Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon - Independent Hospital

Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon – Independent Hospital

£45,000 – £75,000 DOE

Full-time / Permanent

Chelmsford, Essex

Are you an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon looking for a long-term role within a respected, independent hospital?

Are you confident working independently while valuing collaboration, mentoring, and continuous professional development?

An independent, RCVS-accredited Hospital, set on the outskirts of Chelmsford are seeking a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join its established and highly stable clinical team.

The independent hospital is ran by three vets who work alongside the team, while also supporting two of their branch clinics based locally. The site provides a supportive environment for students, interns, and newly qualified vets, guided by VetGDP advisors and a highly experienced veterinary and nursing team. They have an exceptional staff retention rate with many of the team members having worked at the hospital for over 20 years as well as having interns return to work at the hospital long-term.

The hospital benefits from excellent facilities allowing a diverse caseload with most work carried out in-house. They continue to expand their clinical offering, with vets recently completing laparoscopic surgery training and beginning to offer laparoscopic spay procedures.

Services include:

• Routine and preventative care (vaccinations, health checks, microchipping, parasite control)
• Consultations in practice and home visits
• Dedicated consultation slots for reactive dogs
• Soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, including in-house TPLO
• Diagnostic imaging: digital radiography, video endoscopy, ultrasound including Doppler
• Cardiology diagnostics led by a certificate holder in Cardiology
• Dental procedures in a dedicated dental X-ray suite
• Therapeutic services including hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, laser therapy, and massage
• Animal Health Certification via Official Veterinarians
• Specialist nurse-led clinics, including weight management and diabetes

The Role:

The role is predominantly based at the main hospital, with approximately one day per week at a branch clinic, allowing continuity of care and strong client relationships.

This is a hands-on small animal role involving consultations, surgery, and case continuity. You will be expected to work confidently and independently when required, while also contributing to a supportive and collaborative team environment.

Candidate Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Veterinary Surgeon
• Confident across consultations an d routine surgery
• Comfortable working independently and in sole-charge situations
• No specific certificates required although being a VetGDP advisor is advantageous

What’s in it for you?

• Salary £45,000 – £75,000 DOE
• Competitive annual leave package
• 5 days CPD with a £2,000 annual allowance
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Opportunity to work in a well-equipped hospital with an outstanding reputation
• Long-term career prospects within a genuinely independent practice

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week, flexible to consider part time applications
• Weekends on rotation
• Happy to discuss individual requirements

Location:

The surgery is Iocated on the outskirts of Chelmsford with excellent transport links to North East London, Southend-On-Sea, Harlow, Romford and surrounding areas.

Want to apply or want more information?

Once you submit your CV, someone will be in contact with feedback and an option for an informal chat within 2 working days.

Feel free to call Compass Associates mainline and ask for Carina Walker, though information will be limited without a CV.

Recommendations

Compass Associates Ltd are working in partnership on this position. If you are not interested, but know someone who is, we offer £500 vouchers for each successful recommendation.