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.
Pilgrims Vets, part of the IVC Evidensia network, is looking for an enthusiastic Mixed Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team on a 6-month fixed-term contract.
Our main branch is in Fordingbridge on the edge of the beautiful New Forest, with some time spent at our Cranborne branch, this role offers the perfect blend of variety, clinical freedom and countryside living. Cranborne is a small animal-focused site with surgical facilities, while our supportive and experienced team is always on hand to help when needed.
This role offers a genuine mixed caseload, with approximately 70% small animal, 15% farm and 15% equine work. Small animal duties include a dedicated surgery day each week, covering routine procedures such as dental, neuters and lumpectomy’s. Farm work is centred around smallholdings, beef farms and sheep, while the equine caseload consists largely of leisure horses. For those with a stronger interest in small animal and farm work, we can also accommodate a role without equine responsibilities.
You'll have access to excellent facilities across the practice, including digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, IDEXX blood analysers, a newly installed VETSCAN IMAGYST laboratory system, digital endoscopy and new equine dental equipment. We also work alongside a visiting orthopaedic surgeon, providing additional support and learning opportunities.
You'll be joining a close-knit team of seven vets, supported by four RVNs, two student veterinary nurses and a dedicated support team. A shared practice vehicle is available for visits and on-call duties, making a driving licence essential.
Practice Highlights
- 6-month fixed-term opportunity with a supportive IVC Evidensia practice.
- Genuine mixed caseload with 70% small animal, 15% farm and 15% equine work.
- Flexibility to focus on small animal and farm work if preferred.
- Dedicated small animal surgery day each week.
- Excellent facilities including digital X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy and IMAGYST diagnostics.
- Friendly and experienced team of 7 vets and 6 nursing team members.
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.
Practice hours
- Full-time hours worked across a 4-day week.
- Part-time applications considered from 20+ hours per week.
- 1 weeknight on-call shift per week.
- 1 in 4 weekend on-call rota.
- Saturday morning consultations (9:00am–1:00pm) included within the weekend rota.
- Participation in the 1 in 4 out-of-hours rota is essential, including for part-time applicants.
- Small animal out-of-hours, excluding inpatients, is covered by a local OOH provider.
- 6-month fixed-term contract.
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 £60,000 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.
