Salary up to £70,000 plus £5,000 Welcome Bonus plus up to £5,000 Relocation Allowance
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
Portland House Veterinary Group are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to work as a permanent member of staff within a well-established veterinary practice in Retford.
Our small animal practice has recently relocated to a brand-new purpose-built practice. The role will involve hands‑on veterinary care of companion animals, providing both emergency and routine healthcare. You will work alongside a fantastic team of other Veterinary Surgeons, as well as experienced Nurses.
Practice Highlights
- Salary up to £70,000 DOE
- Welcome Bonus up to £5,000
- Relocation Allowance up to £5,000
- Flexible working patterns to suit your lifestyle
- Certificate support available
Portland House Veterinary Group has been working in partnership with clients in and around the Retford area in one form or another for over 60 years. Our main small animal practice has recently moved into a brand-new purpose-built surgery with 6 consult rooms, three theatres, a separate dental suite, as well as imaging and X‑ray rooms. Our farm practice has also recently undergone renovation and now has an onsite treatment room for in‑house procedures.
The team consists of 13 Vets and 9 RVNs and 2 SVNs, with experience ranging from new graduates to 22 years. We have a fantastic team of support staff and a lovely, loyal client base across both large and small animal. We pride ourselves on providing excellent patient, client and employee care. We are well equipped with ultrasound with Doppler and ECG, digital DR X‑ray, dental X‑ray, video endoscopy and a full internal laboratory.
We are a welcoming and friendly team who are enthusiastic and dedicated to working together. We’re a very social bunch, and the team regularly meets up outside of work. We have regular pub quizzes and an annual summer BBQ, and some of the team also participate in the Tough Mudder event. We believe strongly in delivering exceptional service and care to our clients and their pets.
Here’s what the team have to say about life at Portland House
“Working at Portland House Veterinary Group has allowed me to gain valuable positive experience in a mixed practice environment. I have learned an incredible amount, and there are always many new, varied and exciting cases to be involved with. This has allowed me to grow as a Vet and become more confident and independent. The team itself is lovely and inclusive, and it is easy to make friends with people in all different roles within the practice. Everyone is very helpful and the team works together to provide the best care for patients and clients.” - Iona, Mixed Vet.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload.
You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You’ll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.
Key Responsibilities
- Consultations
- Surgical procedures
- Diagnostics and imaging
- Client liaison
- Working up cases
- Caring for hospitalised animals
- Treatment plans and visits
- OV work
- Sole charge
- OOH work
Working Pattern
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am-6:00pm
- 2 in 6 OOH weekends and 1 weekday OOH shift
- Occasional additional Saturday morning shifts, working 8:30am-12:00pm
- Flexible working options available to support work‑life balance
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
You are a confident and motivated Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to delivering high-quality patient and client care. You’ll bring:
- A Veterinary degree and registration, or eligibility to register, with the RCVS
- Experience working in clinical practice, with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
- A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
- Professionalism, reliability and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care
How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, 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 a CPD allowance and access to inspiring vet care Academy training centres and 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
- 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
- Private Medical Insurance
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
- BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees
- Cycle to Work and Green Cars schemes, subject to eligibility
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Up to £70,000 pa DOE
Portland house Vets - Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Retford employer: Vetisco
Riverside Vet Care is an award-winning independent practice located in the picturesque Monmouthshire, offering a unique and flexible work-life balance with no out-of-hours duties. Our supportive team culture prioritises professional development, providing generous CPD allowances and opportunities for future ownership, all while ensuring that our staff feel valued and heard. With exciting expansion plans underway, this is a fantastic opportunity for a small animal vet to grow their career in a nurturing environment that truly cares for both its employees and the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portland house Vets - Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Retford
✨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 Vetisco 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 Vetisco
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Vetisco. 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 Vetisco.
✨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 Vetisco.
✨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 Vetisco.
