Veterinary Surgeon – 6-Month Contract, Meaningful Work – South East London – £48,000–£60,000
A brilliant short-term opportunity for a confident, adaptable Veterinary Surgeon to join a collaborative, well-equipped charitable pet hospital in South East London — making a real difference to pets and owners who need it most.
About the Hospital
This modern, well-equipped charitable pet hospital in South East London has been part of an organisation providing vital veterinary care to pets of people in financial hardship for over a century. It is a highly collaborative and effective working environment, with a team that values case discussion, shared learning and varied clinical interests.
Facilities include separate dog and cat kennelling, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment.
About the Role
This is a 6-month temporary contract, working 37.5 hours per week with flexible working options available.
The caseload is varied and wide-ranging across medical and surgical presentations — no two days are the same. You\'ll be working alongside an experienced, caring team in a genuinely supportive environment, with shared knowledge and collaborative decision-making at the heart of how they work.
Why South East London?
Thamesmead sits in South East London, well connected to the wider city via bus links and the Elizabeth line at nearby Abbey Wood — providing fast services into central London and beyond in under 30 minutes. The area is also well served by road via the A2 and A206, with easy access to the M25 for those travelling from Kent or Surrey. With significant regeneration and investment ongoing in the area, it is a genuinely exciting part of London to be working in right now.
What They\'re Looking For
They are looking for a qualified Veterinary Surgeon who is adaptable, resilient and clinically confident — comfortable managing a diverse caseload and making sound, evidence-based decisions. A genuine team player with excellent communication skills and a pragmatic, welfare-focused approach to doing what\'s right for every patient.
What They Can Offer You
- Salary £48,000–£60,000
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with option to buy or sell up to 5 additional days
- Three additional paid days annually — Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day
- 5 days CPD leave plus £1,000 CPD allowance, with extensive internal CPD and discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show
- Full RCVS fees paid
- Generous pension — contributions starting at 5% rising to 10%
- Life assurance at 4x annual salary
- Private medical cover and 24/7 AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Flexible working options
- Staff discounts on retail, holidays, lifestyle and pet insurance
South East London, Greater London, United Kingdom employer: Chattyvets
Chattyvets in Colchester is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its team members while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. With a unique opportunity for Veterinary Surgeons to transition into co-ownership, employees benefit from clinical leadership roles, profit-sharing, and equity growth, all within a community-focused environment that values high standards of care and innovation.
