At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care to small animals and develop your clinical skills in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider with a collaborative, family culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 6.8 weeks holiday, private medical insurance, and career development support.
- Other info: Work-life balance with a structured rota and no out-of-hours requirements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal health while growing your veterinary expertise.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and RCVS registration, with experience in clinical practice.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners. This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet looking to build confidence and depth in general practice, with a strong emphasis on consultations, continuity of care, and medical case development. The role would suit a vet with some post-graduate experience in first-opinion practice. Sundean Vets is a well-established, multi-branch small animal practice with sites in Cinderford, Lydney and Hartpury. We are proud of our collaborative, family culture and our commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate veterinary care.
Practice Highlights
- 6 experienced veterinary surgeons
- 8 skilled and supportive nursing colleagues
Within the vet team, we benefit from a wide range of clinical interests and advanced training, including:
- Certificate in Small Animal Dentistry
- Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging
- Certificate in Small Animal Medicine
- A colleague nearing completion of a Surgical Certificate
This breadth of experience allows excellent case discussion, informal mentoring, and strong clinical support across both routine and complex cases.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a 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 consultation-biased small animal role, with a strong focus on developing confidence and continuity in first-opinion medicine.
You can expect:
- A predominantly consultation-led workload, with opportunities to follow cases through diagnostics and treatment planning
- A supportive environment for developing medical thinking and clinical decision-making
- A varied caseload across two well-equipped branches
We value continuity of care and collaborative case management, with access to experienced colleagues throughout the day.
Working Pattern
Approximately 32 hours per week
- A structured and predictable rota with a strong emphasis on work‑life balance
- Time split across our Cinderford (70%) and Lydney branches (30%)
- Shared weekend rota: approximately 1 in 6 Saturday mornings (9am‑1pm), ran from the Lydney branch, evenly distributed across the vet team
- No out‑of‑hours requirements, supporting a strong focus on work‑life balance.
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
- 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 inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and well‑being. 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
The Team & Culture
We are a genuinely supportive and approachable team that values open discussion, clinical curiosity, and doing things properly. There is a strong culture of helping each other out, sharing knowledge, and maintaining a friendly, low‑pressure working environment. We actively encourage:
- Case discussion and collaborative decision‑making
- Clinical development at all levels
- A healthy balance between efficiency and clinical quality
- A supportive, team‑first approach to day‑to‑day practice
6.8 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
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal employer: Sundean Veterinary Group, Forest of Dean
At Inspiring Vet Care, we pride ourselves on being the UK's leading veterinary provider, where our people are central to our mission of delivering exceptional care for over 2 million animals. Our collaborative and family-oriented culture fosters professional growth through mentorship, funded learning opportunities, and a supportive environment that prioritises work-life balance. With a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to high-quality veterinary practice, we offer a rewarding career path for Veterinary Surgeons looking to make a meaningful impact in their field.
Contact Details:
Sundean Veterinary Group, Forest of Dean Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
✨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 Sundean Veterinary Group, Forest of Dean often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
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 Sundean Veterinary Group, Forest of Dean
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Sundean Veterinary Group, Forest of Dean. 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 Sundean Veterinary Group, Forest of Dean.
✨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 Sundean Veterinary Group, Forest of Dean.
✨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 Sundean Veterinary Group, Forest of Dean.
