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 professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and RCVS registration; experience in clinical practice preferred.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ 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 employer: Otter Vets, Sidmouth
Contact Detail:
Otter Vets, Sidmouth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
✨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 practising common questions and scenarios specific to veterinary practice. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and get feedback on your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for animal care during interviews. Share stories about your experiences with pets, your commitment to teamwork, and how you’ve contributed to a positive work environment in the past.
✨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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for animals and veterinary care shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how you connect with our values of teamwork and kindness.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in small animal practice, and any specific skills that align with what we’re looking for at Otter Vets.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Otter Vets, Sidmouth
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around routine medical and surgical cases. Familiarise yourself with the equipment mentioned in the job description, like digital X-ray and ultrasound, so you can confidently discuss how you would use them in practice.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is a big part of the role, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you build relationships with both clients and team members.
✨Be Open About Your Preferences
The job offers flexibility, so don’t hesitate to discuss your preferred working hours or if you're interested in a consult-only role. Being honest about what works best for you shows that you’re proactive and thoughtful about your career.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the practice's culture and development opportunities. Inquire about the support available for ongoing learning and how the team collaborates on challenging cases. This demonstrates your commitment to growth and teamwork.