Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll be joining a close-knit, independent small animal practice with a stellar reputation across Tynedale. Working primarily from the recently refurbished Stocksfield branch with occasional shifts at Hexham and Bellingham, you’ll see a varied and interesting caseload across surgical and consulting work. This is a flexible role—ideally three days per week (8:30 am–6:00 pm), though four-day full-time options can be discussed for the right candidate.

The practice manages out-of-hours thoughtfully: one evening per week on-call (6 pm–10 pm, same weeknight) plus one weekend in five (7 am–10 pm with Saturday morning consults 9 am–1 pm). All overnight cover is outsourced from 10 pm, so you’ll get proper sleep. A generous OOH bonus is included.

Located in the charming historic market town of Hexham with direct access to Northumberland’s countryside—river walks, cycling, hiking, paddleboarding—while still being minutes from Newcastle’s amenities, this role suits vets who value community, varied outdoor interests, and genuine team camaraderie.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard small animal veterinary care across three branch locations (Stocksfield, Hexham, Bellingham)
• Perform surgery and clinical consultations, making full use of modern facilities including laparoscopy, digital radiography, and in-house laboratory services
• Contribute to a collaborative team of seven veterinary surgeons and eight registered veterinary nurses
• Engage with the practice’s commitment to compassionate care, including the annual pets-in-need allowance programme
• Support the practice’s community engagement and local charity sponsorships
• Participate in the shared out-of-hours rota (one evening per week + one weekend in five)

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS
• Ideally some post-qualification experience with VetGDP completed
• Strong clinical skills and a collaborative, patient-focused approach
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a supportive team
• Willingness to engage in professional development and CPD

Benefits

• Salary: £40,000–£60,000 pro rata, depending on experience
• Out-of-Hours Bonus: Generous additional payment for evening and weekend shifts
• Annual Leave: Five weeks plus Bank Holidays
• CPD Support: Fully funded continuing professional development, including certificate support
• Facilities: Access to modern equipment including laparoscopy, digital radiography, dental radiography, and in-house laboratory; weekly specialist ultrasound and endoscopy service visits
• Pet-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs welcome at work; generous staff discount
• Wellbeing: Protected lunch and admin time, flexible arrangements, regular check-ins, and a genuine commitment to work-life balance
• Team Social Life: Christmas parties, pizza lunches, summer paddling, and nights out in Newcastle
• Mentorship: Learn from certificate holders in medicine, ophthalmology, and dentistry; strong culture of peer support

About the Practice

Orchard House Veterinary Centres is an independent, family-owned small animal practice serving around 9,000 families across Tynedale. Clinical Director Tim established the Hexham branch in 1998, building a trusted reputation for exceptional care delivered with kindness and expertise. The practice now operates three branches: Hexham (original site), Stocksfield (recently expanded with a spacious theatre and prep area), and Bellingham (recently renovated). This growth reflects the practice’s commitment to accessible, high-quality veterinary medicine in rural Northumberland.

The team is highly stable—several staff members have worked there for 15–20 years, and five have returned after working elsewhere, reflecting genuine job satisfaction. The practice achieved Investors in People recognition in 2024. With seven veterinary surgeons, eight RVNs, and certificate holders across multiple disciplines, there’s a strong culture of continuous learning, mentorship, and mutual support. The practice is genuinely independent and proud of it, offering the personal touch of a community-focused clinic rather than corporate bureaucracy.