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.
Unicorn vets, part of ivc, is looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys clinical autonomy, takes pride in leading a team, and is excited by the chance to influence the future direction of a practice while delivering outstanding patient care.
You'll manage a varied small animal caseload, seeing cats, dogs, rabbits, and small furries, with a rewarding mix of consultations and surgery. The practice places a strong emphasis on continuity of care, allowing you to build lasting client relationships, work cases up thoroughly, and follow them through from diagnosis to treatment, with referral support available whenever needed.
Unicorn Vets operates from two established Southampton branches, Fairfield and Park, with this role primarily based at the Park site. This presents a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of your environment and make a real impact within the practice.
Set within a charming converted house, the Park branch combines character with modern veterinary medicine and is due to undergo refurbishment. The practice is well-equipped with digital radiography, an in-house laboratory, ultrasound with echocardiography capabilities, endoscopy, capnography, tonometry, and ECG, providing everything needed to deliver a high standard of care.
As a sole charge position, this role is perfect for a confident vet who enjoys making clinical decisions independently. You'll be supported day-to-day by two experienced RVNs and a dedicated receptionist, as well as benefiting from the wider support network of the group and neighbouring practices. Professional development is actively encouraged, with support available for certificates and the pursuit of individual clinical interests.
Practice Highlights
- Lead your own well-established practice.
- Enjoy true clinical autonomy in a sole charge role.
- Varied caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits, and small furries.
- Great mix of consultations and surgery.
- Strong focus on continuity of care and case ownership.
- Well-equipped practice with advanced diagnostic facilities.
- Exciting refurbishment plans underway.
- Supported by experienced RVNs, a dedicated receptionist, and the wider group network.
- Excellent support for certificates and professional development.
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.
Working Pattern
- This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days with a mix of early and late shifts.
- There is a 1:6 Saturday morning rota (8:30am–12:30pm), with no out of hours or on call requirements.
- Part-time applications are also welcomed.
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 £75,000 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.
