At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
Portland House Veterinary Group are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Mixed Veterinary Surgeon to work as a permanent member of staff within a well-established veterinary practice in Retford. This role is a split between Farm animal and Small animal with a 60/40 split.
Our small animal practice has recently relocated to a brand-new purpose-built practice, and our farm site has also recently undergone renovation and now has an onsite treatment room for inhouse procedures. The role will involve hands-on veterinary care of mixed animals, providing both emergency and routine healthcare. You will work alongside a fantastic team of other Veterinary Surgeons, as well as experienced Nurses.
Practice Highlights
Portland House Veterinary Group has been working in partnership with clients in and around the Retford area in one form or another for over 60 years. Our main small animal practice has recently moved into a brand-new purpose-built surgery with 6 consult rooms, three theatres, separate dental suite as well as imaging and x-ray rooms. Our farm practice has also recently undergone renovation and now has an onsite treatment room for inhouse procedures.
The team consists of 13 vets and 9 RVNs/2 SVNs with experience ranging from new graduates to 22 years. We have a fantastic team of support staff and a lovely loyal client base with both large and small animal. We pride ourselves in providing excellent patient, client and employee care. We are well equipped with an ultrasound with Doppler and ECG, digital DR Xray, dental Xray, video endoscopy and full internal lab.
Our farm side of the practice has grown over the past few years with an enthusiastic young team behind it. We are based in separate building with a purpose-built treatment room allowing us to carry out more complicated surgeries on site or hospitalise patients if required.
We have all the normal equipment including portable x-ray, ultrasound, ram/bull fertility equipment and a well-equipped lab. Caseload is pre-dominantly beef and sheep with some dairy work and smallholders.
We hold regular farmers meeting, attend local agricultural shows and run beef, sheep and smallholder clubs as well as a very popular lambing club with a youngstock club in the pipeline.
The role requires some TB testing but 50% of our clients are 4-yearly and testing is shared equally amongst the vets. Newer qualified vets are well supported by more experienced vets, including one who is working towards a certificate.
We are a welcoming and friendly team who are enthusiastic and dedicated to working together as a team. We’re a very social bunch! The team regularly meets up outside of work. We have regular pub quizzes, our annual summer BBQ, some of the team participates in the Tough Mudder event as well! We believe strongly in delivering exceptional service and care to our clients and their pets.
“'Working at Portland House Veterinary Group has allowed me to gain valuable positive experience in a mixed practice environment. I have learned an incredible amount, and there are always many new varied and exciting cases to be involved with. This has allowed me to grow as a vet and become more confident and independent. The team itself is lovely and inclusive, and it is easy to make friends with people in all different roles of practice. Everyone is very helpful and the team works together to provide the best care for the patients and clients.” – Iona, mixed Vet.
As a Small Animal 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.
Key Responsibilities include;
- Consultations
- Small and large animal surgical procedures
- Diagnostics and imaging
- Client liaison
- Working up cases
- Caring for hospitalised animals
- Treatment plans and visits
- OV work
- Sole charge
- OOH work
Rota;
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 6pm. 2:6 OOH weekends and 1 weekday OOH. Occasional additional Saturday morning shifts (8:30am - 12pm). Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours truly tips the scale on your work life balance. We know that everyone has demands and priorities outside of their career and we want to make it brilliantly easy for you to strike the right balance. Whether you are looking to fix or flex your work patterns, we can find the right solution for you.
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
- A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care
At inspiring vet care, 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
- 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
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Up to £65,000 pa DOE
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.
