Job Description

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen!

Valley Vets are looking to recruit a full-time veterinary surgeon for a hybrid small animal and exotics position, to start in 2026. Extensive exotics experience is not a prerequisite - full support will be given.

The Role:

Salary - 38,000 - 50,000 dependent on experience 5-day (40hr) week, Monday-Friday No night shifts - our permanent night vets cover these! A large team of RVNs, receptionists and ACAs provide clinical support


In this role, you'll work between the small animal 1st opinion service at Valley Veterinary Hospital with dogs and cats and our dedicated exotics service, Valley Exotics, seeing predominantly birds, reptiles and small mammals. Although the exact rota is to be confirmed, there is likely to be an exotics bias.


Valley Exotics is led by a full time boarded-specialist and works out of a dedicated department within Valley Veterinary Hospital. We are also lucky to have a second boarded-specialist who works with us for an additional two days every fortnight. We are looking for an exotics co-pilot, who can provide regular support with the first opinion exotics caseload, with rostered days in exotics weekly and who can step in to oversee all cases presenting to Valley Exotics during times when our lead exotics vet is on leave - with support.


This position would suit a GP vet with an interest in exotics and would be ideal for someone looking to pursue a certificate in exotics longer term. The most important quality that we are looking for is someone who fits well into our existing team, with an interest in exotics.

Our Exotics Department Features:

A dedicated exotics waiting area Dedicated exotics consulting rooms An exotics prep area Separate small mammal and avian/reptile wards Heated vivaria An exotics isolation ward An exotics post-mortem room with a biological safety cabinet X-ray, ultrasound, CT, endoscopy and the ability to run in-house bloods

About Valley Vets:

Valley Veterinary Hospital is a busy first opinion service, with a large vet team. We are also one of the largest ECC providers in the region, with a dedicated ECC team that provides out of hours cover for around 40 local practices.


Our modern, RCVS accredited veterinary hospital is situated in Gwaelod-y-Garth just outside Cardiff.


We pride ourselves on investing both in our team and our equipment and facilities, providing an excellent platform for our team to be able to work cases up fully and pursue their personal clinical interests.

24/7 inpatient care CT Scanner Advanced Ultrasonography Endosurgery facilities Extensive blood analysis equipment- including TEG, blood gases etc Dedicated orthopaedic, soft tissue and exotic theatres Dedicated ECC wards Dental suite In-house rehabilitation services (including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy)

The Local Area:

Valley Vets is lucky to be situated in an extremely diverse area. South Wales and in particular, Cardiff and its surroundings, really are something very special. Within easy commuting distance of our practice, you can be living in the vibrant city centre of Cardiff, surround yourself with nature and tranquillity in the coastal towns of the Vale of Glamorgan, or the mountains of the Valleys and Brecon Beacons National Park. The area really does have something for everyone.


Sports facilities are extensive and broad-ranging: from the International Sports Village in Cardiff to UK-renowned mountain bike trails in Merthyr Tydfil and Cwmbran, beautiful walks on the Welsh Coastal Path or mountain and waterfall walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park, there really is something for everyone.

Our fantastic range of benefits includes:

6.6 weeks paid holiday including bank holidays - options to buy and sell 5 days CPD with an allowance of 1750 - certificate study application process Health Shield - wide ranging contributions for health and wellbeing treatments - from dentistry to sports massage RCVS Membership paid and two other membership subscriptions VDS cover Enhanced paternity, maternity, adoption, shared parental leave and surrogacy pay Colleague Discount Scheme- 50% off services, products at cost price My Perks - offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel, entertainment and much more Cycle to Work scheme CPD/training support Company sick pay Colleague engagement survey Annual pay reviews Focus on employee wellbeing Career progression opportunities Relocation allowance for candidates applying directly

We look forward to hearing from you.

Direct applications only please - no agency submissions