Veterinary Surgeon – 3-Day Week, Small Animal & Exotics – Lancashire Coast – £45,000–£65,000 DOE

A genuinely unique opportunity to join a close-knit, sociable small animal and exotics practice on the beautiful Fylde coast — where full-time means a 3-day week, and team culture is truly at the heart of everything. 🌊🐾

About the Practice

This well-established small animal and exotics practice has been serving its local community since 2005 and has grown steadily ever since. It is an independently spirited practice with a real family feel — the kind of place where the whole team rallies together, looks out for one another, and genuinely enjoys coming to work.

The practice has recently expanded, with separate waiting areas and consulting rooms for dogs and cats, and dedicated wards for cats, rabbits, exotics and birds — all thoughtfully kept away from the busier dog areas. Exciting development is also underway, with a brand new building set to house a 64-slice CT scanner and an additional operating theatre, due for completion later this year. 🏥

The practice treats a varied and interesting caseload spanning small animals and exotics, with the practice owner available for out-of-hours exotic backup when needed.

About the Role

This is a genuinely refreshing rota. Full-time vets work just 3 days per week (8:30am–7:00pm), with the last consult slot at 5:45pm. Weekend commitment is just 1 in 4 Saturday mornings, finishing by 12pm — with a dedicated emergency vet covering any emergencies from midday onwards.

Out-of-hours cover is minimal — just one weekday night on call every two weeks. On-site accommodation is provided for those shifts, with an answering service screening calls overnight so you're only contacted for genuine emergencies. An RVN is also on call each night for additional support.

Each day is well structured, with one main operating vet, a second to support, and a third dedicated to monitoring hospitalised patients. Lunch breaks and time for calls and case discussions are built into the day.

What They're Looking For

They are looking for a skilled Veterinary Surgeon who is comfortable with sole charge for OOH cover, can consult efficiently, and is confident performing at least basic surgical procedures. Whether you're newly qualified or highly experienced — the most important thing to this team is that you want to be part of something special.

What They Can Offer You

✅ Salary £45,000–£65,000 DOE

✅ Full-time role across just 3 days per week 🙌

✅ 1 in 4 Saturday mornings only — no Sunday rota

✅ Minimal OOH — one weekday night every two weeks, with on-site accommodation provided

✅ 64-slice CT scanner coming soon, plus an additional theatre

✅ 6.6 weeks paid holiday including bank holidays

✅ £1,750 CPD allowance per annum

✅ RCVS membership paid, plus two additional memberships and VDS cover

✅ Health Cash Plan covering a wide range of health and wellbeing treatments

✅ Enhanced family leave, company sick pay and annual pay reviews

✅ A yearly practice trip away — fully paid 🌍

How to Apply

If you're looking for a practice that genuinely puts its team first — with a rota to match, a brilliant location, and a culture you'll actually want to be part of — this is one not to scroll past.

Get in touch with Ciaran today:

📧 ciaran.drew@gvcvets.com 📞 01392 793241 👤 Ciaran Drew – Global Veterinary Careers