At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a compassionate team to deliver high-quality veterinary care and support community initiatives.
- Company: Join Virginia Water Vets, a beloved practice in picturesque Surrey.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.8 weeks holiday, private medical insurance, and a £1,250 annual Care Fund.
- Other info: Flexible hours, no out-of-hours work, and access to ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and RCVS registration with experience in clinical practice.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Brand new practice opening May 2026. Join our friendly, community-focused team at Virginia Water Vets – a well-established practice in the heart of this picturesque Surrey village, where trusted relationships and quality care are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in helping our people thrive both in and out of work.
This is your chance to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact in a practice that’s deeply loved by its clients and community while shaping an exciting future in a brand-new premises. Our team is supportive and community-focused with a family feel. The location offers countryside calm with city convenience (Heathrow nearby, London). We are actively involved with local charities, including StreetVet and Cats Protection.
IVC Evidensia 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. At IVC Evidensia, 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 Primary Care 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.
Your week will include a healthy mix of consults and surgery, with the freedom to follow your cases from start to finish. We’re known locally for our dentistry and ophthalmology work, and you’ll have access to visiting specialists and support from a brilliant network of nearby IVC practices.
- No OOH
- Saturday rota (8:30am-12:30pm) with Friday afternoon off in lieu
- Flexible hours to suit your lifestyle
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
How We’ll Support You
At IVC Evidensia, 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
- 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
- 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
- Up to £75,000 DOE
Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal employer: Virginia Water Veterinary Clinic
Contact Detail:
Virginia Water Veterinary Clinic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local events, and connect with the community. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion during interviews! Talk about your love for animal care and how you can contribute to the practice's mission. Let your enthusiasm shine through – it’s contagious!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Brush up on your clinical skills and be ready to demonstrate them. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about our values and culture right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your love for veterinary care shine through in your application. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare and client relationships, as this is what we value most at Virginia Water Vets.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with our job description. Highlight your clinical experience, communication skills, and any special interests you have, especially in areas like dentistry or ophthalmology.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine, share your motivations for applying, and explain how you can contribute to our community-focused practice.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our friendly team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virginia Water Veterinary Clinic
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially in areas like dentistry and ophthalmology, as these are key focuses for the practice. Be ready to discuss your clinical experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since the practice values compassion, think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for patients or clients. Share stories that highlight your ability to build strong relationships and provide exceptional care.
✨Be a Team Player
Emphasise your collaborative spirit during the interview. Talk about times when you've worked effectively within a team, supported colleagues, or contributed to a positive clinical culture. This will resonate well with their community-focused ethos.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's involvement with local charities or their approach to professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and aligns with their commitment to community and continuous improvement.