IVC
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

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Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Otter Vets - Sidmouth, Devon
Salary
Up to £65,000 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.
Otter Vets, part of ivc, are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team in Sidmouth. Whether you’re an experienced Vet ready for a fresh challenge or looking to build your confidence and develop your skills, we’ll give you the support and freedom to shape the role around you. There’s plenty of scope to grow your own caseload, develop lasting relationships with clients and become a familiar and valued face within the local community.
Make the Role Your Own
We’re an established practice, but we’re not looking for someone to simply slot into a pre-defined role. We want you to bring your ideas, interests and personality with you and help shape what comes next.
- You’ll have the opportunity to build your own client base and develop the areas of clinical work that interest you most.
- If there’s a particular area you’d love to explore further, we’ll support you in developing those skills, including working towards a certificate if that’s something you’d like to pursue.
A Caseload with Plenty of Variety
- You’ll see a lovely mix of cases, predominantly cats and dogs alongside some small furries, with a good balance between consultations and surgery.
- Surgical work is largely routine, with dedicated operating days to give you the time and space to focus on your patients.
- If consultations are where you really thrive, we can also consider a consult-only role.
- Because we know the paperwork doesn’t disappear just because the consulting room is busy, you’ll have protected admin time to keep on top of your notes without feeling rushed.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Great People, Right Behind You
- Most importantly, you’ll be joining a team where people genuinely look out for each other. Kindness, teamwork and having someone to turn to when you need a second opinion are all part of how we work.
- There is some sole-charge work, but you’re never really on your own. Our Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary teams work closely together, alongside our sister practice, New Street Vets, giving you a wider network of colleagues and experience to draw on.
- Our fantastic nursing team is also a huge part of practice life, working alongside the Vets across consultations and surgery and helping everything run smoothly.
Everything You Need to Do Great Work
- The practice is well equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, tonometry and a full IDEXX suite, giving you the tools and confidence to work up your cases.
- And when you need additional support or expertise, it’s readily available.
Work That Works for You
- This is a 40-hour full-time role across four or five days, with just 1:4 Saturday mornings from 8:30am–1pm.
- There are no out-of-hours or on-call requirements.
- We’re also happy to consider part-time hours, school-time shifts or another flexible working pattern that works for you.


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How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and well-being. 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.
Salary
£0 - £65,000 a year
Salary up to £65,000 DOE
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