Salary up to £60,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £2,000 plus Relocation Allowance up to £5,000
Here at Academy Vets, we are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and experienced team in Southwest Scotland. We are a busy RCVS-accredited mixed practice, offering a genuinely varied caseload across farm, small animal, and equine work. No two days are the same, with a mix of dairy fertility, herd health planning, small animal consulting and surgery, equine work, and production animal medicine.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys variety and wants to develop skills across multiple species within a supportive and well-established team.
Practice Highlights:
- RCVS-accredited mixed practice (farm, small animal, and equine)
- 10-vet team across 2 branches (Stranraer main site + Newton Stewart branch)
- Experienced clinical team including 1 certificate holder in Cattle Health & Production
- 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 3 Auxiliary Nurses, and 5 Receptionists
- Strong farm and small animal caseload with equine involvement
- Modern diagnostic equipment including small and large animal ultrasound, digital radiography, bull and tup fertility kit, and IDEXX suite
- Supportive environment with encouragement for certificates and further qualifications (e.g. DBR)
About inspiring vet care
Inspiring vet care is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners. We believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Veterinary Surgeon at Academy Vets, you’ll work as part of a collaborative mixed practice team, delivering high-quality care across a varied caseload.
Provide clinical care across farm, small animal, and equine cases
Deliver consultations, surgical procedures, and herd health planning
Participate in the out-of-hours rota and weekend cover
Work collaboratively with colleagues across both branches
Contribute to clinical discussions and continuous improvement within the team
Working Pattern:
- Full-time: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–6:00pm (1-hour lunch break)
- Weekend rota included (approximately 2:10 OOH rota)
- Time off in lieu following on-call weekends (half day Friday after first on-call weekend)
- Two vets on call for backup support
- Flexible working options considered where possible
Life in Southwest Scotland
Based in the beautiful Galloway region, Academy Vets is surrounded by stunning coastline, beaches, and the Southern Uplands. The area offers an outstanding quality of life for those who enjoy the outdoors, with opportunities for walking, camping, paddleboarding, and exploring some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys the variety of mixed practice and working as part of a close-knit team. You’ll bring:
- A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility) with the RCVS
- Experience or strong interest in mixed practice (farm, small animal, equine)
- Good clinical skills in routine medical and surgical cases
- Strong communication skills and ability to build client relationships
- A proactive, adaptable, and team-focused approach
Unfortunately, this role is not suitable for new graduates or vets requiring a structured graduate development programme. Please refer to our IVC Graduate Academy.
How We’ll Support You
We’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. 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
- 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
At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
Any questions before applying?
Speak to Taylor Findlay from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.
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Veterinary Surgeon - Mixed Animal in Stranraer employer: VC Evidensia UK
Pride Veterinary Referrals is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises the development of its staff. Located in Derby, our state-of-the-art facility provides a diverse caseload and advanced resources, ensuring that you can deliver outstanding emergency and critical care while benefiting from generous CPD allowances and a commitment to your professional growth. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values continuous improvement and the well-being of both employees and patients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Mixed Animal in Stranraer
✨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 VC Evidensia UK 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 VC Evidensia UK
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at VC Evidensia UK. 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 VC Evidensia UK.
✨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 VC Evidensia UK.
✨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 VC Evidensia UK.
