Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Salary up to £65,000 DOE and a Welcome Bonus up to £5,000
For more than 130 years, Penmellyn Vets has been caring for pets and their owners across mid Cornwall. As a six-site small animal practice, we’ve built a reputation for combining excellent clinical care with a genuine focus on the client journey. We’re now looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive team and help continue that tradition.
Our patients include cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries and the occasional local wildlife patient. The role offers a rewarding balance between consultations and surgery, with plenty of opportunity to develop your clinical interests. Our central hospital in St Columb Major is supported by satellite surgeries in St Austell, Newquay, Pool, Bodmin and Padstow, giving you variety while remaining part of a close-knit team.
As a hospital practice that accepts referrals, our caseload ranges from routine procedures through to orthopaedics and advanced soft tissue surgery. You’ll have access to excellent equipment including CT, laparoscopy, endoscopy, digital and dental X-ray and laser therapy, allowing you to work cases up to a high clinical standard.
You’ll be joining a collaborative team of 28 vets supported by experienced RVNs and a dedicated client care team. With certificate holders and advanced practitioners across multiple disciplines, there is a strong culture of knowledge sharing, and support for further study or certificates is always encouraged.
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.
• This is a full-time role working four days per week with a 1 in 5 weekend rota from 8:30am to 4pm, with time off in lieu during the week.
• There is no out-of-hours or on-call requirement, and part-time applications are also welcome.
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
• 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
• 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
