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Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Small Animal Surgeon - AnimERge

Raritan, NJ ยท On-site

$180 - $300/hr

Small Animal Surgeon - AnimERge Position Overview We are seeking a dedicated Board-Certified or ... You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and ...

$120 - $180/hr

Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center is looking for a Full-Time Small Animal Veterinarian to join ... to surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, and emergency care. The Small Animal Veterinarian is a ...

New

$90 - $130/hr

Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center is looking for a Full-Time Small Animal Veterinarian to join ... to surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, and emergency care. The Small Animal Veterinarian is a ...

$90 - $130/hr

Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center is looking for a Full-Time Small Animal Veterinarian to join ... to surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, and emergency care. The Small Animal Veterinarian is a ...

Small Animal Veterinarian

Savannah, GA ยท On-site

$200 - $300/hr

Small Animal Veterinarian Live Oak Veterinary Specialists (LOVS) - Opening September 2026! Savannah ... Live Oak Veterinary Specialists (LOVS) is a new, independently owned specialty and emergency ...

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Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon information

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How much do small animal veterinary surgeon jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for small animal veterinary surgeon in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a small animal veterinary surgeon do?

A Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon is a veterinarian who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and performing surgery on pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Their responsibilities include conducting physical exams, prescribing medication, performing surgical procedures, and providing preventive healthcare advice to pet owners. They also play a key role in educating clients about proper animal care and may work in private clinics, animal hospitals, or research settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a small animal veterinary surgeon?

To thrive as a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, you need a veterinary medicine degree (DVM or equivalent), licensure to practice, and a solid understanding of animal anatomy, pathology, and surgical procedures. Familiarity with diagnostic imaging tools, anesthesia machines, and veterinary practice management software is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and compassion are crucial for building trust with pet owners and collaborating with veterinary teams. These skills and qualities ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and high-quality care for small animal patients.

What are some common challenges faced by small animal veterinary surgeons in a clinical setting?

Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons often encounter challenges such as managing a high caseload, balancing routine care with emergency situations, and communicating complex medical information to pet owners in an empathetic manner. They also need to stay updated on advancements in veterinary medicine and handle emotionally charged situations, especially when dealing with critically ill pets. Collaborating effectively with veterinary nurses, support staff, and other veterinarians is essential for delivering high-quality care and maintaining a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon vs Veterinary Nurse?

AspectSmall Animal Veterinary SurgeonVeterinary Nurse
QualificationsVeterinary degree, registration with the RCVSNursing diploma or degree, registration with the RCVS
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, surgical settingsAnimal wards, clinics, assisting surgeries
Roles & ResponsibilitiesDiagnosing, treating, performing surgeriesAssisting vets, patient care, administering medication

The main difference is that Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons diagnose and treat animals, perform surgeries, and hold a veterinary degree, while Veterinary Nurses support vets in patient care and nursing tasks. Both roles require RCVS registration but differ in responsibilities and scope of practice.

More about Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon jobs

What states have the most Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon jobs?

States with the most job openings for Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon jobs include:

Infographic showing various Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Board-Certified or Board Eligible Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital of Holly Springs

Holly Springs, NC โ€ข On-site

$160 - $210/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position:Board-Certified or Board Eligible Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Location: Holly Springs, NC

Job Id:198

# of Openings:1

Board- Certified or Board- Eligible Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Holly Springs, North Carolina

HIRING BOUNS: 25,000

The Triangle's premier Emergency and Specialty Hospitals are growing! We are seeking to add a full-time, board-certified or board-eligible surgeon to our surgical service at the Holly Springs location. TVRH Holly Springs is part of Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals, a multi-location group, which consists of two 24-hour Emergency and Specialty practices. In addition to our emergency service, together, we have specialty services in internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, radiology, neurology and rehabilitation.

Join our dedicated and compassionate staff in providing the highest level of veterinary care in the southern Wake County area. We recognize the importance of cutting-edge technology in facilitating quality care for our patients and offer the latest diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. As we continue to grow, our surgery service has continued to serve as a foundational component in our mission of providing the highest level of veterinary care. This full-time position is based at our Holly Springs location and also offers on-call services to both our Durham and Holly Springs hospitals.

In addition to striving to provide the best care to our clients and patients, we work hard to foster and maintain a supportive, positive, open and collaborative culture that is family oriented, and employee focused. We believe in clear communication and expectations, working together as a team and having a good time doing the work we have all chosen to do.

TVRH offers a comprehensive benefits package in addition to a hiring bonus, competitive salary, and relocation reimbursement allowance:

  • Health, vision, and dental
  • HSA and FSA Plans
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity
  • Life Insurance
  • 401k with employer match

Internal benefits includeCE allowance, professional fees and dues, PLIT, veterinary services discount, and uniform allowance. Relocation reimbursement allowance available.

The Triangle, also known as The Research Triangle, includes Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill. It is one of the fastest growing areas in the southeast, bursting with a unique mixture of history, art, nature, technology, and culture. The Triangle offers everything from bustling downtown nightlife, to quiet hiking trails, and quaint markets and outdoor bluegrass concerts. Scenic mountains and serene beaches are within a 2-hour drive. This area is home to three prominent universities, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.

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