Night Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is a night veterinary surgeon position with dedicated out-of-hours emergency coverage at AlNorthumbria Vets in Morpeth, Northumberland. You’ll work a distinctive 7 weeks on, 14 weeks off rota—ideal for those seeking extended time away from the practice. Night shifts involve inpatient care, emergency cases, and evening consultations, always alongside a Registered Veterinary Nurse. The varied caseload includes surgical and medical cases requiring diagnostic investigation, and offers genuine scope to develop confidence and skills in emergency and critical care.

Morpeth sits in the heart of Northumberland with excellent access to the county’s coast and hills. The practice is commutable from across the region—Newcastle, Blyth, Alnwick, Hexham—and the shift pattern even makes it feasible from Carlisle, Penrith, or Middlesbrough for those willing to travel.

You’ll join a busy, progressive first-opinion practice with its own dedicated night team. The culture here emphasises clinical empowerment, shared learning, and best practice. Social events—regular meals out, brunches, dog walks—are part of the fabric, and the team truly works hard and plays harder.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of emergency and critical care cases during night shifts
• Perform surgical and medical procedures with precision, including diagnostic investigations
• Provide inpatient care and handle evening consultations
• Work collaboratively with the RVN team to deliver gold-standard patient care
• Contribute to shaping clinical standards and best practice within the team
• Mentor and support colleagues, offering clinical guidance on different case types
• Build positive, reassuring relationships with clients during stressful moments

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Experience dealing with emergency and critical care cases
• Confidence in handling surgical and medical cases independently
• Strong clinical skills with ability to carry out diagnostic investigations
• Natural mentor and team player with excellent communication skills
• Commitment to continuous professional development and clinical excellence

Benefits

• Generous Holiday: Up to 33 days annually (with option to buy/sell additional days)
• Professional Development: Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access (450+ courses), fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) including tuition, exams, and study leave
• Professional Fees: RCVS and VDS fees paid in full
• Support & Mentoring: Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network, and Regional Clinical Leads for case support
• Health & Wellbeing: Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions network, enhanced family leave policies
• Staff Perks: 50% discount on veterinary services, MiPet food and medications discount
• Relocation Support: Relocation package and visa fees covered where applicable
• Unique Rota: 7 weeks on, 14 weeks off—extended time away from practice

About the Practice

AlNorthumbria Vets (Morpeth Small Animal) is a busy, progressive first-opinion practice part of the CVS Group, one of the UK’s largest veterinary care providers. The practice operates its own dedicated night team for out-of-hours emergency coverage, distinguishing it from many competitors. The environment prioritises clinical empowerment where vets are trusted to make decisions, improvement is encouraged, and best practice is shared openly.

CVS invests heavily in colleague development and wellbeing. Beyond clinical support, the group provides operational backing through central HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, and finance teams. A multi-million-pound improvement fund drives facility enhancements across practices. The team culture is deliberately sociable and inclusive—monthly line-manager check-ins, 400+ Wellbeing Champions, Pastoral Support Vets, and personal mentoring are standard. All staff are encouraged to pursue career aspirations, whether that’s specialisation, leadership, or deepening clinical expertise.