At a Glance
- Tasks: Take full clinical ownership and manage a diverse small animal caseload.
- Company: Unicorn Vets, serving the Southampton community for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Salary up to £75,000, relocation allowance, welcome bonus, and generous leave.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy, leadership, and the chance to shape your practice.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary surgeon with confidence in clinical decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary up to £75,000 DOE, up to £5,000 Relocation Allowance, plus Up to £5,000 Welcome Bonus.
Unicorn Vets has proudly served the Southampton community for over 30 years and is now offering an exciting opportunity for a confident Veterinary Surgeon to take full clinical ownership of one of our practices. This role is perfect for an experienced vet who enjoys autonomy, leadership and the freedom to drive a practice forward while delivering outstanding patient care.
A Varied Caseload with Real Continuity
You’ll manage a diverse small animal caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries, with a balanced mix of consultations and surgery. Case continuity is actively encouraged, giving you the opportunity to work cases up thoroughly while still having the option to refer when needed. With genuine scope to grow the practice and shape services, this role offers the freedom to pursue your own clinical interests while working with a high level of independence.
A Practice Ready for Its Next Chapter
Unicorn Vets operates across two long-standing Southampton sites, Fairfield and Park. This role will be primarily based at the Park branch, giving you the chance to make the practice your own. Set within a converted house and preparing for refurbishment, the practice is already well equipped with digital X-ray, in‑house lab, ultrasound with echocardiography, endoscopy, capnography, tonometry and ECG, enabling thorough and confident case workups.
A Working Pattern That Respects Your Time
This is a full‑time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days with a mix of early and late shifts. There is a 1:6 Saturday morning rota (8:30am–12:30pm), with no out of hours or on call requirements. Part‑time applications are also welcomed.
Independence Backed by a Supportive Team
This is a sole charge role, ideal for a confident vet who enjoys clinical autonomy. You’ll be supported on‑site by two RVNs and a receptionist, with additional support from the wider group and neighbouring practices when needed. We actively encourage professional development and are happy to support certificates or further clinical interests.
Life in Southampton
Southampton offers the best of both worlds, combining coastal living with city convenience. With the New Forest, South Downs and Solent coastline all within easy reach, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Alongside this it offers excellent transport links including direct trains to London.
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
- 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 employer: Unicorn Vets - Park Surgery
Unicorn Vets is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Veterinary Surgeons in Southampton. With a strong emphasis on professional development, generous benefits including a competitive salary, relocation allowance, and a commitment to work-life balance, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The practice's location provides a unique blend of coastal living and city convenience, making it an ideal place for those who value outdoor activities and community engagement.
Contact Details:
Unicorn Vets - Park Surgery Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with people in the industry. 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! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at interviews or networking events, be ready to discuss your experiences and how you can contribute to their practice. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your values and interests. If you’re passionate about small animals and want to make a difference, Unicorn Vets could be the perfect fit. Apply through our website to make sure your application stands out!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the practice and thinking about how you can help them grow. Bring ideas to the table about how you’d manage cases or improve patient care. Show them you’re not just looking for a job, but a place to thrive!
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Veterinary Surgeon role. Highlight your clinical autonomy, leadership experience, and any specific interests in small animal care to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for veterinary medicine and why you want to join Unicorn Vets. Don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to our practice's next chapter!
Showcase Your Experience:We love seeing real examples of your work! Include details about your diverse caseload management, any surgeries you've performed, and how you've driven practice improvements in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:To make things easier for us both, apply directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application lands right where it needs to be. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 your clinical expertise and confidence in managing a varied caseload.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves autonomy and leadership, think of examples where you've taken charge in a practice setting. Highlight your ability to drive a practice forward and how you've contributed to patient care and team dynamics.
✨Understand the Practice's Needs
Research Unicorn Vets and their Southampton locations. Familiarise yourself with their services and any recent developments. This will help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their next chapter and align with their goals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice, such as their approach to professional development or how they support clinical interests. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
