At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Veterinary Surgeon, treating small animals with a mix of consulting and surgery.
- Company: Taverham Veterinary Hospital is a modern facility dedicated to exceptional animal care in Norfolk.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and a £1250 CPD allowance for your professional growth.
- Other info: Located near vibrant Norwich, enjoy a great work-life balance and community spirit.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values your individuality and encourages continuous learning.
- Qualifications: We welcome qualified vets with a passion for animal care and a desire to develop their skills.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Salary up to £65,000 DOE and up to £3,000 relocation allowance.
Are you a Veterinary Surgeon looking for a new opportunity in a thriving, well-equipped hospital that supports your professional development and values your individuality? At Taverham Veterinary Hospital in Norfolk, we’re proud to offer just that. Our large, purpose-built hospital is located just outside Norwich and is dedicated to the care of small animals. As a busy and well-established site, we offer a stimulating and supportive environment where your clinical skills can flourish.
Modern Facilities, Purpose-Built for Quality Care
Our hospital is designed to provide an exceptional standard of care, with seven consultation rooms, two dental suites, two operating theatres, a dedicated procedures room, and an advanced imaging suite that includes digital x-ray and a CT scanner. We also have separate wards for hospitalised and day patients, an isolation unit, ISFM Gold cat kennels, and dedicated dog and cat waiting areas and kennels. To support our diagnostic capabilities, we’re equipped with endoscopy (both flexible and rigid), ultrasound with Doppler, dental x-ray, tonometry, a slit lamp, and a comprehensive in-house laboratory with IDEXX machines and EPOC for out-of-hours diagnostics. Our dispensary is supported by a skilled pharmacy team, and the hospital also has a comfortable staff break area and meeting space.
A Varied and Rewarding Caseload
We predominantly treat dogs and cats, but we also see our fair share of rabbits and small furries. The role offers a well-balanced split between consulting and surgery, with the structure of the week designed to support continuity of care and clinical follow-up. We strongly encourage vets to work up cases to a high standard and try, wherever possible, to tailor your caseload to your interests and specialisms. Surgical duties range from routine procedures such as laparoscopic spays and neutering to more complex soft tissue surgeries, lump removals, and enterectomies. As the designated out-of-hours provider for 24 local practices, we also see a high volume of emergency and critical care cases, making this an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest in ECC.
While the role is primarily based at our main hospital in Taverham, there may occasionally be the need to offer support at one of our two smaller branches, one in Longwater, which features a hydrotherapy treadmill and cat hotel, and another in Aylsham. Our branches are well integrated with the hospital, and we all work closely together to provide consistent and collaborative care.
You’ll be supported by an exceptional nursing team, with 42 RVNs, 4 SVNs, 6 ANAs, and 2 HVNs working collaboratively to provide high-quality inpatient care and clinical support. Our nurses are highly engaged in the practice, taking on responsibilities such as blood sampling, x-rays, pre- and post-op care, discharges, and nurse-led consults. Our wider team includes a dedicated practice manager, office manager, receptionists, and a total of 35 support staff who help the practice run smoothly.
A Practice That Gives Back
We are proud to have built strong relationships with several local and national charities. We work closely with Street Vet, IVC Evidensia’s official charity partner, and also support Greyhound Home Finders, RSPCA, and Cats Protection. Giving back to our community is something we’re truly passionate about.
Develop your career and find your people
Professional development is at the heart of what we do. With a number of certificate holders already in branch - in areas such as cardiology, diagnostic imaging, small animal medicine, feline medicine, surgery including orthopedics, ECC, and dentistry - we understand the benefits that further training brings, both to our vets and to the hospital. If you are currently working towards a certificate or are considering pursuing one, we’re more than happy to support you. We also welcome those who may wish to transfer a current certificate programme from another role. Of course, if certificates aren’t your thing, that’s perfectly fine too - we value every team member’s contribution, regardless of qualifications.
You’ll be joining a team of 32 vets in total, supported by a knowledgeable and friendly group of colleagues. Thanks to the wide range of in-house expertise, we rarely need to bring in external specialists, which means we can manage even complex cases internally, offering great continuity and learning opportunities for the whole team.
At Taverham, we genuinely believe that a happy, connected team delivers the best outcomes. We meet monthly for communication days to ensure we’re aligned and up to date, and we enjoy spending time together outside of work, from social get-togethers and nights out to running events and marathons. It’s a place where team spirit and professional development go hand in hand.
Build your career around you
We offer flexible working patterns that flex with you and your lifestyle. Whether you are looking to flex your rota hours to balance the school holidays, fix to navigate the school runs or just looking to strike that balance between home and work life. We can offer flexibility that actually works for you.
Full time is 4 days a week from 8:20am -6pm and 1 late shift approximately every 2 weeks 10:30am - 8pm. 1:4 weekends with additional day off after. Participation in OOH rota, either twilight or nights can be discussed at interview. If this is something you would be unable to do we can work around this however you will still need to complete your share of the weekend rota.
About Our Local Area
Located in the heart of Norfolk, Norwich is a vibrant and historic city that perfectly blends culture, countryside, and coast. With everything from its charming cobbled streets, shops, lively markets, and rich heritage, it’s a place full of character and community spirit. You’ll find an excellent mix of green spaces, riverside walks, and access to the stunning Norfolk Broads and nearby beaches, ideal for unwinding on your days off. Whether you’re into food, festivals, history, or outdoor adventures, Norwich offers a fantastic quality of life with something for everyone. Plus, with great transport links and a welcoming vibe, it’s a wonderful place to call home.
Because our people matter
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:
- Work-life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays; Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday.
- Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline; Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay; Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing.
- Development: £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata; Certificate support; Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy; Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider; All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding; All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund; Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme.
- Professional Memberships: BVA membership; VDS cover; RCVS fees.
- Colleague Benefits: Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well; Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria; Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you; Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers; Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice.
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Norwich employer: Taverham Vets
At Taverham Veterinary Hospital, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises professional development and a supportive work culture. With modern facilities, a collaborative team of dedicated professionals, and a commitment to community engagement, we offer a fulfilling environment for Veterinary Surgeons looking to grow their careers while enjoying a balanced lifestyle in the vibrant city of Norwich.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Norwich
✨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 Taverham Vets 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 in Norwich
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 Taverham Vets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Taverham 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 Taverham 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 Taverham 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 Taverham Vets.
