Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Christopher Carter Vets - Southampton
Salary up to £75,000 DOE, up to £5,000 welcome bonus 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.
Christopher Carter Vets, part of ivc, are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive team. Established for over 45 years, we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients and the continuity of care we provide to our patients.
A Varied GP Caseload
Our caseload is predominantly cats and dogs, alongside a growing number of rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and even the occasional chicken. There is a slight bias towards consultations, making this a great role for a vet who enjoys getting to know their clients, building lasting relationships and following their patients throughout their journey with us.
There’s plenty of routine first opinion work alongside some emergency cases. We also see a number of dental cases, so an interest in dentistry would be beneficial but not essential.
If consulting is where you really enjoy spending your time, we’re also open to consult-only vets.
A Team That Has Your Back
You’ll be joining a stable team of six vets, eight RVNs and SVNs, three receptionists and our Director of Practice/RVN. We’re a close-knit team who genuinely enjoy working together and supporting one another.
Our experienced nursing team is hands-on and works closely alongside our vets, so you’ll always have plenty of support around you when you need it.
Facilities to Support Your Practice
Based in a converted house just outside Shirley, our practice has an in-house laboratory, X-ray including dental X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, multiparameters and diathermy. We also have great links with our two closest referral hospitals, giving you access to additional support whenever needed.
Develop Your Career With Us
We already have a certificate holder in Small Animal Surgery within the practice and would be happy to support another vet looking to pursue a certificate. Whether you have a particular area you’d like to develop or simply want to continue building your GP experience, we’re happy to support your ambitions.
A Work-Life Balance That Works
This is a full-time role over four days, with 1:4 Saturday mornings (9am-12pm) on a sole-charge basis. We’re also happy to consider part-time applicants working 30+ hours per week.
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 & 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.
Up to £75,000 pa DOE
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Southampton employer: Christopher Carter Veterinary Surgeons
At inspiring vet care, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and collaborative employer, dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our team members. As a Student Veterinary Nurse in Southampton, you'll benefit from structured training towards becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse, alongside clear career pathways and ongoing development opportunities. With a focus on a values-led culture, generous annual leave, and a range of employee benefits, we ensure that our staff feel valued and empowered to make a difference in animal care.
Contact Details:
Christopher Carter Veterinary Surgeons Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Southampton
✨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 Christopher Carter Veterinary Surgeons 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 Christopher Carter Veterinary Surgeons
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Christopher Carter Veterinary Surgeons. 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 Christopher Carter Veterinary Surgeons.
✨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 Christopher Carter Veterinary Surgeons.
✨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 Christopher Carter Veterinary Surgeons.
