Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
St Marys Veterinary Clinic - Ferndown, Dorset
Salary up to £70,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £5,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £5,000
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.
St Mary's Vets, part of the ivc, is a long-established practice with a loyal client base and an excellent reputation within the local community. We're looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive team as we enter an exciting new chapter.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys the variety of first-opinion practice and is looking for a role with a great balance of consultations and surgery. You'll have the opportunity to work cases up from initial presentation through to diagnosis and treatment, managing everything from routine appointments and surgery to emergency and critical care cases. When additional expertise is needed, you'll have access to excellent referral pathways and the support of experienced colleagues.
As part of an exciting merger with our sister practice, Aniwell Vets, you'll work across both sites, benefiting from a wider clinical team and an even more diverse caseload. Whether you'd like to discuss a challenging case, build confidence in a particular area or simply have another pair of hands when needed, you'll be surrounded by a collaborative team that's always happy to support one another.
We're looking for a Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys building lasting client relationships and delivering high-quality patient care. While confidence with sole charge would be beneficial, you'll be joining a welcoming team where knowledge is shared, clinical discussions are encouraged and support is always available. This is an excellent opportunity to continue developing your skills within a practice that genuinely values teamwork, professional growth and continuity of care.
Unfortunately, this role is not suitable for new graduates or vets requiring a structured graduate development programme.
Practice Highlights
Well-established practice with a loyal client base and excellent local reputation.
Exciting opportunity to work across both St Mary's and Aniwell practices.
Varied first-opinion caseload with a great balance of consultations and surgery.
Opportunity to work cases up in-house, from routine procedures through to ECC.
Referral support available whenever required.
Caseload includes cats, dogs, rabbits and occasional exotics
Well-equipped with digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and an in-house laboratory.
Full practice refurbishment planned, creating an even better working environment for the future.
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.
Working Pattern
Full time over 4 or 5 days
1 in 3 Saturday mornings, 8:30am–12:30pm
No out-of-hours or on-call commitment
Part-time applications welcomed
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 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 CPD allowance and access to IVC 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 Car schemes (eligibility applies)
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.