Small Animal Vet with Exotics interest | To start in January 2026

<h3><strong>Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal &amp; Exotics (Full-Time) – Cardiff, South Wales</strong></h3> <p>A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen!</p> <p>GVC is assisting a friendly, RCVS-accredited small animal practice near Cardiff to recruit a full-time Veterinary Surgeon for a hybrid small animal and exotics role, starting in 2026. Extensive exotics experience is not required, as full support will be provided.</p> <p>This is a fantastic role for a GP vet with an interest in exotics, particularly for those looking to develop toward a certificate in exotics over time.</p> <hr> <h3><strong>The Role</strong></h3> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Salary:</strong> up to £50,000</p> <li> <p><strong>Hours:</strong> 5-day (40 hr) week, Monday-Friday</p> <li> <p>No night shifts – permanent night vets cover these</p> <li> <p>Work across small animal 1st opinion service and the dedicated exotics service</p> <li> <p>Likely exotics bias in rota, with weekly exotics days</p> <li> <p>Provide support during exotics lead leave, with guidance from boarded specialists</p> </ul> <p>The clinic’s exotics service is led by a full-time boarded specialist, supported by a second boarded specialist for two days every fortnight. You’ll be the exotics co-pilot, helping manage first opinion exotics cases and supporting the team in a collaborative environment.</p> <hr> <h3><strong>Exotics Department Features</strong></h3> <ul> <li> <p>Dedicated exotics waiting area and consulting rooms</p> <li> <p>Separate wards for small mammals and avian/reptile species</p> <li> <p>Heated vivaria and isolation ward</p> <li> <p>Exotics prep area and post-mortem room with biological safety cabinet</p> <li> <p>Imaging and diagnostics: X-ray, ultrasound, CT, endoscopy, plus in-house blood testing</p> </ul> <hr> <h3><strong>About the Practice</strong></h3> <p>The practice is a busy, <strong>modern RCVS-accredited veterinary hospital</strong> with:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Large, collaborative vet team</p> <li> <p>24/7 inpatient care</p> <li> <p>CT Scanner and advanced ultrasonography</p> <li> <p>Endosurgery facilities</p> <li> <p>Extensive in-house blood analysis (including TEG, blood gases)</p> <li> <p>Dedicated orthopaedic, soft tissue, and exotic theatres</p> <li> <p>ECC wards and dental suite</p> <li> <p>In-house rehabilitation services including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy</p> </ul> <p>The practice prides itself on investing in team development and clinical equipment, providing an excellent platform to pursue personal clinical interests.</p> <hr> <h3><u><strong>Local Area</strong></u></h3> <p>Situated just outside Cardiff, the area combines city convenience with easy access to nature.</p> <ul> <li> <p>Vibrant Cardiff city centre</p> <li> <p>Coastal towns of the Vale of Glamorgan</p> <li> <p>Mountains of the Valleys and Brecon Beacons National Park</p> <li> <p>Extensive sports and outdoor activities, including mountain biking, coastal walks, and the Welsh Coastal Path</p> </ul> <hr> <h3><strong>Salary &amp; Benefits</strong></h3> <ul> <li>6.6 weeks paid holiday <li>£1,750 CPD allowance + 5 days CPD (certificate study support) <li> <p>RCVS membership and two other professional subscriptions</p> <li> <p>VDS cover</p> <li> <p>Enhanced family leave</p> <li> <p>Cycle to Work scheme</p> </ul> <hr> <p>If you’re ready to develop your exotics skills in a supportive, collaborative environment,<br /> ​​​​​​​<br /> Contact Stephanie Hellier for more details – stephanie.hellier@gvcvets.com / 01392 793069</p>