Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join a thriving small animal practice in Stockton-on-Tees with a reputation for stability and collegiality. You’ll work across a 4-day week (40 hours) with shared Saturday morning duties (8am–12pm only), giving you genuine breathing room in your schedule. The practice sits in Ingleby Barwick, close to excellent transport links, beautiful beaches, and the Cleveland Hills—making both commuting and weekend escapes straightforward.

With a varied first opinion caseload and access to modern equipment including digital radiography, laparoscopic spay capability, and a new endoscopy system, you’ll enjoy real clinical variety. The team has been together for years, which means mentorship is real and the culture is genuinely collaborative—not just corporate talk.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first opinion small animal care across a mixed companion caseload
• Contribute to Saturday morning clinic cover (8am–12pm rotation)
• Work alongside 2 vets, 4 nurses, an experienced ACA, and reception team
• Support nurse-led clinics and utilise specialist equipment (theatres, dental suite, endoscopy, in-house lab)
• Access clinical support from neighbouring Teesside practices within the group

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Small animal first opinion experience (level not specified—all experience considered)
• Flexibility to work Saturday morning rotas

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £65,000 DOE, plus up to £5,000 Welcome Bonus
• Leave: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), plus additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• CPD & Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata), certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online resource, and research funding opportunities
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental/surrogacy pay)
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership and VDS cover included
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Additional Perks: Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme, voluntary benefits menu, retail discounts/cashback, discounted pet treatment at IVC Evidensia practices, £1,250 annual Care Fund allocation per vet
• Wellbeing Initiatives: Colleague wellbeing programmes, Infection Prevention & Control training, Quality Improvement opportunities

About the Practice

Copeland Vets is a purpose-built, modern small animal practice serving Stockton-on-Tees from its base in Ingleby Barwick. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a major UK veterinary group, but operates with a strong local identity and genuine team stability—many colleagues have been with the practice for over 10 years. The facility is well-resourced with separate theatres and dental suite, digital X-ray (including dental radiography), laparoscopic spay equipment, a new endoscopy system, in-house laboratory, and separate dog and cat wards.

The immediate team comprises 2 vets, 4 nurses, an experienced ACA, and a dedicated reception team. The practice also benefits from close collaboration with two neighbouring Teesside practices, creating a wider support network without the impersonal feel of large corporate groups. The location offers practical advantages: ample on-site parking, convenient access to local shops and amenities, strong public transport connections, and proximity to recreational areas.