Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
Castle Veterinary Group | Castlewellan, County Down
Full-Time or Part-Time | Permanent
Salary £50,000 - £63,000 DOE (FTE)
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.
A Role Where You Can Make Your Mark
Castle Veterinary Group is seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our growing team in Castlewellan.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident and capable vet who is looking for more than just a routine clinical role. We're searching for someone who enjoys clinical autonomy, takes ownership of cases and wants to help shape the future of veterinary services within a thriving and progressive practice.
With a loyal client base, excellent facilities and a supportive team around you, this role offers the perfect environment to develop your career while making a genuine impact. Whether you're looking for a long-term home or a role that offers greater flexibility and professional fulfilment, we'd love to hear from you.
Build a Role Around Your Interests
At Castle Veterinary Group, we recognise that the best practices are built around the strengths and interests of the people within them. That's why we're particularly interested in speaking with vets who have areas of clinical interest they would like to further develop.
Whether your passion lies in surgery, dentistry, orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology or another specialist area, you'll be encouraged and supported to expand your expertise. We see this role as an opportunity not only to strengthen our existing services but also to develop new clinical offerings for the local community.
For vets who have additional qualifications or certificates, there is genuine scope to utilise and further develop those skills within the practice. Additional qualifications are highly desirable, and we welcome candidates who are keen to bring new ideas and services to the team.
A Progressive Practice with Excellent Facilities
You’ll be primarily based at our Castlewellan practice, with occasional support provided to our nearby Downpatrick site, giving you the benefits of being part of a wider clinical team while maintaining a strong base location.
Our practice is well equipped to support high-quality first-opinion medicine and surgery. Facilities include digital radiography, ultrasound, in-house laboratory and diagnostic equipment, alongside excellent orthopaedic facilities that allow us to manage a broad range of cases to a high standard.
We are committed to investing in both our facilities and our people, ensuring our team has access to the equipment, resources and support needed to provide outstanding patient care.
Join a Supportive and Ambitious Team
Castle Veterinary Group has built a strong reputation within the local community for delivering compassionate care and excellent clinical outcomes. As we continue to grow, we're looking for veterinary surgeons who want to be part of that journey.
You’ll join a collaborative team that values clinical excellence, teamwork and mutual support. Our nurses, receptionists and vets work closely together, creating a positive environment where everyone contributes to delivering an exceptional experience for clients and patients alike.
While this role offers a high degree of clinical freedom, you’ll have the reassurance of experienced colleagues and actively involved Clinical Directors who provide regular guidance, mentorship and support.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking an RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon with previous small animal practice experience who is comfortable managing a varied caseload and making clinical decisions independently.
This role is best suited to a vet who enjoys a busy first-opinion environment, values continuity of care and takes pride in building strong relationships with clients. You'll be proactive, personable and motivated to contribute to both the clinical and commercial success of the practice.
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who wants to play an active role in the continued development of the clinic and help us shape the next stage of its growth.
Flexibility That Works for You
We understand that every vet's ideal working pattern is different and are therefore happy to consider both full-time and part-time applications.
Part-time hours can be accommodated from approximately 20 hours per week, while full-time positions are based on up to 40 hours per week. The role includes participation in a fair shared 1 in 3 Saturday rota.
Importantly, there are no out-of-hours or on-call responsibilities, allowing you to enjoy a healthy work-life balance while still benefiting from the variety and satisfaction of a busy clinical caseload.
How We'll Support You
- 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
- 7 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
A Career Where You Can Make a Difference
This is more than just another veterinary role. It's an opportunity to join a practice with ambition, influence the future direction of the clinic, develop your own areas of interest and become part of a genuinely supportive team.
If you're an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon looking for clinical freedom, career progression, excellent facilities and a team that values your expertise, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Castle Veterinary Group and help shape the future of veterinary care in Castlewellan.
Up to £63,000 DOE (FTE)
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Contact Details:
Castle Veterinary Group, Co. Down Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Castlewellan
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Castle Veterinary Group, Co. Down often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Castle Veterinary Group, Co. Down
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Castle Veterinary Group, Co. Down. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Castle Veterinary Group, Co. Down.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Castle Veterinary Group, Co. Down.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Castle Veterinary Group, Co. Down.
