Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent position offering genuine work-life balance in a purpose-driven environment. You’ll work 37.5 hours per week across five days, with the hospital closing at 6pm each day and only approximately two weekend days per year on a daytime rota. There are no on-call requirements, meaning you’ll have proper time away from work to recharge.

Every day brings variety: you’ll encounter diverse medical and surgical cases that challenge your skills while making a tangible difference to pets and owners facing financial hardship. Working alongside an experienced, collaborative team in a modern, well-equipped hospital, you’ll develop your clinical skills, engage in shared learning, and contribute to PDSA’s mission of keeping pets and their owners together when times are tough.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide primary veterinary care across a wide range of medical and surgical cases for small animals
• Make sound, evidence-based clinical decisions with confidence and pragmatism
• Discuss realistic treatment options with clients, balancing best practice with their individual circumstances
• Collaborate with the hospital’s experienced team of vets and nurses on case discussions and treatment planning
• Contribute to a supportive, knowledge-sharing culture where continuous improvement is encouraged
• Support PDSA’s charitable mission and help inspire client contributions to the service

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Strong clinical confidence and ability to make sound diagnostic and treatment decisions
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build trust with clients
• Adaptability and resilience to manage a diverse caseload
• Team player mindset with genuine interest in collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing
• Pragmatic, welfare-focused approach to clinical decision-making

Benefits

• Salary: £45,269–£60,062 per annum (including allowances)
• Work Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, five days per week with hospital closing at 6pm; no on-call, minimal weekend commitment (approximately two days per year, daytime)
• Holiday: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with option to buy or sell up to five additional days
• Special Days Off: Three paid special days annually (Volunteering Day, Celebration Day, Wellbeing Day)
• Professional Development: 5 days CPD allowance plus £1,000 per year for development; RCVS fees paid in full; access to extensive internal CPD programmes plus discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show
• Pension: Generous pension options with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%
• Health & Wellbeing: AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover included; life assurance providing four times annual salary
• Family Support: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Additional Perks: 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance; access to staff veterinary services; retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts via Fetch benefits platform
• Flexible Working: Flexible working options available to support work–life balance and individual circumstances

About the Practice

PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) is a UK charity providing essential veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship. The Sunderland hospital is a modern, well-equipped facility featuring separate dog and cat kennelling, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment. The team comprises experienced vets and nurses with varied clinical interests, creating a collaborative environment where case discussion and shared learning are actively encouraged.

As part of PDSA’s ambitious expansion, the hospital continues to grow its services to support more people and their pets. The organisation is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion, offering family-friendly employment policies and flexible working arrangements to support colleagues from all backgrounds.