Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Veterinary Surgeon - Downland Vets - Chichester

Salary up to £75,000 DOE / Relocation Allowance up to £5,000 / Welcome Bonus up to £5,000

Know your clients. Know your team. Enjoy your work.

Looking for a Veterinary Surgeon role where you can build lasting relationships with clients, work alongside colleagues who know and support one another, and enjoy a rewarding career with a healthy work-life balance?

At Downland Veterinary Group in Chichester, we're looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join an established, close-knit team with strong roots in the local community.

The role offers variety across our West Sussex practices, combining sole charge at Chichester (smaller site) as well as the support and wider clinical exposure of working within our larger Bognor team. The balance can be flexible, depending on your preferences and we're happy to discuss different working patterns to find the right fit.

As part of 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.

Practice Highlights

An established team, with the support to do your best work

This is a practice where relationships matter. You'll get to know your clients and their pets, build continuity of care and work with a loyal local client base. You'll be joining an established team with a shared commitment to doing the right thing for patients, supporting one another and delivering excellent veterinary care.

You'll be part of the wider Downland Veterinary Group, with access to a broad network of clinical experience and expertise while retaining the close-knit feel of your local team.

Across the group, our certificate holders cover surgery, medicine, cardiology and imaging, with wider interests including dermatology, oncology, emergency and critical care, and dentistry. Our practices are well equipped with everything you need.

You'll have plenty of opportunity to collaborate, share knowledge and develop your clinical interests.

A role that fits around life

We offer flexible working patterns, with full-time and part-time hours considered to suit your lifestyle and commitments.

The role includes a Saturday morning rota, with no out-of-hours work. A consult-only position may also be available.

Be part of your local community

Downland Veterinary Group has been caring for pets in the area since 1947. Our Chichester practice is part of an established local service, surrounded by the beautiful West Sussex countryside and close to the South Coast.

It's a great place to build your career while enjoying everything the local area has to offer.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Primary Care 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.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

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

How We’ll Support You

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

What We Offer Our Team

* 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.