At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional care to small animals and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, relocation allowance, 6.6 weeks holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, career development opportunities, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal health while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle in Hove.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and RCVS registration, with experience in clinical practice.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Up to £65,000 DOE, plus up to £5,000 relocation allowance. 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.
Acorn Veterinary Surgery is a thriving two-site practice with state-of-the-art equipment including an in-house laboratory, digital x-ray, ultrasound, digital dental x-ray, and a dedicated operating theatre. Our main site is situated on Portland Road in Hove, with a branch practice in Hangleton. You’ll join a passionate team of 4 Veterinary Surgeons and 7 Registered Veterinary Nurses working across both sites. Shifts at the branch practice involve sole charge alongside a Veterinary Nurse, supporting a close‑knit community practice. Both locations offer an excellent quality of life. The Hove practice is just a five‑minute walk from the seafront and only ten minutes by car from the South Downs. With vibrant Brighton on the doorstep and excellent transport links to London, it’s a fantastic place to live and work.
At Acorn, we pride ourselves on being a close‑knit, supportive team where collaboration is key and every voice is valued. Our modern facilities and RCVS accreditation enable us to deliver exceptional patient care, while our welcoming team ensures you’ll feel supported from your very first day. If you’re looking for a role that offers flexibility, development, and the opportunity to thrive within a friendly practice, we’d love to hear from you.
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.
Working Pattern
- 28‑37 hours per week
- 3‑4 days per week, 8:00am – 6:00pm
- No out‑of‑hours
- 1 in 4 Saturday mornings
General Responsibilities
- Deliver first‑opinion consultations and routine surgical procedures
- Perform dental procedures and medical work‑ups
- Build strong client relationships through continuity of care
- Work collaboratively with the wider clinical team
- Develop your clinical interests in your preferred area of expertise
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 and 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 Hove employer: Ivc
At Acorn Veterinary Surgery, we prioritise our people and their professional growth, making us an exceptional employer in the veterinary field. With state-of-the-art facilities in Hove and Hangleton, we offer a supportive, collaborative work culture that values every team member's input. Our commitment to career development, flexible working patterns, and a vibrant location near the seafront and South Downs ensures a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle for our staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Hove
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal at Ivc.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Ivc!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like Ivc.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal at Ivc, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal at Ivc. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Ivc will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivc
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
