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 Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to work as a permanent member of staff within a well-established veterinary practice in Retford.
Our small animal practice has recently relocated to a brand-new purpose-built practice. The role will involve hands-on veterinary care of companion animals, providing both emergency and routine healthcare. You will work alongside a fantastic team of other Veterinary Surgeons, as well as experienced Nurses.
- Welcome Bonus up to £5,000
- Relocation Allowance up to £5,000
- Flexible working patterns to suit your lifestyle
- Certificate support available
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, a 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 in-house procedures.
The team consists of 13 Vets and 9 RVNs and 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 across both large and small animal. We pride ourselves on providing excellent patient, client and employee care. We are well equipped with ultrasound with Doppler and ECG, digital DR X-ray, dental X-ray, video endoscopy and a full internal laboratory.
We are a welcoming and friendly team who are enthusiastic and dedicated to working together. We’re a very social bunch, and the team regularly meets up outside of work. We have regular pub quizzes and an annual summer BBQ, and some of the team also participate in the Tough Mudder event. We believe strongly in delivering exceptional service and care to our clients and their pets.
Here's what the team have to say about life at Portland House
“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 within the practice. Everyone is very helpful and the team works together to provide the best care for 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
- Caring for hospitalised animals
- Treatment plans and visits
Working Pattern
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am-6:00pm
- 2 in 6 OOH weekends and 1 weekday OOH shift
- Occasional additional Saturday morning shifts, working 8:30am-12:00pm
- Flexible working options available to support work-life balance
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 a CPD allowance and access to inspiring vet care Academy training centres and 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 and RCVS fees
- Cycle to Work and Green Cars schemes, subject to eligibility
- 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 £70,000 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.
