Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Cheltenham

Permanent Vet at Dragon Vets, Gloucestershire. Up to £70,000 (DOE). 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.

At Dragon Vets, we’re seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to join our group, which is composed of one main hospital and four satellite branches. We promote further growth and development within the team giving you access to a large client base, fantastic range of equipment, generous CPD and a supportive team. This role would require you to work under sole charge, meaning you’d need to be confident working under those conditions. This role would require you to work between our main hospital once per week, whilst covering shifts at our other branches. We can accommodate a consults only position if that would be your preference. We're also offering a welcome bonus of up to £5000 (pro rata) & up to £5000 for relocation.

Rota patterns that work for you. Our people are at the heart of everything that we do, that’s why we know that work-life balance is vital in supporting our people to be their best selves. We’re happy to offer flexibility to both part & full time applications. A typical full-time role would involve working an average of 37 hours per week over 4 days. You’ll be required to work 1:4 Saturday mornings. No out of hours or on call required.

More about us. Located in the heart of Cheltenham, renowned for horse racing and the thriving bar/restaurant scene, Dragon Vets is an established practice and has invested in specialist equipment including CT, DR, rigid/flexible endoscopy, high‑end Doppler ultrasonography and well‑equipped operating facilities including laparoscopic kits and TPLO kits, and much more. We have a team of 16 vets, including certificate holders with advanced practitioner status in small animal surgery, cardiology, and medicine, and value evidence-based medicine with regular clinical discussions and readily available colleague support. We function as more than a first‑opinion practice, often performing complex surgeries and treating intensive medical cases that may otherwise have been referred. Having been established for decades, we have a huge client base which comes with lots of variety in caseload. We have a dedicated, separate out‑of‑hours team - Vets Now - based within the same building, enabling 24‑hour care. Our nursing team is made up of 17 RVNS and 4 SVNs in various stages of their training.

Here’s what the team have to say: "I started at Dragon vets nine years ago working after school as an ACA. After leaving to go to vet school, I was welcomed back into the team as a new graduate vet in 2023. Dragon have given me a supportive and exciting start to my career. We are lucky to have the facilities in house to advance diagnostics and care beyond first opinion. I enjoy working with all the team and am proud to be a part of it." – Sofia, vet.

How You’ll Make a Difference. As a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload. You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You’ll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

• A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care

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. 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.