At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch veterinary care and perform surgeries in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Chess Veterinary Clinic, part of the largest family-owned vet company globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, CPD opportunities, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Minimum 3 years small animal experience and confidence in surgery.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced small animal vet who wants to practice medicine properly, with time to work up cases and a genuine surgical caseload. Chess Veterinary Clinic offers a stable, supportive environment with loyal clients, experienced colleagues, a quaint practice building, and excellent facilities. Your clinical opinion will be valued, your development encouraged, and your work–life balance protected.
Why join us?
- Wonderfully balanced days with a surgical caseload of 40–50%
- Loyal, largely insured client base that supports gold‑standard care
- Supportive, collaborative team with nurses with decade‑long tenures
- Structured, predictable rota: 40 hours/week, 1 in 4 Saturdays (1pm–6pm)
- Real opportunity to hone imaging skills
Practice & Team
Chess Veterinary Clinic has served the Hertfordshire community for over 75 years, building trusted relationships with generations of clients. You’ll be primarily based at our Rickmansworth site, a charming, characterful practice set in a converted stable, and will spend 1–2 days per week at our Chorleywood branch, which features a large consult room, spacious waiting area, and recently refurbished facilities. Both sites are fully equipped to support high‑quality medicine, with an in‑house laboratory, digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy equipment, a dedicated theatre, and separate areas for dentals and ultrasonography. Our experienced team includes a Nursing Manager, RVNs with over a decade of experience, a practice manager who is also an RVN, and long‑standing reception staff. The team is welcoming, collaborative, and supportive, with a culture of open case discussion.
What we’re looking for
- Solid small animal GP experience – minimum 3 years in UK
- Confidence in both consults and surgery
- Enjoys working up cases fully rather than referring early
- Interest in developing imaging or endoscopy skills
- Values collaboration and open case discussion
- Pride in delivering high standards of patient care
- Ability to work full‑time within a structured rota
Benefits
- 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave
- RCVS & VDS fees paid
- CPD allowance and 4 days each year to attend events plus Linnaeus CPD Programme (including certificate holder level CPD)
- Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discount schemes
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- E‑car salary sacrifice scheme
- Recruitment referral reward scheme
- Wellness program including Employee assistance programme, Eyecare voucher scheme, Free annual Flu jab, Cycle to work scheme
About Us
Chess Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family‑owned veterinary company in the world. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, and we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best.
To apply or to discuss further, please contact Joanne in the recruitment team at joanne.gray@linnaeusgroup.co.uk.
Veterinary Surgeon in Rickmansworth employer: VCA Inc.
Chess Veterinary Clinic is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where your clinical expertise is valued. With a focus on work-life balance, generous benefits including CPD opportunities, and a commitment to employee growth, you will thrive in our quaint practice setting in Hertfordshire, serving a loyal client base alongside experienced colleagues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon in Rickmansworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and join online forums. 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! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best cases, surgeries, and any special projects you've worked on. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to high standards of patient care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to throw some common vet interview questions your way. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll come across as a confident candidate who values collaboration and open case discussion.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our supportive team at Chess Veterinary Clinic.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match what we're looking for in a Veterinary Surgeon. Highlight your small animal GP experience and any surgical skills you have, as this will show us you're the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for veterinary medicine and why you want to join Chess Veterinary Clinic. Mention how you value collaboration and open case discussions, as these are key to our practice culture.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t be shy about sharing your accomplishments! Whether it's a successful surgery or a challenging case you worked up, let us know what you've achieved in your career. This helps us see the impact you could have on our team and clients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at VCA Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your small animal GP experience and be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on. They want someone who enjoys working up cases fully, so have a few examples in mind that showcase your skills and decision-making process.
✨Show Your Passion for Surgery
Since the role involves a significant surgical caseload, express your enthusiasm for surgery during the interview. Talk about any relevant experiences or techniques you’re keen to develop, especially in imaging or endoscopy, as this will show you're aligned with their focus on high-quality patient care.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Chess Veterinary Clinic values collaboration and open case discussions, so highlight your ability to work well within a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to a supportive environment in previous roles, and be prepared to discuss how you handle case discussions with colleagues.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice and its culture. Inquire about their approach to professional development or how they support work-life balance. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and want to ensure it's a good fit for both you and them.
