Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Ottery St Mary, Devon, England / Sidmouth, Devon, England
Primary Care - Vet Surgeon – Small Animal /
Otter Vets - Ottery St Mary [2318] /
On-site

Salary up to £65,000 DOE and relocation allowance up to £5000

Otter vets are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team in Sidmouth on a 6 month FTC.

Our caseload offers a great mix, predominantly cats and dogs with some small furries, and our days are carefully structured to feel both balanced and manageable. You’ll enjoy a good split between consultations and surgery, with protected admin time built into each day so you can keep on top of your notes without feeling rushed.

Surgical work is mainly routine, with dedicated operating days each week, and for those who prefer a consult-only role, we’re very happy to explore this.

The practice is well equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, tonometry and a full IDEXX suite, giving you everything you need to work cases up thoroughly and confidently. Above all, our focus is on delivering high-quality care in a calm, supportive environment.

There are some elements of sole charge within the role, but you’re never truly on your own. Support is always available, both within the practice and across our other branch in Sidmouth, giving reassurance and backup whenever it’s needed. You’ll be supported by a brilliant nursing team who assist with both surgery and consultations, as well as running their own nurse clinics, helping the day run smoothly and collaboratively.

Our friendly team works across two sites and includes an experienced vet, two dedicated RVNs and four fantastic support team members, with regular long-term locum support as well. 

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 of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days, with just one in four Saturday mornings from 8:30am to 1pm. 
•    There are no out-of-hours or on-call requirements. We’re also open to part-time applications.  
•    This is a FTC for 6 months

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.