Small Animal veterinary Surgeon Vacancy- East Lancashire

Discipline: Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
Contact name: Louise Evans

Contact email: louise@brightleaf.co.uk
Job ref: 8659
Published: 1 day ago
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon (Full-time or Part-time)
My Client in Lanashire is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced small animal veterinary surgeon to join its friendly and supportive team. This is an excellent opportunity for a vet looking to take the next step in their career while benefiting from flexible working hours that can be tailored to suit individual lifestyles.
This is a practice with a long-standing history, having been established in 1911. The group operates from a main hospital in Colne, with two consulting branches, providing high-quality first opinion care across East Lancashire. The small animal team manages a high and varied caseload, creating excellent opportunities for professional development, particularly for vets with surgical or orthopaedic interests who are keen to expand in-house services.
The practice is proud of its well-established, welcoming and supportive team culture. Staff wellbeing is a priority, with regular wellbeing meetings and an ongoing focus on ensuring colleagues feel valued, supported and part of a close-knit team. The group also enjoys a strong social culture, regularly taking part in charity and community events such as the annual Pendle Pub Walk, fundraising activities, career days and local events, helping to build strong bonds both within the team and the wider community.
The full-time role is based on a 40-hour working week and includes participation in the out-of-hours rota, with 1 in 8 weekends on call and one weeknight on call every two weeks. The practice’s loyal client base values the in-house out-of-hours service, and every effort is made to minimise the impact on vets. Time off in lieu is generously provided, including two days off following a worked weekend, a Friday off after a Saturday on-call, and the following day off after a weeknight on-call. Flexible and part-time working options are also available and actively encouraged.
To support overnight care and reduce the burden on on-call vets, the practice employs a dedicated team of registered veterinary nurses who work through the night. Three night RVNs, two of whom hold ECC certificates, manage overnight inpatient care and phone calls, significantly improving patient care and making on-call duties far less demanding for the vet. On-site accommodation is also available for those who wish to stay at the practice, offering a private flat with shower and television facilities.
The rota operates on a continuous eight-week cycle, allowing vets to plan well in advance. Full-time vets involved in the out-of-hours service work a mix of three-, four- and five-day weeks across the rota, with only two five-day weeks in every eight. The practice is open to discussion and welcomes suggestions around working patterns to ensure the right work–life balance. Applicants should have completed their VetGDP and be confident in routine consultations and surgery, as the practice is unfortunately unable to support an additional newly qualified vet at this time.
The main hospital in Colne is exceptionally well equipped, featuring digital radiography, ultrasound, flexible and rigid endoscopy, two fully equipped operating theatres with multiparameter monitoring, and a dedicated dental suite with dental radiography. The practice also benefits from an extensive in-house laboratory, multiple consulting rooms, separate canine and feline wards and a designated bereavement room. Close collaboration with visiting specialists in ultrasonography and cardiology allows the team to work up the majority of cases in-house.
They are committed to providing a supportive working environment, with trained mental health first aiders and wellbeing champions in place. The practice works closely with the University of Central Lancashire as a training practice and is a registered nurse training facility. 
The salary ranges from £40,000 to £65,000 depending on experience. Annual leave entitlement is 6.6 weeks including bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell holiday. Additional benefits include access to an Employee Assistance Programme, one paid volunteering day per year, a subsidised corporate gym membership, cycle to work scheme, enhanced family leave policies, and the option to join private medical insurance via payroll. Colleague pets are treated as part of the family, with treatments provided at cost where appropriate, and well-behaved pets are welcome at work.
Continuing professional development is actively encouraged, with a generous CPD budget, five paid CPD days per year and support for certificates where appropriate. RCVS membership, VDS cover and two additional professional subscriptions are provided. The practice remains strongly focused on wellbeing, with an engaged team of wellbeing champions who regularly organise initiatives and events to support colleagues across the group.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity or wish to apply, please don't hesitate to contact Louise@brightleaf.co.uk or give us a call at 01422 433900. We are dedicated to assisting talented Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons like you in finding the ideal job.

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