Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

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

Are you an enthusiastic and dedicated Veterinary Surgeon looking for a practice where teamwork, compassion, and community really matter? At Barn Vets in Copdock, Ipswich, we’re searching for a caring vet to join our warm and supportive team. Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career or simply want to work somewhere that feels like home, you’ll find a welcoming environment and a role that’s as rewarding as it is enjoyable.

Our main practice is based in a beautifully converted barn surrounded by peaceful countryside, and yes, it’s just as lovely as it sounds. With high ceilings, oak beams, and a cosy coal fire in the waiting room during winter, Barn Vets offers a truly unique setting to work in. You’re even welcome to bring your dog to work and join us on lunchtime walks straight from the practice doors.

Our busy branch surgery operates out of a converted detached house near the centre of Ipswich.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to deliver excellent care, including two consultation rooms, prep and theatre areas, an isolation unit, a mixed ward, and a fully equipped imaging suite with X‑ray and ultrasound. Our dispensary sits just behind reception for efficiency, and we’ve got a comfortable staff room complete with cosy chairs, a posh coffee machine, and a hot chocolate station plus regular homemade cakes from our talented bakers.

There’s also a large car park.

While your main base will be Copdock, your time will be split between here and our branch surgery on Ashcroft Road, Ipswich.

At Barn Vets, no two days are the same. You’ll see a mix of cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries, and even the odd chicken or injured wildlife from hedgehogs to seals. We offer a great balance between surgery and consulting, giving you plenty of variety in your day.

You’ll have access to a wide range of modern equipment including digital X‑ray, dental suite, laser machine, capnography, ultrasound, tonometry, electro‑cautery, endoscope, video otoscope, and a full in‑house lab with IDEXX machines and multiparameter monitors. Surgeries range from routine procedures to soft tissue and ophthalmology cases, with opportunities to assist with orthopaedics and the occasional ECC case.

This is a full‑time role working 40 hours per week over 4.5 days, with 1 in 6 weekends (Saturday 9‑12, Sunday 10‑12) and no on‑call. We also recognise and reward dedication; if you need to stay late to treat a patient, you’ll receive a bonus based on a share of the professional fees. We also welcome part‑time applications.

You’ll be joining a friendly, established team of 7 Vets and 7 RVNs, supported by a fantastic Client Care team of 11 including receptionists, admin staff, and ACAs, many of whom have been part of Barn Vets for over 30 years. Our talented team also includes certificate holders in Small Animal Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Ophthalmology, and Cardiology.

We pride ourselves on our warm, inclusive culture. The team loves spending time together outside of work whether it’s a relaxed meal out, a bowling night, or a team walk with our dogs. We’re the kind of practice where everyone knows and supports one another.

If you’re interested in developing your skills further, we’re always happy to support and fund certificates to help you grow in the areas you love most.

We’re proud of our strong community links and regularly get involved in local fairs, dog shows, and charity events. We also provide three off‑site charity clinics each week, working with organisations such as the RSPCA, Cats Protection, Blue Cross, Animal Welfare Suffolk, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and PDSA Pet Care. Giving back is part of who we are and we love being able to make a difference both in and beyond the practice.

Set in the heart of Suffolk, Copdock and nearby Ipswich offer the perfect blend of countryside charm and convenience. Surrounded by rolling fields and…