At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide top-notch care for cats, dogs, and small furries.
- Company: Otter Vets, part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary care group.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, £5,000 welcome bonus, 6.6 weeks holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and RCVS registration, with experience in clinical practice.
The predicted salary is between 35500 - 90000 £ per year.
Salary up to £65,000 DOE, Welcome bonus up to £5,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £5,000. Otter Vets are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team in Sidmouth, offering a great opportunity for someone who values teamwork, kindness and a genuinely supportive environment.
Our caseload is varied, primarily cats and dogs with some small furries, and the day is well balanced between consultations and surgery, with protected admin time to keep things manageable. Surgical work is mainly routine with set operating days, and we’re very happy to consider a consult‑only role if that’s your preference. While there are some elements of sole charge, support is always close by across both our Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary sites. You’ll be working alongside a fantastic nursing team who play a key role in both consultations and surgery, helping the day run smoothly.
The practice is well equipped with digital X‑ray, ultrasound, tonometry and a full IDEXX suite, allowing you to work cases up confidently. You’ll be joining a close‑knit, collaborative team who enjoy working together, with opportunities to develop your skills further, including support towards certificates if desired.
IVC Evidensia 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. At IVC Evidensia, 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 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.
This is a full‑time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days, with just one in four Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are no out‑of‑hours or on‑call requirements. We’re also open to part‑time hours, school‑time shifts or other flexible working patterns, and are happy to have an honest conversation about what works best for you.
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 IVC Evidensia, 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
- 6.6 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.
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in England employer: Otter Vets, Sidmouth
At IVC Evidensia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the picturesque town of Sidmouth. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through clear career pathways, funded learning opportunities, and a strong emphasis on wellbeing, ensuring that our veterinary surgeons can thrive both personally and professionally. With a focus on teamwork and a varied caseload, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment while enjoying generous benefits such as private medical insurance and enhanced family leave.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in England
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We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal at Otter Vets, Sidmouth, 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 Otter Vets, Sidmouth. 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 Otter Vets, Sidmouth will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Otter Vets, Sidmouth
✨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.
