At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional veterinary care and develop your own cases in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Pennard Vets, an independent practice with a rich history in Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unlimited CPD, generous leave, and RCVS fees covered.
- Other info: Enjoy a 4-day work week with protected admin time and a collaborative team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while growing your skills and interests.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified veterinary surgeon with clinical confidence and a passion for learning.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £65k per annum DOE
Contract: Permanent
Working hours: 40 hours per week, including a rota of Saturdays
Location: Sevenoaks, TN13
Closing Date: 11 September 2026, midday
Join an independent, Kent-based practice built around genuine case continuity where you work up your own cases, backed by a hospital with the kit and team to support you.
About Us
Pennard Vets is truly independent and rooted in Kent meaning there is no corporate group behind us. Our Sevenoaks hospital is the referral hub for our seven branch surgeries, and we're looking for an experienced vet who thrives in a busy hospital environment and wants the scope to develop a special interest in surgery and emergency medicine.
The hospital
- Purpose-built, with three dedicated theatres, lap spay and endoscopy, a dental suite, and a hydrotherapy unit
- Separate dog, cat and exotics wards
- Full imaging suite including CT, MRI, X-ray and ultrasound plus digital cytology and in-house labs
- Our own emergency out-of-hours service, staffed separately so it's not part of your rota
- Most clients have unlimited consults, meaning genuine case continuity and relationships that last
- An experienced in-house team including imaging, medicine, surgery, dentistry and ophthalmology certificate holders plus RCVS-recognised specialists in neurology, ophthalmology and internal medicine, through our shared site with South East Veterinary Referrals
What you'll bring
- Clinical confidence, and high standards you're happy to communicate
- Curiosity – we like exploring new ways of doing things, and we value your opinion
- A drive to keep learning and developing, whether that's a certificate, a new skill, or simply getting better at what you already do
- An appetite to help shape the business as we grow
What we offer
- Salary: £50–65k (potentially more for a certificate holder) with a clear path to grow
- CPD: unlimited (with approval), plus certificate support
- Leave: 6.6 weeks a year including Bank Holidays
- Fees: RCVS and VDS covered
- Rota: 4-day week, with protected admin time built into your day
- Out-of-hours: up to 1 in 3 Saturday mornings and no overnight OOH
Tempted but not quite sure yet? Pennard Vets is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. If you need any adjustments to the application or interview process, just let us know.
About Pennard Vets
At Pennard Vets, every member of our team is an employee owner of the practice, committed to ensuring our service goes beyond the ordinary. We’re creating an environment that looks after the people that look after the pets. We’re 125 years old, and by operating in this way, we’ll continue to grow for the next 125 years, and beyond.
Veterinary Surgeon in Sevenoaks employer: Pennard Vets
At Pennard Vets, we pride ourselves on being an independent and community-focused veterinary practice in Tonbridge, where your ideas and clinical leadership can truly flourish. With a supportive team culture, unlimited CPD opportunities, and a clear progression path, we empower our Senior Veterinary Surgeons to shape the future of our practice while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with generous leave and protected admin time. Join us to build lasting relationships with clients and make a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their owners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon in Sevenoaks
✨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 Pennard Vets.
✨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 Pennard Vets!
✨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 Pennard Vets.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Veterinary Surgeon at Pennard Vets, 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 Pennard Vets. 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 Pennard Vets will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennard Vets
✨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.