At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality veterinary care and manage a varied caseload in a supportive team.
- Company: Join Speyside Vets, part of the leading Inspiring Vet Care group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, relocation allowance, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with clear career pathways and ongoing development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health while enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Northeast Scotland.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and RCVS registration with experience in small animal practice.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 70000 £ per year.
Salary up to £70,000 DOE | Relocation Allowance up to £8,000. Speyside Vets are looking for a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive mixed practice in the heart of Northeast Scotland. This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a collaborative team while enjoying a varied caseload and flexibility to shape your role around your clinical interests.
Practice highlights:
- Two-site mixed practice located in Fochabers and Aberlour
- Approximate caseload split of 70% small animal, 15% farm, 15% equine
- Busy small animal caseload with strong surgical exposure, including orthopaedics
- Modern, well-equipped facilities across both sites
- Loyal and established client base with a strong community focus
- Supportive team of 5 vets, 5 RVNs, student nurse, and dedicated support staff
- Collaborative culture with strong case continuity and clinical autonomy
- Flexibility to tailor caseload towards small animal focus if preferred
We are a friendly and approachable team who pride ourselves on working together to deliver excellent patient care. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of your cases while benefiting from the support of experienced colleagues in a positive and team-focused environment.
About inspiring vet care
Inspiring vet care is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners. We believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Veterinary Surgeon, you will:
- Deliver high-quality consultations and surgical care, primarily within small animal practice
- Manage and work up cases to a high clinical standard with continuity of care
- Perform a range of surgical procedures, with opportunities to develop orthopaedic skills
- Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines where required
- Contribute to a positive team culture and shared clinical learning
Location & Lifestyle
Based in the beautiful Speyside region of Northeast Scotland, this role offers an exceptional quality of life alongside a rewarding veterinary career. Surrounded by the Cairngorms National Park and the Moray Firth coastline, the area is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors, with opportunities for hill walking, skiing, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and wildlife spotting right on your doorstep. The local communities of Fochabers and Aberlour offer a welcoming, close-knit feel with excellent schools and amenities, while larger towns such as Elgin are just a short drive away. With Aberdeen and Inverness both within easy reach, you’ll benefit from access to airports, shopping, and cultural attractions while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life.
At Speyside Vets, culture is just as important as clinical care. You’ll be joining a genuinely supportive and down-to-earth team that values collaboration, humour, and mutual respect — a place where everyone pitches in and where you can truly feel part of the team.
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys a varied caseload and working within a supportive team. You’ll bring:
- A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS
- Experience in small animal practice with confidence in routine surgery and medicine
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
- A proactive attitude towards learning and development
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
How We’ll Support You
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
- 6.8 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
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Fochabers employer: Ivc
Speyside Vets is an exceptional employer located in the stunning Speyside region of Northeast Scotland, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Veterinary Surgeons. With a focus on employee growth, the practice provides clear career pathways, funded learning opportunities, and a generous benefits package including private medical insurance and enhanced family leave. The team culture prioritises mutual respect and camaraderie, making it a fulfilling place to develop your veterinary career while enjoying the beautiful outdoors and close-knit community life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Fochabers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the practice thoroughly. Know their values, recent achievements, and what makes them unique. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Fochabers
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 small animal practice experience and any surgical skills you have, as this will show us you're a great fit for our team.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you're passionate about veterinary care and how you align with our values at Speyside Vets. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We love a collaborative culture, so make sure to mention any experiences where you've worked well in a team. Whether it's sharing knowledge or supporting colleagues, let us know how you contribute to a positive work environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivc
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal practice and surgical procedures. Familiarise yourself with common cases you might encounter at Speyside Vets, and be ready to discuss your experience with routine surgeries and any specific interests you have.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since the practice values collaboration and a positive team culture, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a supportive environment, as this will resonate well with their ethos.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice, such as their approach to case continuity or opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the practice aligns with your career goals.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Veterinary Care
Let your enthusiasm for veterinary medicine shine through during the interview. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to high-quality patient care and your proactive attitude towards learning and development, which are key traits they’re looking for.
