Small Animal Vet for Independent Hospital

Posted 3 days 10 hours ago by British Veterinary Association

Permanent
Full Time
Healthcare & Medical Jobs
Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, United Kingdom, PE1 1
Job Description

Veterinary Surgeon (Small Animal Hospital) - Bedford

Join an established, RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in Bedford, known for its excellent facilities, supportive team, and commitment to high-quality patient care. This is an opportunity to work in a well-equipped, forward-thinking practice that values professional development and work-life balance.

To apply, or for more information, please send me your CV to

About Us

We are a 12-vet hospital with a busy and varied caseload, offering outstanding facilities including laparoscopic and orthopaedic kits, gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, digital dental radiography, and ultrasound. Dedicated dog, cat, and exotics wards ensure gold-standard patient care, and we are currently expanding to include three theatres, two dental suites, a new dog ward, and a surgical supplies room.

Operating as an independent practice under the Royal Veterinary College, we serve as a flagship site for high-quality first-opinion care and veterinary student training. We hold Gold Cat-Friendly, Dog-Friendly, and Rabbit-Friendly accreditations, and we are an RCVS-approved Graduate Development and Veterinary Nurse Training Practice.

The Team

Our veterinary team includes Advanced Practitioners in Dentistry and Zoological Medicine, as well as vets pursuing certificates in Small Animal Medicine, Surgery, and Diagnostic Imaging. Our highly skilled nursing team includes specialists in anaesthesia, exotics, feline nursing, and veterinary education.

Client Care is managed by an exceptional team, including Accredited Veterinary Receptionists, who provide vital support to both clients and clinicians. Regular team meetings foster collaboration, celebrate successes, and address challenges over lunch, followed by in-house CPD or team-building activities.

Wellbeing & Benefits

We prioritise work-life balance and team wellbeing, offering:

  • Fixed rota with a four-day week and set day off

  • Only one Saturday shift per month (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)

  • Minimal on-call with full overnight support (phones covered from 11 pm - 8 am)

  • Weekly yoga sessions and a private garden for staff relaxation

  • Trained mental health first aiders and an employee assistance programme through BUPA

  • Membership in the Living Wage Foundation and active EDI initiatives

  • Currently working towards a Bronze Award with Investors in the Environment

  • Career Development

    We actively support vets in pursuing their professional interests and advancing their careers:

  • Certificate funding and Advanced Practitioner status support

  • Opportunity to mentor veterinary students from the RVC

  • PGCert in Veterinary Education sponsorship for those keen on teaching

  • Unlimited online CPD via the RVC

  • Clear progression pathways, including opportunities to join the Senior Vet team

  • The Role

  • Full-time position (4-day week, fixed Wednesdays off)

  • Six Saturday shifts per year (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)

  • Combination of consulting, operating, support, and on-call shifts

  • Minimal on-call: one fixed night every two weeks and one weekend every two months

  • Dedicated ECC nurse on-site 24/7 to handle out-of-hours calls

  • Buddy system for on-call shifts, making it easy to swap if needed

  • The Package

  • Salary: £46,000 - £68,000 (plus out-of-hours bonuses and supplements for Certificate holders and AVPs)

  • Transparent salary banding with structured career progression

  • 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays (increases with service)

  • Two additional paid personal days per year

  • Professional fees covered (RCVS, VDS, BSAVA)

  • Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay

  • Cycle to Work scheme

  • Visa sponsorship available

  • Location

    Located in the beautiful market town of Bedford, surrounded by countryside, with excellent amenities and transport links. Milton Keynes is a short drive away, while London and Luton Airport are 30-50 minutes by train.

    Who We're Looking For

  • Minimum of 3 years' experience (on-call experience preferred but not essential)

  • A team player who thrives in a supportive, progressive environment

  • Keen to develop clinical skills and pursue areas of interest

If you're looking for a role with excellent work-life balance, top-tier facilities, and a strong emphasis on career progression and wellbeing, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to join a practice that truly values its team.

To apply, or for more information, please send me your CV to