Veterinary Surgeon

• To perform consultations and medical treatment of animals according to RCVS standards as a qualified member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
• To make decisions on and undertake a wide range of surgical operations and procedures. This requires competence and experience across veterinary disciplines, including soft tissue surgery, orthopaedic surgery, cardiology, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology and shelter medicine.
• To undertake on a roster basis, emergency and out-of-hours qualified veterinary cover where the post holder will be in sole charge.
• To promote animal welfare through client education and preventative medicine in accordance with RSPCA policy, especially during consultation sessions.
• To implement RSPCA euthanasia policy with respect to stray and wild animals.
• To undertake any other duties as may be directed from time to time by the Hospital Director or Senior Clinician.
• To undertake overall responsibility for animals under our care regarding animal welfare and veterinary treatment
• To implement RSPCA policies regarding the re-homability of stray animals, including decision-making on individual cases.
• To contribute to the development of RSPCA veterinary protocols.
• Identify and coordinate research projects, and provide support and advice to other RSPCA staff who are coordinating research projects. Part of the RSPCA Project Review Group. Collate and analyse data and prepare papers on veterinary work for publication.
• To undertake continuing professional and personal development associated with the role, in accordance with RCVS guidelines of 35 hours per year.
• To take part in PR and media activities as assigned by the Manager
• Training of Centre staff in standard procedures and protocols
• Surgeons are required to be directly responsible for supply and usage and recording of all POM drugs held and used at the centre (Animal and Wildlife Centres only).
• Improve rehabilitation techniques and skills through in-house protocol workshops (Wildlife Centres Only).
• Perform post-mortem examinations and lab work as required in accordance with RSPCA agreed protocols, for animals in Stapeley care and for others within the regions or as agreed with Management (Wildlife Centres Only).
• Examine and report on cruelty cases, including court attendance if required, involving wildlife presented by the Society’s Inspectorate or by the Police Service (Wildlife Centres Only).

• Salary: £45,331 to £53,331 plus 4% shift allowance
• Working hours: 35 hours / Mon - Friday with some on call overnight and weekend shifts (approx 1 in 6/7 rota). 

Here at RSPCA, no two days are the same as a Vet Surgeon. We've added a short summary of what a typical day might look like,  but for a full insight, please refer to the full job description here. 

Our expert team at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital provides life-saving veterinary care to thousands of animals rescued by RSPCA frontline officers. They also provide vital support to rescued animals being cared for at RSPCA centres. We do not provide treatment for people's pets.

You will be responsible for overseeing the rehabilitation of injured/ill strays and victims of cruelty and neglect, and demonstrating competence across veterinary disciplines.

You will also be responsible for:

• Dentistry
• Neutering and other soft tissue surgery
• Shelter medicine
• Some sole charge
• Participating in off-site work around once a week for shelter medicine work with our local branches and centres.
• Implementing RSPCA policies regarding the re-homability of animals, including decision-making on individual cases
• Welfare support work for the RSPCA Inspectorate

• Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• You must hold a full, valid driver's licence due to the need to travel across the region
• Interest or previous experience in shelter medicine
• A pragmatic and welfare-oriented approach
• Happy to handle dogs, cats, small furries and possibly birds and wildlife initial triage (although you are not expected to be an expert on wildlife)
• 2 years + previous clinical experience preferred
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to work autonomously and make informed decisions
• Great communication skills 
• In line with the above, you will have the ability to explain complex clinical and welfare decisions clearly and compassionately to a variety of non-clinical staff, including the Animal Centre teams and Inspectorate

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

This is not your average Vet job - so, what's different about it? 

We focus on animal welfare and can offer great hours (a good proportion of shifts are 8 am - 4 pm, and an actual hour for lunch most of the time). 

So, if you are looking for some flexibility to fit in with your home life, this could be the right fit for you. 

It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the start. We like to keep in touch with regular check-ins and team meetings. There's always a teammate around for support or a quick chat.

• On-site role: Manchester Animal Hospital - Your role would also include regular off-site work, travelling to our other animal centres/hospitals. 

• Professional development 
• 35-hour working week (full-time)
• 25 days holiday
• Family-friendly policies
• Pension scheme
• Healthcare cash plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational sick pay
• Life assurance
• Dog-friendly policies
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discount schemes

For more details on employee benefits, click here. 

• Closing date: 14 May 2026
• Interviews are expected to take place in person on 21st and 22nd May
• For full details and to apply, click here
  
  
  

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed  to our mission.  For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. 

We're here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.