At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality care for small animals, including consultations and surgeries.
- Company: St Mary's Veterinary Clinic, a well-established practice in Ferndown.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, £5,000 welcome bonus, 6.6 weeks holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Exciting refurbishment planned, with clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real difference in animal care.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and RCVS registration; experience in clinical practice preferred.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
St Mary's Vets is a well‑established, single‑site practice with a loyal client base, strong local reputation, and a fantastic first‑opinion caseload. This is an excellent opportunity for a vet who enjoys the variety and continuity that comes with GP practice, while having the support and resources to deliver a high standard of care. The role offers a great balance of consultations and surgery, with the opportunity to work cases up thoroughly in‑house, from routine procedures through to more complex medical and emergency cases. You’ll have the clinical freedom to manage your own cases while also benefiting from referral support when needed.
We’re looking for a confident vet who is comfortable with sole charge and enjoys working with a varied caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits, and the occasional exotic patient. The practice is well‑equipped with modern facilities including digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, and a fully equipped in‑house laboratory. Excitingly, the practice is also due to undergo a full refurbishment, making this a great time to join and be part of its next chapter.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Primary Care 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.
Monday to Friday 9:00 - 18:30 (1 half day during the week 9:00 - 13:00 to be arranged) 1 in 3 Saturday mornings 8:30 - 12:30 No OOH or on call Open to part‑time candidates
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to delivering high‑quality patient and client care. You’ll bring:
- 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
How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and well‑being. 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.
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown employer: Inspiring Vet Care
St Mary's Veterinary Clinic in Ferndown, Dorset, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its veterinary team. With a strong local reputation, modern facilities, and a commitment to continuous learning, employees enjoy a collaborative work culture that fosters both personal and professional development. The practice offers generous benefits, including a competitive salary, funded CPD, and a supportive environment for clinical interests, making it an ideal place for passionate veterinary surgeons to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you feel more confident. Focus on showcasing your clinical skills and how you can contribute to the team at St Mary's Vets.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job you like, don’t wait around. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for animal care! During interviews, share specific examples of cases you've handled and how you’ve made a difference. This will highlight your commitment to high-quality patient care and teamwork.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match what we're looking for in a Veterinary Surgeon. Highlight your clinical experience, especially with small animals, and any special interests you have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you're passionate about veterinary care and how you can contribute to our team at St Mary's. Don't forget to mention your approach to client relationships and teamwork.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your confidence in handling a varied caseload. Include examples of cases you've managed independently and how you've collaborated with colleagues. This will help us understand your clinical style and teamwork abilities.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of it during the hiring process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiring Vet Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially regarding small animals. Be prepared to discuss common procedures, medical cases, and any recent advancements in veterinary medicine that could be relevant to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a vet, you'll need to communicate effectively with both clients and colleagues. Practice explaining complex medical terms in simple language, and think of examples where you've successfully built relationships with pet owners or worked collaboratively with your team.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for animal care shine through during the interview. Share stories about your experiences with different species, particularly those mentioned in the job description, like cats, dogs, and rabbits. This will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the practice, such as their approach to continuing education or how they support their vets in developing clinical interests. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the practice aligns with your career goals.
