Small Animal veterinary Surgeon - East

Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon (Full‑time or Part‑time)

My Client in Lancashire is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced small animal veterinary surgeon to join its friendly and supportive team. This is an excellent opportunity for a vet looking to take the next step in their career while benefiting from flexible working hours that can be tailored to suit individual lifestyles.

This practice, with a long‑standing history dating back to 1911, operates from a main hospital in Colne with two consulting branches, providing high‑quality first‑opinion care across East Lancashire. The small animal team manages a high and varied caseload, creating excellent opportunities for professional development, particularly for vets with surgical or orthopaedic interests who are keen to expand in‑house services.

The group is proud of its well‑established, welcoming and supportive team culture. Staff wellbeing is a priority, with regular wellbeing meetings and an ongoing focus on ensuring colleagues feel valued, supported and part of a close‑knit team. The strong social culture includes charity and community events such as the annual Pendle Pub Walk, fundraising activities, career days and local events, helping to build strong bonds both within the team and the wider community.

Full‑time work is a 40‑hour week with participation in the out‑of‑hours rota: 1 in 8 weekends on call and one weeknight on call every two weeks. Time off in lieu is generously provided – including two days off following a worked weekend, a Friday off after a Saturday on call, and the following day off after a weeknight on call. Flexible and part‑time working options are also available and actively encouraged.

Overnight care is supported by a dedicated team of registered veterinary nurses (three night RVNs, two holding ECC certificates) working through the night. On‑site accommodation is available for those who wish to stay at the practice, offering a private flat with shower and television facilities.

The main hospital in Colne is exceptionally well equipped, featuring digital radiography, ultrasound, flexible and rigid endoscopy, two fully equipped operating theatres with multiparameter monitoring, and a dedicated dental suite with dental radiography. An extensive in‑house laboratory, multiple consulting rooms, separate canine and feline wards and a designated bereavement room support comprehensive care. Visit specialists in ultrasonography and cardiology collaborate to work up the majority of cases in‑house.

Applicants should have completed their VetGDP and be confident in routine consultations and surgery, as the practice cannot support an additional newly qualified vet at this time. The practice works closely with the University of Central Lancashire as a training practice and is a registered nurse training facility. Continuing professional development is actively encouraged, with a generous CPD budget, five paid CPD days per year and support for certificates where appropriate.

RCVS membership, VDS cover and two additional professional subscriptions are provided.

• Salary ranges from £40,000 to £65,000 depending on experience.
• Annual leave entitlement is 6.6 weeks including bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell holiday.
• Employee Assistance Programme, one paid volunteering day per year, subsidised corporate gym membership, cycle to work scheme, enhanced family leave policies, and the option to join private medical insurance via payroll.
• Colleague pets are treated as part of the family; treatments are provided at cost where appropriate, and well‑behaved pets are welcome at work.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity or wish to apply, please don’t hesitate to contact  or give us a call at  We are dedicated to assisting talented Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons like you in finding the ideal job.

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Bright Leaf Recruitment has been successfully placing highly skilled Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons and veterinary nurses in great roles across the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Australia since 2010. Trust our expertise and industry knowledge to help you find the perfect match for your career goals. Contact us today and take the next step towards a fulfilling career as a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon.