Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll join King’s Road Veterinary Practice, a compassionate small animal clinic in Sunderland that’s redefining what supportive veterinary practice looks like. This role offers a four-day working week with no on-call or out-of-hours responsibilities—giving you genuine work-life balance and time for the things that matter. One in three Saturday mornings is the only weekend commitment, making this far more manageable than typical practice schedules.

The practice sits just 10 minutes from the Sunderland coast, where a major regeneration has created a vibrant hub of restaurants, water activities, and excellent dog-walking beaches. Beyond the location perks, you’ll be working alongside a highly skilled nursing team in a practice equipped with digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, electrocautery, and a comprehensive in-house lab with same-day cytology capabilities. Whether you’re an experienced vet or a recent graduate seeking mentorship, this team actively supports clinical development and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide small animal veterinary care across a diverse caseload (routine wellness, surgery, medicine, dentistry)
• Work collaboratively with a team of highly qualified registered veterinary nurses
• Utilise and maintain excellent clinical equipment including digital XR, ultrasound, and endoscopy
• Support the practice’s commitment to nurse training and development
• Participate in a one-in-three Saturday morning rota
• Contribute to a culture of clinical freedom and evidence-based practice

Requirements

• Current RCVS registration as a veterinary surgeon
• Experience in small animal practice preferred, but recent graduates will be fully supported and mentored
• A patient-focused, collaborative approach to clinical work
• Professional communication skills and commitment to continuous learning

Benefits

• Flexible working: Full-time or part-time hours considered
• Competitive salary: £38,000–£65,000 depending on experience
• Work-life balance: Four-day working week, no on-call or out-of-hours duties
• Professional development: CPD support and encouragement, webinar vet subscription provided
• RCVS membership: Fees paid by the practice
• Wellbeing support: An ‘open-door’ policy ensures both professional and personal support for all staff
• Staff benefits: Free treatment for your own pets
• Team culture: Regular social team-building events off the clock

About the Practice

King’s Road Veterinary Practice is an independently run small animal clinic in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. The practice is built on a philosophy of clinical freedom, client-focused care, and staff wellbeing—values reflected consistently in their Facebook and Google reviews. The team includes qualified, highly skilled registered veterinary nurses and operates as an approved VN training practice, investing in the next generation of nursing talent.

The practice invests in modern clinical equipment and takes pride in creating an inclusive workplace where every team member feels supported. Located in a vibrant coastal area undergoing significant regeneration, it offers the rare combination of clinical excellence, genuine work-life balance, and a strong sense of community.