Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover) Cornwall

A fantastic fixed-term Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon opportunity within a long-established, RCVS-accredited practice, offering a supportive team environment, strong clinical standards and the chance to enjoy everything Cornwall has to offer.

Full Time | £45,000 – £55,000 DOE | 12 Month FTC | Small Animal | Mixed Practice Group

Key Details
• Role: Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
• Location: Cornwall
• Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 per annum (DOE)
• Hours: Full time
• Contract: 12-month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
• Start: Approx. mid-April 2026

The Organisation
This role sits within a long-established veterinary group with over 65 years' experience delivering high-quality care across Devon and Cornwall. The practice group is RCVS accredited, well equipped and highly regarded locally, with excellent relationships with referral centres and a strong emphasis on team culture and development.

• 3 small animal branches and 2 farm branches
• RCVS-accredited, well-equipped practices
• Strong referral links and case continuity
• Certificates and special interests actively encouraged
• Large, experienced and highly supportive clinical team

The Role
This is a varied and rewarding Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon position, covering maternity leave, within a genuinely supportive and collaborative team.

• 12-month fixed term contract
• Full-time role (must include Fridays)
• 4.5-day working week
• Participation in Saturday rota
• Occasional OOH inpatient care
• Based across Callington, Saltash & Looe branches (negotiable)
• Full range of small animal clinical duties
• Strong focus on excellent client care and patient outcomes

The Team & Culture
You'll be joining a genuinely close-knit and welcoming team who place real value on collaboration, communication and work–life balance.

• 9 vets (part-time & full-time), including certificate holders
• Highly skilled nursing and support team
• Weekly team meetings where everyone's input matters
• Friendly, family-focused environment
• Regular social activities throughout the year
• Strong emphasis on wellbeing and balance

What We're Looking For
• RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Confident managing a varied small animal caseload
• Strong communication and people skills
• Team-focused, collaborative approach
• Passion for delivering outstanding patient care
• Enjoys variety, challenge and professional development

The Location
Cornwall offers the perfect balance between city access and countryside living.

• Plymouth easily accessible for city life, culture and amenities
• Stunning beaches and coastal walks nearby
• Dartmoor National Park within easy reach
• Excellent outdoor and sporting opportunities
• Outstanding quality of life location

Rewards & Benefits
• 6.6 weeks paid holiday including bank holidays
• £1,750 CPD allowance per annum
• Health Shield – contributions towards health & wellbeing treatments
• RCVS membership paid
• Two additional professional memberships paid
• VDS cover
• Enhanced family-friendly leave policies
• Discounted veterinary fees
• Cycle to Work scheme
• My Perks platform – retail, travel & lifestyle discounts
• Company sick pay
• Annual pay reviews
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Strong focus on employee wellbeing

Must Haves

• RCVS Registered (or soon to be)
• Possess the right to work in the United Kingdom
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

What Happens Next?

CLICK APPLY NOW or if you have any questions before applying, or if this role isn't quite right for you, feel free to contact the Vet Seekers team to chat through your veterinary career aspirations in confidence.

Quote job reference: 26-00083

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