Veterinary Surgeon

About usWendy Lane Vets is an RCVS Tier II accredited practice in Lancashire, north of Manchester. We are a thriving, independently owned practice seeking a new veterinary team member to join our eight-vet team.We are looking for a new vet as, after two years, one of our team, May, has decided to move on to new challenges. May joined us as a recent graduate and developed into a capable vet who can manage complex medical and surgical cases. Her shift pattern includes days at the branch surgery, working alongside our new graduate and acting as lead vet at the main surgery. She has been part of our mentoring programme for vet students and a GDP advisor for our new graduate. Our team is encouraged and supported in areas of interest, including helping to build the acupuncture service, taking on complex surgeries, and developing social media presence including filming a well-known dog behaviour TV show at the surgery. Does this sound like the career progression you are looking for? If so, read on…The surgery opened in 1964 and takes its name from retired partner Wendy Lane. The practice grew from three vets and three nurses in 2007 to eight vets and eight nurses today. Our main surgery is located in Rochdale with branch surgeries in Littleborough and Heywood. The Rochdale surgery features four consulting rooms, separate cat and dog wards, separate cat and dog operating theatres, and a dedicated dental room with dental X-ray facilities. Three years ago, Rochdale achieved the ISFM Gold-level award for cat-friendly status. In-house IDEXX lab, K Laser, orthopaedic kits, ultrasound, and other equipment typical of a busy first-opinion practice are available. Littleborough has two consulting rooms, kennels, an in-house lab, operating theatre, and dental facilities. The Heywood branch is a modern, fully air-conditioned building with three consulting rooms, operating facilities, in-house lab, and a soon-to-open Pet Well-being Centre offering complementary therapies including hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture and K laser. The rehab centre is in final development and should be ready in November 2025. We are proud to offer in-house complementary therapies alongside our clinical services. A candidate with an interest in this would be ideally suited to help develop this facility as they wish. We provide veterinary care for the local RSPCA centre, which has moved to a purpose-built multimillion-pound facility at Hollingworth Lake Country Park. The contract includes care for shelter animals, with plans to develop wildlife rehabilitation facilities and to establish a wildlife hub for triage, rehabilitation and release within the country park—an area that may interest a successful candidate to develop.Testimonials from the team“I have now been at Wendy Lane Vets for almost 10 years and would recommend it to any vet looking for a job. The team is friendly and supportive, and the caseload is varied with opportunities to work up cases completely. The nurses are proactive and helpful. It is an independent practice; Phil and Judith are approachable.” — Sarah, Vet“Since starting at Wendy Lane Vets as a new graduate veterinary surgeon almost 3 years ago, my confidence, skill-set and knowledge have grown immensely. The support and guidance of my colleagues has been invaluable. Every day brings a new challenge, and I can rely on the team for support. We share consults and cases, learn from each other, and enjoy a friendly, collaborative environment.” — Becky, VetAbout the roleIdeally we are looking for a candidate for 3 or 4 days per week and to be part of our Saturday rota (1 in 3 Saturday mornings 9am to 12 noon). An experienced vet is preferred to help shape the new branch surgery, but a new or recent graduate would be considered. With ongoing developments at the surgery, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to progress their role within the surgery, including rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and laser at the branch, involvement in operations and diagnostics at the main surgery, student education, wildlife rehabilitation at the rescue centre, or other areas of interest. There is flexibility on days/hours to suit the right candidate. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.“With years of experience, I’ve come to appreciate that great care isn’t just about clinical skill—it’s about teamwork, trust, and continuous learning. At Wendy Lane, I’m surrounded by a supportive team that brings compassion and expertise to every case. We thrive on open clinical discussions, sharing insights and challenging each other to think critically and stay current to ensure our patients receive the very best care.” — Bethany, Vet“After 14 years as an RVN at Wendy Lane Vets, I took a 7 year detour into lecturing… and then came straight back This independent, three-branch practice is genuinely supportive and friendly, and everybody is a valued member of the team. The atmosphere is professional yet relaxed with plenty of laughter.” — Chantal, Vet NurseAbout the interviewWe strive for a positive interview experience and encourage candidates to spend time with the team to understand what it is like to work at Wendy Lane Vets. After an interview with the Practice Owner and Practice Manager, a tour of the surgery and a buffet lunch with the team will be provided to ask questions away from management and get a genuine feel for the surgery. We aim to foster a happy ‘work family’ and invite you to experience this firsthand by meeting our team.LocationThe surgeries are located in Greater Manchester, at the foothills of the South Pennines with easy access to the M62. Excellent transport links and opportunities for outdoor activities are nearby, including trains to Manchester city centre.The packageSalary of £38,000 to £65,000, dependent on experienceFive weeks holiday + bank holidaysOne in three Saturday mornings (9-12)One week for CPD (or take CPD in your own time and receive 5 extra days’ holiday)CPD budget of £1,750VDS and RCVS membershipJournal membershipNo out of hoursWendy Lane Vets is a genuinely great place to work, as evidenced by our low staff turnover. If you want to find out more about how this role could be right for you, please get in touch. #J-18808-Ljbffr