Small Animal or Mixed Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Morris and Plumley is a 6-vet independent mixed practice established in 2017 in Alnwick, Northumberland. This full-time permanent position offers a balanced caseload of small animal work with some seasonal farm work (beef and sheep), plus occasional marine rescue cases. You'll work a 6-week rolling rota: five 4-day weeks and one 5-day week, with just 1:6 weekend cover (Saturday consults 9am-12.30pm). This structure enables you to enjoy a long weekend every 6 weeks. Consultations are a leisurely 20 minutes each, ending at 6pm, allowing genuine time with clients and patients.

Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the practice sits just 2 miles from the Northumberland coast. Newcastle is 30 minutes away for shopping and nightlife, Edinburgh under an hour, and Newcastle Airport just 40 minutes for international travel. The team is genuinely sociable: Friday drinks, rugby sponsorship, potlucks, pub quizzes, dog walks, and an annual summer beach BBQ foster a real family feel.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first-opinion small animal veterinary care with clinical autonomy and strong peer support
• Manage a varied small animal caseload with opportunities to engage in seasonal farm work (beef and sheep) or specialism of your choice
• Contribute to shared out-of-hours rotas (1:6 weekends including daytime Saturday cover)
• Utilise in-house facilities including dedicated dental suite with hand-held X-ray, ultrasound scanner, digital X-ray, and well-appointed laboratory
• Work collaboratively within a 6-vet team and wider staff of 5 nurses, kennel assistant, 5 receptionists, and administrator
• Engage with Marine Life Rescue for distressed seal welfare cases as they arise

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS or equivalent registration)
• Small animal experience essential; interest in farm or a clinical special interest welcome but not required
• Flexibility regarding scope of practice (small animal only, or mixed small animal and farm)
• Ability to work supportively within a collaborative team environment

Benefits

• Salary up to £80,000 (dependent on experience) with regular salary reviews
• Five weeks' holiday plus bank holidays, increasing by one day per year up to maximum 6 weeks
• Generous CPD budget to support your professional development and interests
• Funding for RCVS, VDS, BVA, and one other professional membership of your choice
• Staff discount scheme
• Visa sponsorship available
• Permission to bring your dog to work
• Flexible rota options available to discuss (part-time arrangements considered)

About the Practice

Morris and Plumley is an independent first-opinion veterinary practice founded in 2017 by two owner-vets with a clear vision: prioritise clinical competence, case continuity, and genuine care for patients and clients. The team grew from two nurses and two receptionists to a thriving 6-vet practice with strong nursing and reception support. From the outset, the practice established a client-centred philosophy with no commercial merchandise in the waiting room, instead focusing on building lasting relationships and delivering excellent care.

The practice has invested in quality facilities: a dedicated dental suite with hand-held X-ray, ultrasound scanner, digital X-ray, and in-house laboratory enable a wide range of services. Team members are genuinely invested in the business's success and describe the environment as supportive, friendly, and aligned with their professional values. Current team members report receiving the perfect balance of clinical autonomy and peer support, particularly valuing the practice's commitment to work-life balance and its independent status.