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Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

J492388 Northumberland North West £60K / Year

Veterinary Surgeon Small Animal | Up to £60,000 + OOH Bonus | 4-Day Week | Northumberland Countryside

Looking for a genuinely supportive, community-focused practice where you can grow, be yourself, and do great veterinary work without being just another number?

This independent, well-established small animal practice in semi-rural Northumberland is looking for a team player to join their close-knit group. With a strong clinical reputation, flexibility, and a boss passionate about CPD and work-life balance, this role is ideal for someone who wants to be part of a team that looks out for each other, their clients and their future.

The Role

We're looking for a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join a 7-vet team across two main branches. The role offers a varied caseload, with space to pursue your own clinical interests whether that's internal medicine, ophthalmology, or expanding surgical services.

• 4 days per week
• 1 night per week on-call until 10pm
• 1 weekend in 5 (OOH until 10pm only then referred overnight)
• OOH bonus 50% of professional fees taken home
• No inpatients overnight
• 20-minute consults to give you time to do the job right

About You

You're a friendly, down-to-earth vet who enjoys working as part of a team. You bring at least one year of experience, and you're confident enough to handle consults and routine surgery. You enjoy client communication, value constructive feedback, and love bouncing ideas off your team.

• Comfortable with occasional sole charge during on-call (with support if needed)
• Eager to expand your skills certificates supported
• Interested in shaping and developing clinical services
• You'll feel at home in a semi-rural setting, with access to Newcastle when you need it

The Practice

• First-opinion small animal across two main sites (Hexham and Stocksfield)
• 7 vets (dropping to 6), 10 nurses
• Lap spays, ultrasound, and dentistry focus
• In-house interest in medicine, ophthalmology, and business development
• Warm, social team culture staff go to weddings together, celebrate milestones, and support each other
• Pets welcome at work

Leadership & Support

• Practice owner has 25+ years of experience
• Supportive management team: Practice Manager + assistant PMs + finance/marketing manager
• Developing Lead Vet and Lead Nurse roles at each site
• Staff wellbeing is a real priority they're part of the Investors in People scheme

The Package

• Salary: £40,000 £60,000, depending on experience
• Out-of-hours bonus: 50% of professional fees
• 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays
• CPD actively encouraged and supported (certs welcome)
• Pension
• On-site facilities for overnight duties (sofa bed + shower)

Location

Perfect for someone who wants the peace of the countryside with quick access to Newcastle. This role suits someone who enjoys open spaces, community, and fresh air with the perks of city life just a short drive or train away.