Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Debenham

A practice that feels different… because it is. If you’re looking for a role where you can truly grow as a clinician, feel supported by an exceptional team, and work in a beautiful, purpose-built environment, this is something a little bit special. Set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, Debenham Vets is not your typical veterinary practice. Privately owned, genuinely independent, and purpose-built with both people and patients in mind, this is a place where clinical excellence meets a truly supportive culture.

Think beautiful surroundings, thoughtfully designed spaces, and a team that genuinely enjoys working together. So what really makes Debenham stand out? It’s a rare opportunity to work in a practice that offers both first-opinion and referral services under one roof. That means you’re not just managing routine cases; you’re surrounded by advanced expertise, with daily opportunities to learn, collaborate, and develop your skills further.

A team that makes the difference. At the centre of everything is a genuinely collaborative team. The first opinion service is led by Heather Collinson, a highly experienced clinician with a certificate in small animal medicine, working alongside a team of five vets with a wide range of interests and additional qualifications in imaging, emergency care, feline medicine, neurology, and cardiology. Alongside them sits an exceptional referral team, including multiple Advanced Practitioners in ophthalmology, an established surgical referral service performing complex soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures, a dedicated dermatology service, advanced imaging support, and a radioactive iodine referral service.

But what matters most isn’t just the qualifications—it’s how the team works together. There’s an open, supportive culture with fortnightly clinical governance meetings and case and paper reviews, where ideas are shared, and everyone is encouraged to contribute. Weekly practice meetings bring the whole team together, creating space for both clinical discussion and connection, while initiatives such as the Above & Beyond Award reflect how much people here value and recognise each other. You’ll never feel like you’re working in isolation, and you’ll always have someone to turn to when you want a second opinion or a bit of guidance.

A place that invests in people. Development at Debenham isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of the fabric of the practice. If you’re keen to progress, you’ll be supported to do so. Certificates are encouraged and funded, CPD is taken seriously, and there’s a real focus on helping people build both confidence and capability. Alongside external CPD, the practice also runs in-house learning and events within its dedicated function room, creating regular opportunities to learn together and share knowledge across the team.

With access to advanced facilities including CT, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and a well-equipped in-house laboratory, you’re surrounded by the tools and expertise to work cases up properly, collaborate, and take your skills further every day. As one team member put it, "You can push your skills to the level you want", and that really sums it up.

A role where you can really grow. This role would suit a vet who has completed their VetGDP, is comfortable with general practice, and is looking for an environment where they can continue to develop. You’ll enjoy a balanced mix of consulting and surgery, with at least one dedicated operating day most weeks. The position is based on a 4-day week with a set day off. There’s a shared 1:6 weekend rota and a weeknight on-call commitment of 4 nights in every 6 weeks.

You’ll be well supported by an experienced, structured nursing team that plays a central role in patient care across both first-opinion and referral services. The nursing team is large and highly skilled, with multiple Senior RVNs leading areas including anaesthesia, imaging, wards, pharmacy, surgical referrals, and first-opinion theatre work, ensuring strong clinical support across all departments. Across the wider team, several nurses hold additional qualifications and certificates in areas such as emergency and critical care, feline nursing, behaviour, anaesthesia, and imaging, alongside ongoing CPD and clinical development.

For out-of-hours care, you’re supported by a calm, confident nursing presence and clear communication channels, helping ensure continuity of care and strong inpatient monitoring throughout the night. The on-call is supported by the wider clinical team and experienced nursing structure, meaning you’re never managing things alone.

Life beyond the practice. Outside of work, there’s the option of a slower pace of life, with countryside walks and nearby villages offering a strong sense of community. Alternatively, you’re within easy reach of local towns, coastal getaways, and destinations such as Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Norwich, and London. It’s the kind of place where you can genuinely switch off at the end of the day.

Within the team, there’s also a strong social side, including informal get-togethers, practice events, or the slightly more competitive bake-offs and seasonal challenges that have become part of life at Debenham.

What’s on offer:

• Salary of £38,000 – £75,000 DOE
• 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays
• RCVS & VDS fees paid
• CPD actively encouraged, with certificates supported and funded
• Company pension
• Visa sponsorship available
• Potential short-term accommodation available if relocating

Interested? If you’re ready to join a practice where you can grow, belong, and rediscover why you became a vet—we’d love to hear from you. Come and see what makes Debenham Vets so special.