Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About Small World Vet Centre

We are a progressive, ethical, independent SA practice in the thriving village of Liphook in East Hampshire. Our reputation for patient care goes hand-in-hand with a positive and rewarding work environment for our team. We're passionate about creating a space where you feel valued, motivated, and empowered to make a real difference for the animals we care for and the world around us.

At SWVC, independence is more than just a word - it's what gives us wings! We have complete freedom to use our imaginations and some ‘blue sky’ thinking. For example, our ground-breaking wellness plans partner the best standards of preventative healthcare with leading-edge diagnostic testing to ensure pets are protected against parasitic diseases without the overuse of medicines that can harm the environment and simultaneously tackle climate change through meaningful investment in carbon-reducing projects worldwide. This unique and innovative approach was recognized in 2024 when we received the ESCCAP Veterinary Parasitology Champion of the Year Award.

As part of our commitment to providing the best care, we are a Silver ISFM Cat-Friendly and RWAF Rabbit-Friendly practice. We are also BBVA Bee-Friendly, a nod toward our environmental mission. As you'd expect, we use a green energy supplier and actively work to reduce our consumption of resources and waste. But rather than just reducing the negative, we are dedicated to making a genuinely positive impact on our environment, funding habitat regeneration and promoting biodiversity.

Since graduating in 1993, the founder, Phill, has enjoyed a varied career, including working in small animal and mixed practices and with wildlife in the UK and Asia. He has also completed an MSc (Wild Animal Health) at the RVC/IOZ. Elena, our part-time vet, is pursuing her medicine certificate. We also benefit from the services of visiting orthopaedic surgeons, which enables us to keep these referral cases in-house.

The practice was purpose-designed to provide a comfortable workspace, with a/c and fresh air ventilation, internal windows to maximize natural light, and a layout that optimizes workflow from consultation rooms and wards to prep and theatre. We also have great kit, including ultrasound, dental X-ray, and multi-parameter monitoring, with Storz endoscopy on the way. We are committed to continuous improvement and are keen to invest in both our team and facilities to support this.

What our team say about working at Small World Vet Centre

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Small World Vets. It is a friendly, welcoming place to work, which always strives for clinical excellence. They have a fantastic, friendly and efficient team of experienced nurses and receptionists. They are proudly independent and have an ethical and environmentally focused ethos. They are very supportive of high clinical standards and offer a great continuity of care."Adam MRCVS

"We are a warm, welcoming, and fun team. Our shared passion for animals is fundamentally clear, as is our aim to clean up the planet. Although we are a small practice, we are part of a big community, and all have huge animal-biased hearts"Hayley RVN

"I started off working here as a work experience, and their happiness and joy in their work made me want to be a part of the team. Roll on a couple of years later, and I'm in!"Millie Receptionist

"All our staff are friendly; the practice is modern. I enjoy working here because of the closeness of the team and how we are more than work colleagues - we are friends."Steph RVN

About the role

We’re a friendly bunch that enjoys working together to provide the best care for our patients and to support each other, so we prioritize finding someone who fits our team and shares our values.

We are looking for a vet with some experience who has the ability and passion to help us take the next big steps in our clinical development, leading our surgical service with the introduction of fixed endoscopy and/or growing our provision for exotic species and small mammals. You may have a relevant certificate or are keen to embark on one, which would be fully supported in the form of funding as well as equipment. Additional premises are on the way with extra consultation rooms to accommodate the expansion.

We understand that work-life balance is essential, and our full-time vets work a 4-day week, with just 1:3 Saturday mornings only. We all share the operating and consulting duties, so there is plenty of time to develop your skills and interests. We could also arrange more surgical time if this interests you. Consultations are 20 minutes, and dedicated time is built into the schedule for ‘admin’ and casework, providing a more relaxed working environment.

Any out-of-hours emergencies are outsourced to a dedicated provider nearby, who also care for our in-patients, so there is no on-call, and your weekends and bank holidays are free to enjoy.

All about the social side

We love getting together outside work, whether catching up over shared meals and drinks or heading to our local independent cinema (where we have a practice membership) to catch the latest release. We enjoy doing something a little different and creating lasting memories, like our summer safari trip to the Knepp Wildland Project, where we encountered incredible wildlife and learnt about their conservation efforts. Even our practice meetings are getting a ‘green twist’ as we plan to head outdoors for a walk-and-talk, fostering creativity and team spirit while enjoying some fresh air and perhaps visiting a pub that happens to be on the way!

What is the local area like?

Liphook itself is a vibrant place with great pubs and restaurants. The station is just yards away to catch a train to London or Portsmouth, and the beautiful South Downs National Park is on your doorstep.

We offer:

• Salary of £48,000 - £70,000, depending on experience and qualifications
• 6 weeks holiday, including bank holidays
• CPD generously funded, including certificates
• Professional memberships paid
• Private medical insurance
• Free cinema tickets with SWVC Cinema Club

If you are looking for somewhere a little different and to make a difference in the world, we could be the place to call home. We would love to hear from you and chat further about your ideas and our practice.