Experienced veterinary surgeon (5+ years) — independent small animal practice in Knutsford, Cheshire. £58,000–£68,000 FTE, 3–4 days per week, 20-minute consults, no out-of-hours.
One of our vets is moving on this autumn, so Knutsford Veterinary Surgery is looking for an experienced vet to join our team of five vets, seven nurses, a VCA, four client care advisors and a practice manager. You'll run your own consults, work up your own medical cases end-to-end, and operate regularly — dental, soft tissue and, if it's your interest, orthopaedic and laparoscopic surgery.
This is a role for a vet who's past being told how to practise. You'll have 20-minute consults as standard, full case continuity with your own clients, and genuine clinical freedom — no corporate protocols, no referral targets, and directors who are practising vets themselves. Complex medical and surgical cases stay in-house wherever that's right for the patient, so your caseload will stretch you.
The essentials
- £58,000–£68,000 base salary (full-time equivalent, pro rata), depending on experience
- 3–4 days per week — part-time or full-time, flexible working patterns welcome
- One Saturday morning a month (9 am–12 pm)
- No out-of-hours — OOH is covered by Vets Now
- 20-minute consults as standard
- Start October 2026, flexible for the right candidate
- Knutsford, Cheshire (WA16) — an easy commute from Manchester, Altrincham, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Northwich and Warrington
Benefits
- 33 days' holiday (pro rata, including bank holidays), rising with service from year 5
- Pension matched up to 8%
- Paid sabbatical after 10 years' service
- Flexible CPD allowance — including support for post-graduate qualifications and certificates
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Life coaching twice a year, regular wellness check-ins, and a trained mental health first aider on the team
- Staff discount on veterinary care for your own pets
The practice
Knutsford Veterinary Surgery is an independent, family-owned small animal practice — established in 2014, recently extended and fully renovated. We're RCVS-accredited (Small Animal Practice), a Gold Cat Friendly Practice and a Dog Friendly Clinic, and an advocate for greener veterinary practice — the building runs on 32 solar panels.
In-house you'll have:
- Full IDEXX in-house laboratory
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Ultrasound, DR and dental radiography
- Well-equipped theatres for dental, soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures
We reinvest in the team, the equipment and the building every year, because our aim is simple: to be the best independent vet practice in Cheshire.
Who we're looking for
- MRCVS (or eligible for RCVS registration) with 5+ years' post-qualification experience in small animal practice
- Confident managing your own medical and surgical caseload from admission to discharge
- A vet who enjoys building long-term relationships with clients and patients — our clients see their vet, not whoever's free
- Surgical or medical special interests and certificates (held or in progress) actively welcomed and supported — if you have a certificate, or an ambition to get one, we'll back it with CPD funding and a caseload to match
Life at Knutsford Vets
We're a close team and we work at making it one — team socials (yes, we've been caving), team-building days and meals out. We foster a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued, and where it's safe to ask for help.
How to apply
Apply with your CV and a short cover note. If you'd rather have an informal, confidential chat first, call Paul Adams on 01565 337999 — we're happy to arrange a visit so you can meet the team and see the practice. Applications are reviewed as they're received, so early applications are encouraged.
We welcome applications from vets seeking part-time or flexible working patterns. Knutsford Veterinary Surgery is an equal opportunities employer.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £68,000.00-£78,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Licence/Certification:
- Are you MRCVS registered, or eligible for RCVS registration? (required)
Work Location: In person
