Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small animal practice, providing exceptional care and managing diverse caseloads.
- Company: Unicorn Vets, a trusted name in Southampton for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Up to £75,000 salary, relocation allowance, welcome bonus, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy, professional growth, and the chance to shape your own practice.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary surgeon with a passion for patient care and leadership.
- Other info: Work-life balance with flexible hours and support for continued learning.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Unicorn Vets has been proudly serving the Southampton area for over 30 years and is now offering an exciting opportunity for a confident Senior Veterinary Surgeon to take full clinical ownership of one of our practices. This role is ideal for an experienced vet who enjoys autonomy, leadership and the freedom to drive a practice forward while delivering outstanding patient care.
A Caseload That Rewards Confidence and Continuity
You will see a varied small animal caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries, with a strong balance between consultations and surgery throughout the day. Case continuity is actively encouraged, allowing you to manage and develop cases to a high standard, while having the option to refer where appropriate. This role offers real scope to grow the practice, shape services and pursue your own clinical interests with a high level of independence.
A Well-Equipped Practice with Investment Ahead
Unicorn Vets operates from two long-standing practices in Southampton, Fairfield and Park, both of which have served the community for over three decades. This role will be primarily based at our Park branch, giving you the opportunity to truly make the practice your own. The Park branch is set within a converted house and is currently being prepared for an upcoming refurbishment. In the meantime, you will be well supported with excellent facilities including digital X‑ray, in‑house haematology and biochemistry with extended panels such as SDMA and T4, ultrasound with echocardiography, endoscopy, capnography, tonometry and ECG. The setup allows you to work cases up thoroughly and confidently.
A Working Pattern That Supports Balance
This is a full‑time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days with a mixture of early and late shifts. You will take part in a one in six Saturday morning rota from 8:30am to 12:30pm, with no out‑of‑hours or on‑call work. Part‑time applications are also very welcome and can be discussed to suit the right candidate.
Sole Charge with Support Where It Counts
This is a sole charge position, ideal for a confident and experienced vet who enjoys independence. You will be supported day‑to‑day by two RVNs and a receptionist, with additional support available from the wider group and neighbouring branches whenever needed.
If you have an interest in completing a certificate or expanding your clinical expertise, this will be fully supported. Continued learning and professional development are actively encouraged for those passionate about progressing their skills.
Living and Working in Southampton
Southampton offers a fantastic lifestyle, combining coastal living with city convenience. With easy access to the New Forest, the South Downs and the Solent coastline, the area is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, sailing, walking and green spaces. The city also offers excellent shopping, dining and cultural attractions, alongside strong transport links including direct trains to London, making it a great place to build both a career and a life.
Because our people matter
- Work‑life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays; Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
- Well‑being: Private Medical Insurance; Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
- Development: £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave; 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
- Professional Memberships: BVA membership; VDS cover; RCVS Fees
- Colleague Benefits: Company pension scheme; 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
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme
Salary up to £75,000 DOE
Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in England employer: Unicorn Vets - Park Surgery
Contact Detail:
Unicorn Vets - Park Surgery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your clinical expertise and leadership abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in Unicorn Vets and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Veterinary Surgeon role. Highlight your clinical ownership, leadership experience, and any specific interests in small animal care to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for veterinary medicine and how you can contribute to our practice. Don’t forget to mention why you’re excited about the opportunity at Unicorn Vets and what makes you unique.
Showcase Your Experience: We want to see your confidence in handling a varied caseload. Include examples of cases you've managed, surgeries you've performed, and any leadership roles you've taken on. This will help us understand your capabilities and how you can drive our practice forward.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unicorn Vets - Park Surgery
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially regarding small animals. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you approached them. This shows confidence and expertise, which is exactly what Unicorn Vets is looking for.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves taking full clinical ownership, highlight any previous leadership experiences. Talk about how you've driven a practice forward or improved patient care in your past roles. This will demonstrate that you're ready for the autonomy this position offers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the practice and its future. Inquire about the upcoming refurbishment at the Park branch or how they support continued learning. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Discuss how you value work-life balance and how it contributes to your effectiveness as a vet. Mention how the flexible working pattern aligns with your lifestyle, and express enthusiasm for the benefits offered, like the CPD allowance and additional holiday entitlement.
