Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Veterinary Surgeon – 12-Month Maternity Cover

Cardiff | Small Animal | RCVS Accredited Practice

• Four-day working week with a balanced mix of consulting, operating and inpatient duties
• No out-of-hours or Bank Holiday work, with overnight care handled by an external provider
• Supportive, experienced team including certificate holders, with a strong focus on wellbeing
• Modern, well-equipped RCVS-accredited practice across three Cardiff-based branches
• Attractive benefits package, including salary up to £50k, 6.6 weeks holiday, CPD allowance and enhanced parental leave

My client is an established, RCVS-accredited small animal veterinary practice with three branches in and around Cardiff. As one of the oldest practices in the area, they have spent decades refining their approach to delivering exceptional care for patients and clients alike. Central to their philosophy is the belief that looking after their team is essential to providing the highest standard of veterinary care.

They are now seeking a dedicated Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly, supportive team for a 12-month maternity cover contract. The successful candidate will work across the main hospital and branch surgeries on a shared rota, undertaking a balanced mix of consulting, surgical duties and inpatient care. While overnight calls are handled by a local out-of-hours provider, inpatients remain on-site overnight with nursing support to ensure continuity of care.

This is a modern first-opinion practice equipped with all the facilities expected of a contemporary small animal centre.

• Full-time maternity cover position
• Four-day working week (40 hours), including a 1-in-5 shared Saturday rota
• No out-of-hours duties or Bank Holidays
• Balanced caseload of consulting, surgery and inpatient care
• 20-minute consultations as standard
• Dedicated admin time included within the working day
• Clinical freedom encouraged, with support readily available

My client prides themselves on fostering a positive, collaborative working environment where wellbeing is prioritised. Their large, experienced team includes 20 vets and 19 nurses, several of whom hold certificates across various disciplines. They are committed to supporting professional development and ensuring long-term career satisfaction for every member of the team.

Cardiff offers an exceptional quality of life, combining the vibrancy and amenities of a capital city with easy access to the natural beauty of South Wales. From excellent restaurants and cultural attractions to the nearby Brecon Beacons and stunning coastline, the area provides something for everyone. Transport links are outstanding, with a local airport, high-speed rail connections and the M4 on the doorstep.

• Salary up to £50,000 (DOE)
• 6.6 weeks paid holiday (including Bank Holidays)
• £1,750 CPD allowance per annum
• Health Shield cover, with a wide range of health & wellbeing benefits
• RCVS membership plus two additional professional subscriptions paid
• VDS cover
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, surrogacy)
• Discounted veterinary fees
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Comprehensive CPD and training support
• Company sick pay
• Annual pay reviews
• Strong focus on employee wellbeing
• Excellent career progression opportunities

For more information or for a confidential chat, please contact Megan on or email

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And don't forget, if this position is of no interest to you but you know someone who may be interested, please pass on our details. We offer £250
* for every successful candidate referral.
* Terms and conditions apply.

: JOB-56050