Veterinary Surgeon

Job Title: Veterinary Surgeon
Location: Surbiton, Teddington & Shepperton (Southwest London/Surrey)
Hours: 38.3 hours per week, including weekends. You’ll work 4 days between Monday and Friday (with a set day off each week), plus 1 in 4 Saturdays (9:00am–5:00pm) and 1 in 12 Sundays (10:00am–4:00pm). No out-of-hours (OOH) work required. The role will be based at either Teddington or Surbiton, with occasional cover across all three practices.
Practice: Vet4Life
Salary: Starting at £50,000 per annum, depending on experience

We’re looking for a confident Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, supportive Vet4Life team across our three practices in Southwest London/Surrey. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys clinical autonomy but still wants to be part of a collaborative, experienced team with plenty of support and development opportunities. Vet4Life offers something a little different: the feel of a close-knit team, with the scale, support and clinical exposure of a multi-site group. You’ll have the autonomy to manage your own cases, but also the backing of an experienced team and leadership structure that actively invests in your development. Vet4Life offers a mix of clinical variety, professional development, and lifestyle advantages, all within a friendly, supportive team.

Why join us?

• 4-day working week with a set day off each week
• No out-of-hours commitments
• Exposure to three distinct practice environments in one role, variety without losing team consistency
• Genuine clinical autonomy with support from experienced colleagues
• Access to a highly experienced team, including certificate holders
• Be part of a growing practice, including Teddington’s upcoming relocation and expansion
• Strong leadership structure with clear clinical direction and support
• Funded CPD and clear progression pathways
• Positive, inclusive team culture with regular social events

The Team & Practice

Vet4Life is a well-established, RCVS-accredited small animal group spanning Surbiton, Teddington, and Shepperton, each with a unique character:

• Surbiton: our largest and busiest practice, with three consult rooms and a fast-paced, varied caseload
• Teddington: a growing site, soon relocating to a larger, purpose-built practice with expanded facilities
• Shepperton: a smaller, quieter branch with a true village feel and a loyal client base

While your base will be at either Teddington or Surbiton, you’ll occasionally cover other sites. This gives you exposure to different caseloads, client demographics, and team environments, all while staying part of a consistent, supportive network. Whether you enjoy the buzz of a busy caseload, the continuity of a community-focused branch, or something in between... this role gives you the best of all three. 

Across the group, you’ll work alongside 12 vets, 11 RVNs, 6 student nurses/PCAs, and 10 CCAs, including colleagues with certificates in medicine, surgery, ECC, dermatology, cardiology, exotics and wellbeing. Our practices are equipped with modern facilities such as endoscopy, laparoscopic kit, ultrasound, digital radiography, Class 4 laser and in-house laboratory.

In terms of location, Surbiton, often nicknamed “suburban London done well” will give you a village feel without losing quick access into central London (around 15–20 minutes by train to London Waterloo Station). Known for its café culture, independent shops and relaxed pace compared to central London. Teddington offers a polished, affluent client base, combining riverside with a vibrant high street and access to some of London’s most beautiful green spaces. Shepperton offers a quieter, village-style setting, ideal if you enjoy a close-knit community feel with easy access to the surrounding countryside, perfect for a slightly slower pace, and close to the more rural parts of the River Thames with plenty of scenic walking routes. Whether you prefer the buzz of a busy town, the charm of a village setting, or something in between, this role offers a great balance both in and outside of work. If you’re currently working in London and starting to think about a better work–life balance, without losing the lifestyle you enjoy, this could be the ideal next step.

What we’re looking for

• RCVS registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Minimum of 2–3 years’ UK experience in first-opinion practice
• Confident managing routine surgery and medical cases
• Comfortable with some sole charge (with support available)
• A team player who values collaboration and a positive culture
• Committed to delivering high standards of patient and client care
• Interested in developing a clinical area or pursuing further qualifications

What we offer  

• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave   

• RCVS and VDS fees paid   

• External CPD funded   

• Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program   

• Career progression opportunities   

• Staff discount schemes   

• Life Assurance   

• Enhanced sickness pay   

• Enhanced equal family leave   

• E-car salary sacrifice scheme   

• Employer contribution pension scheme    

• Recruitment referral reward scheme   

• Wellness program including:    

• Employee assistance program   

• Eyecare voucher scheme   

• Free annual Flu jab   

• Cycle to work scheme   

About Us

Spinney Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.   

At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets.  

We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose. 

If you would like to apply for the role or for an informal chat to discuss it further, please get in touch with Joanne in the recruitment team joanne.gray@linnaeusgroup.co.uk

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