Veterinary Director & Founder | Petals Vets London
Veterinary Surgeon – Petals Vets, Surrey Quays, London, SE8 3PZ
We’re looking for a communicative and capable Veterinary Surgeon to join our supportive, modern, and fully independent practice in Surrey Quays London, following our recent growth.
Hours: 4 days a week 9am-7pm and 1 in 3 Saturday mornings 9am-1pm. There will be no out‑of‑hours or bank holiday shifts.
Experience required: A minimum of 3 years experience is required with confidence performing sole charge if required.
About Us
We’re Petals Vets, a proudly independent small animal practice in Surrey Quays, London, and we’re looking for an experienced veterinary surgeon to join our growing team. In our first eight months, we’ve had an incredible start – building a loyal and friendly client base who share our passion for personalised, compassionate care. Consultations are a lengthy 20 minutes and there is complete freedom to work‑up cases how you see fit. We’re bringing back the warmth and personality of a true local clinic where colleagues feel supported, clients feel known, and pets get genuinely personal care. Our belief is simple: when our team is happy, supported, and inspired, the very best patient care naturally follows.
Our brand-new facilities include:
- Digital X-ray and ultrasound
- Spacious operating theatre
- A third dedicated RVN consult room
- Separate cat ward
- In‑house laboratory
- A comfortable staff welfare space
Your Role
This is a varied first opinion role where you will be allowed clinical freedom and encouraged to work‑up cases. You will play a key role in the day‑day delivery of a high standard of clinical care. You’ll be an integral part of our friendly team, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience for both patients and clients.
Duties include:
- Greet clients and pets with warmth and professionalism
- Perform surgical operations and procedures with precision and care
- Manage inpatients to a high clinical standard
- Diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions
- Provide compassionate and informative consultations to pet owners
- Maintain accurate and detailed medical records
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Great work‑life balance – 4 day week, 1 in 3 Saturday mornings, no OOH or bank holidays
- Competitive salary of £55,000 – £75,000 depending on experience/certification
- Opportunity to be part of a developing, growing clinic where your input matters
- Clinical freedom – support to work up cases fully and your ideas shape how we grow
- Friendly, supportive team culture that values collaboration and wellbeing
- Plenty of variety and hands‑on experience across all areas of practice life
- Staff perks: discounts on treatments & medications
- £1,250 CPD allowance + 30 hours paid CPD
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays) – increases with service
- RCVS and VDS membership fees paid
- Make a real community impact by helping build the area’s much‑needed local vet practice
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has at least 3 years clinical experience and is confident with some sole charge work if required
- Brings energy, warmth, and positivity to the team
- Is compassionate and empathetic towards both pets and owners
- Is organised, reliable, and comfortable juggling multiple tasks
- Enjoys working collaboratively in a supportive environment
- Takes pride in maintaining high standards of care and professionalism
- Has excellent communication and bedside manner
- Has strong first‑opinion surgical skills
- Is a friendly team player who values building client relationships
- Is able to demonstrate clinical leadership skills
If you’re ready to be part of a new kind of veterinary practice, one that’s collaborative, compassionate, and truly independent then we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter explaining why you’d be a great fit for Petals Vets to: Billy, Practice Director – billy@petals.vet
Job Type: Full‑time
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Veterinary Surgeon
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Petals Vets often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Petals Vets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Petals Vets. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Petals Vets.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Petals Vets.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Petals Vets.
