Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Salary up to £75,000 DOE plus Welcome Bonus up to £5,000!

Rufford Veterinary Group is looking for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, progressive team across our Southport, Tarleton and Rufford branches. As an established mixed practice with a strong reputation across Merseyside and West Lancashire, we’re proud to combine high clinical standards with a supportive team environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet with a particular interest in surgery who wants to enjoy a varied first-opinion caseload, further develop their clinical skills and work alongside an experienced team that genuinely invests in its people.

You’ll have the opportunity to take the lead in developing your surgical interests, building on your existing experience with the support of a skilled and dedicated nursing team. From routine procedures to more complex surgical cases, including opportunities to get involved in orthopaedics with support from our orthopaedic nurse, you’ll be encouraged to develop your capabilities and pursue your clinical interests. We’re looking for a confident, proactive vet who is comfortable with routine GP work and sole charge, and who enjoys working collaboratively to deliver excellent patient care.

Fix or flex – find your perfect balance

Our people are at the heart of everything that we do, which is why we know that work-life balance is vital in supporting our people to be their best selves. Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours offers a balance that truly flexes with you and your lifestyle, no matter what stage you are at in your career.

This is a full-time position offering flexibility around your working pattern, with the option to work either 40 hours across 4 days, with shifts between 9am and 7pm, or 37 hours across 4 days, comprising three shifts between 9am and 7pm and one shorter day from 9am to 4pm. The weekend rota is 1 in 4 weekends, working 9am–5pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Out-of-hours is outsourced to Vets Now, with a short crossover period involving 5pm–7pm on-call cover at weekends. Any call-outs during this period are paid additionally. We’re happy to discuss part-time hours and alternative working patterns to suit the right person.

Team and facilities

You’ll be joining a well-established small animal team of 12 Veterinary Surgeons, 19 RVNs and 8 SVNs/VCAs. Our nursing team plays an integral role in patient care, providing excellent support during both routine and advanced procedures and helping create an environment where vets can continue to develop their skills and confidence.

There’s a wealth of experience across the team, including vets with surgical and medicine certificates, alongside a visiting cardiologist and access to a surgical mentor. You’ll have colleagues to collaborate with, share ideas and learn from, as well as opportunities to contribute your own interests and expertise. Whether you’re keen to build on your surgical experience or explore more complex cases, you’ll have support to continue developing your clinical skills.

Location and culture

Working across Southport, Tarleton and Rufford, you’ll be part of a practice that combines the resources and experience of a larger team with the friendly atmosphere and continuity of care that clients value. We can be flexible around your preferred base, although occasional travel between our three branches may be needed to support the wider team, particularly during holiday cover.

We encourage clinical development, welcome new ideas and are committed to creating a workplace where our people feel supported and can thrive both professionally and personally. If you’re looking for a role where you can develop your surgical interests, work alongside an experienced and supportive nursing team and continue building a rewarding career, we’d love to hear from you!

How We’ll Support You 

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 
* Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
* Retail discounts and cashback offers
* Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets