vets, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds, working across two well-established practices while benefiting from the knowledge, experience and collaboration of a larger clinical team. You'll care for a diverse caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits and the occasional exotic, with opportunities to share ideas, broaden your experience and contribute to the continued success of both practices.
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Equipped for Excellent Patient Care
You'll have access to everything you need to deliver exceptional clinical care, including digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and a fully equipped in-house laboratory. With a full refurbishment of St Mary's also planned, it's an exciting time to join as we continue investing in both our facilities and our people.
Work-Life Balance That Works for You
We know that flexibility is important. Full-time hours can be worked across four or five days, with part-time applications also welcomed. The rota includes just 1:3 Saturday mornings (8:30am–12:30pm), with no out-of-hours or on-call commitments.
Enjoy Life in Ferndown
Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Dorset countryside, Ferndown offers a fantastic balance of relaxed living and excellent connectivity. You'll be just a short drive from the award-winning beaches of Bournemouth, the stunning New Forest National Park and the Jurassic Coast, making it an ideal location for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. With a variety of cafés, shops, highly regarded schools and easy access to Southampton and Poole, Ferndown offers an exceptional lifestyle.
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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 and 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 and 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.
£0 - £80,000 a year
Salary up to £80,000 DOE
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