Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a small animal veterinary surgeon role in an independent practice where you’ll know your clients, be part of the local community and work alongside a team that looks out for one another. The post suits an experienced vet who enjoys a varied caseload, building long term client relationships and providing high quality patient care.

The practice is growing thoughtfully, with admin time and a one hour lunch break built into the day, blocked appointments when the team needs breathing space and the final appointment slot kept clear to help everyone finish on time. Full-time hours are four weekdays from 8.15am to 6.15pm, plus one in four Saturday mornings from 8.45am to 12.15pm. Saturday mornings are consulting only, and there are no OOH or on-call duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied first opinion small animal caseload.
• Build lasting relationships with clients and provide clear, warm communication.
• Carry out consultations, routine surgery and dentistry.
• Work cases through to a high standard, from presentation to recovery where possible.
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture alongside vets, RVNs, animal care assistants and reception colleagues.
• Take part in the practice’s approach to sensible diary management and protected breathing space in the day.

Requirements

• Several years of postgraduate experience in small animal practice.
• Confidence with consultations, routine surgery and dentistry.
• Willingness to work some sole charge.
• Good communication skills and a thoughtful approach to teamwork.
• An interest in ultrasound would be welcome, but is not essential.
• No certificate or specific clinical interest is required.

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000, with discussion available depending on experience and qualifications.
• 6.6 weeks of annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays.
• £2,000 annual CPD allowance plus three days of paid CPD leave, pro rata for part-time colleagues.
• Aviva life insurance.
• Access to health and wellbeing support, including a digital GP, annual health check, and mental health and nutritional consultations.
• Workplace pension.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay after two years of service.
• Veterinary care at cost price for two pets.
• No OOH or on-call duties.
• Open to full-time or part-time working patterns.

About the Practice

North Shields Vets is an independently owned, family-run small animal practice led by husband and wife Robert and Amber Pattinson. Opened in May 2026, the practice was set up to deliver high quality veterinary medicine and surgery with time for patients and a healthy balance between work and life outside work.

The practice has quickly built a local client base and offers digital X-ray, an in-house laboratory, ultrasound and laparoscopic surgery. It also has visiting clinical support, including an experienced ultrasonographer for advanced imaging and cardiac scans, plus surgical support that helps keep more complex cases in house.