Jobs in New Zealand

Veterinary Surgeon Opportunities – New Zealand | Mixed & Companion Animal | Multiple Locations

What if your next role didn’t just tick a box… but gave you options? Real variety, real support, and the chance to shape your career in a way that actually suits you.

Welcome to Vetlife, one of New Zealand’s leading veterinary groups, known for its strong community focus, collaborative culture, and genuine investment in its people. With clinics across the South Island, Vetlife offers something a little different: the backing of a larger group, without losing that local, close-knit feel.

Proudly South Island owned, Vetlife isn’t your average clinic, it’s a 400-strong squad of passionate "animal advocates." Combining historic roots with a high-tech future, they offer everything from advanced dairy research and "Vetlife Scientific" breakthroughs to premium pet care.

Whether you’re into innovative farm sustainability or elite small animal surgery, they provide the mentorship to help you thrive. Want a career with coastal vibes, genuine community, and zero "corporate" boredom? Come join the family!

Right now, there are opportunities across several locations, each offering its own lifestyle, caseload, and pace.

North Canterbury (Oxford & Culverden)
A true mixed role in a growing community practice. You’ll get stuck into dairy, sheep, companion animal work, and more, ideal for someone who enjoys variety and being part of a rural community. (3+ years)

Christchurch
Busy companion animal clinic with a strong caseload and a supportive 3-vet team. Focus on consults, medical workups, and routine surgery. No after-hours, just a light Saturday rota. Potential to step into a leadership role if you’re ready. (4+ years)

Motueka
A flexible CA / mixed role in a popular, busy clinic with a loyal client base. Predominantly small animal, with the option to get involved in production animal work if that’s your thing. Shared after-hours across the local hub. (2+ years)

Oamaru
A proper mixed practice with real variety, dairy, sheep, beef, equine, and companion animal. Great for someone who enjoys a broad caseload and being hands-on across different areas. (2+ years)

Blenheim
Short-term locum opportunities in companion animal or mixed practice, perfect if you’re looking for flexibility or a change of pace.

Across all roles, you’ll find teams that are supportive, down-to-earth, and genuinely collaborative. These are clinics where people talk, share ideas, and get stuck in together.

What matters here:

* You enjoy being part of a team

* You care about doing good, honest veterinary work

* You’re open to getting involved and making a difference

Whether you’re looking for variety, progression, or simply a better balance, there’s something here that could fit.

So, what’s next?

If one of these locations caught your eye, or you’re just curious, we would love to hear from you.

Send your CV, don’t worry if it’s not up to date, just reach out with whatever version you have to hand. We are more interested in the person behind it.

Join us here at Vetlife, where you will be trusted, supported, and encouraged to grow