At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Unicorn Vets is becoming part of the Orchard Vets family and are well-established veterinary practice groups with a reputation for excellence and a commitment to providing high-quality care to our community and their pets for over 35 years. Originally based in Romsey, we have continued to grow successfully with branches in Ashurst and we are excited the practices in Bassett and Fair Oak are joining us.

Our practices are well equipped with a range of in-house facilities including dental radiography, laparoscopy, endoscopy, K-Laser, Vetscan Imagyst and cryotherapy. We also have access to a local IVC referral centre to support more complex cases. 

While this role is primarily based across our Bassett and Fair Oak branches, you will work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider Orchard Vets group, including our Romsey and Ashurst teams. 

You will be supported by a dedicated and experienced team consisting of Veterinary Surgeons, RVNs, Student Veterinary Nurses, Animal Care Assistants and reception/administrative colleagues across our sites. CPD and continuous learning are extremely important to us, and we actively encourage further development and leadership progression within the team. 

We pride ourselves on maintaining a supportive and collaborative culture where everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and help shape the future of the practice group. 

 

 

 

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care. 

 

You’ll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and ways of working.

 

•    This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days with a mix of early and late shifts. There is a 1:6 Saturday morning rota (8:30am–12:30pm), with no out of hours or on call requirements.
•    Part-time applications are also welcomed.

 

 

 

You are a highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical expertise and a passion for leadership and clinical excellence. You’ll bring: 

 

 

 

How We’ll Support You 

Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles 

Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses

£1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet 

Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks 

Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities 

A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement