At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital veterinary care and perform a variety of surgical procedures.
- Company: Join PDSA, a charity dedicated to helping pets in need for over 100 years.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, CPD allowance, and health support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with relocation support and diverse opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to pets and their owners while advancing your surgical career.
- Qualifications: MRCVS registered with experience in high-quality patient care.
The predicted salary is between 45113 - 55138 £ per year.
Make a difference every day with PDSA. For over 100 years, PDSA has provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people facing financial hardship. Join us and help make a real difference to pets and the people who love them, while being part of a charity that's evolving to reach even more communities.
Grow your surgical career with us as a Veterinary Surgeon. At PDSA, you'll enjoy plenty of hands‑on surgical experience, exposure to a wide variety of routine and complex cases, and the opportunity to develop your skills through our structured Veterinary Surgeon Skills Development Framework. You'll gain experience in procedures including:
- Soft tissue surgery, including pyometras, cystotomies, enterotomies, enucleations and caesarean sections.
- Orthopaedic procedures such as cruciate repairs, femoral head and neck excisions (FHNE), hip reductions and fracture management.
- Dentistry, from routine extractions through to major surgical extractions.
- Emergency and complex surgical case management, with a clear pathway to develop advanced skills in soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmic surgery and complex reconstructive procedures.
As you progress through the framework, your skills are formally reviewed each year, providing a clear pathway for career development and salary progression as your clinical expertise grows.
About you: We are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys a varied role with a great mix of consultations and surgery, managing a diverse caseload while making a real difference to pets and owners who need our support. To be successful, you'll:
- Be MRCVS registered.
- Have experience delivering high-quality patient and client care.
- Take a pragmatic, welfare-focused approach to clinical decision-making.
- Be confident working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Be computer literate and comfortable using clinical systems.
- Ideally have 12 months' UK small animal practice experience.
About the Hospital: Our well-equipped practice offers a wide range of modern diagnostic and surgical facilities, including digital radiography, ultrasound, dental equipment, in-house laboratory analysers, dedicated cat and dog wards, two operating theatres, and an isolation unit. The practice has four consultation rooms, with one dedicated to nurse consultations and clinics. Surgery is a key part of our caseload, with opportunities to work on a variety of orthopaedic cases including fracture repairs, plating (DCP plates and external fixation), French Bulldog elbow procedures, patella surgeries, and FHNEs.
Rewards, Support and Benefits:
- Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.
- CPD allowance of 5 days, £1000 per year for development.
- Payment of your full RCVS fees, so you’re never out of pocket.
- Extensive internal CPD programmes plus discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show.
- 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days.
- Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.
- Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
- Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.
- AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover included.
- Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.
- 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS): For candidates requiring visa sponsorship, we are able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for eligible Vet Surgeons. We have experience supporting international colleagues through the sponsorship process and are committed to helping you navigate each stage with clarity and confidence, enabling you to establish a long‑term career in the UK.
Relocation: We offer financial support to help with relocation for candidates moving to join us. As part of the recruitment process, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a PDSA colleague to learn more about the support available, and our hiring managers are happy to share local insight to help you consider your move with confidence.
Diversity & Inclusion: PDSA is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and the appropriate pre-employment checks. As a safeguarding organisation, we expect all colleagues to share our commitment to protecting children, adults at risk and one another.
Veterinary Surgeon in Swansea employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer for Registered Veterinary Nurses, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in Leeds. With a strong focus on animal welfare, employees benefit from flexible working options, a generous CPD allowance, and numerous opportunities for professional growth, making it a fulfilling place to advance your veterinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon in Swansea
✨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 at PDSA.
✨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 PDSA!
✨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.
✨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 PDSA.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA, 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 at PDSA. 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 PDSA will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨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.