Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England / Bodmin, Cornwall, England / St Austell, Cornwall, England / Liskeard, Cornwall, England
Primary Care - Vet Surgeon – Small Animal /
Kernow Veterinary Group, Pelyn Vets - Lostwithiel [1867] /
On-site

Salary up to £65,000 DOE

Kernow Vets are looking for a friendly and approachable Veterinary Surgeon to join our experienced, welcoming team. We’re proud of our supportive culture, collaborative mindset and strong client relationships. With five practices across the group, there may be some opportunity to support neighbouring sites when needed, though we always aim to keep travel as local as possible.


No two days look the same here. Our caseload includes cats, dogs, small furries and the occasional chicken or tortoise, offering plenty of variety. You’ll spend a minimum of one day per week in theatre, with the remainder focused on consultations, allowing for meaningful case continuity. We encourage vets to develop areas of clinical interest wherever possible. Surgical work ranges from routine procedures and dentals through to ECC and more complex cases, with orthopaedics referred locally to an IVC practice with a certificate holder. The practice is well equipped with digital X-ray, handheld dental X-ray, ultrasound, multiparameter monitoring, tonometry and slit lamp facilities, supporting thorough work-ups and high-quality care.


Our main branch in Lostwithiel is a large, converted practice just off the A390 and close to the town centre. Inside, you’ll find a spacious reception with separate waiting areas, five consulting rooms including a dedicated cat consult (silver ISFM practice), a prep room with two theatres, separate cat and dog wards, an isolation ward, X-ray and dental suites, a full in-house lab, dispensary, quiet admin offices, a large staff room and convenient on-site parking.


Across the group, you’ll be joining 18 Veterinary Surgeons, 25 RVNs and a brilliant client care team. Our vets range from new graduates to colleagues with over 40 years’ experience, with certificate holders in emergency medicine, dermatology and behaviour. An interest in ophthalmology would be welcomed but is not essential, and we’re happy to support further certificate study. Regular clinical meetings keep communication open and everyone connected.


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. 
•    Full-time hours are 40 per week over four days, with a 1 in 5 late shift finishing at 10pm. Weekends are shared fairly on a 1 in 12 rota, working 8am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday, including inpatient care supported by our dedicated nursing team. Weekend work involves sole charge, so confidence in this setting is important, though support and mentoring are always close at hand.
•    Overnight emergency cover is provided by our night vet in collaboration with a neighbouring IVC practice, ensuring excellent patient care without compromising work-life balance. 
•    Part-time applications of 20 hours or more are welcomed, with shared responsibility for weekends and out-of-hours. 

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

•    6.6 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  
£0 - £65,000 a year
Salary up to £65,000 DOE
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.