Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

River Veterinary Care is a purpose-built independent practice in Ponteland, just outside Newcastle, founded three years ago with a clear mission: to create an environment where veterinary medicine is thoughtful, collaborative, and genuinely enjoyable to practise. You’ll be joining a thriving small animal team that’s quickly built a loyal local following while maintaining the kind of clinical standards and team culture that actually attract and retain talented people.

This is a full-time role across 4 days per week (with part-time also considered), offering genuine clinical autonomy from initial consultation through diagnostics, treatment, and surgery—supported throughout by experienced colleagues and a highly skilled nursing team. The practice manages a varied and rewarding caseload that extends well beyond routine work; alongside GP consultations, the team regularly undertakes advanced procedures including orthopaedics, BOAS surgery, and laparoscopic techniques. You’ll benefit from 20-minute consultations as standard, meaning cases can be worked up thoroughly rather than rushed.

With just 1 in 3 Saturday morning consults (9 am to 12 pm) and absolutely no out-of-hours or overnight commitments, this role is designed to support both clinical fulfilment and genuine life outside work. Flexible working patterns are considered for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage small animal cases from initial consultation through diagnostics, treatment, and surgery with full clinical autonomy
• Perform routine and advanced surgical procedures, including orthopaedic work, laparoscopic techniques, and BOAS surgery
• Collaborate with founder Alex (Certificate in Small Animal Surgery) and Sarah (nearing completion of Certificate in Small Animal Medicine) on case discussion and complex patient management
• Work alongside an experienced nursing team actively involved in patient care, clinic running, procedure support, and inpatient management
• Accept and manage referrals from local practices where appropriate
• Contribute to a supportive, collaborative team culture where communication is open and ideas are shared freely
• Support your own ongoing professional development and clinical interests within the practice framework

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with VetGDP completed
• Confident with routine consultations and surgery
• Experience managing cases from initial presentation through treatment and surgery

Benefits

• Salary: £55,000–£70,000 depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Certificates and CPD actively encouraged and fully funded
• Professional fees paid (RCVS & VDS)
• Company pension
• Christmas bonus and regular team socials
• Staff discount
• Free parking
• Relocation package available if required
• Protected lunch breaks and dedicated time for administration and case follow-up

About the Practice

River Veterinary Care is a purpose-built independent small animal practice founded three years ago by Alex, who holds a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery and is one of the few vets in the North East trained in the latest keyhole surgery techniques. The practice is known locally for excellent patient and client care, combined with a close-knit team and a working environment shaped by collaboration, clinical curiosity, and continuity of care. Today the team includes Sarah (nearing completion of her Certificate in Small Animal Medicine), an experienced nursing team, and a loyal client base across Ponteland and Northumberland.

The clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical facilities including digital and dental radiography (with bucky table), advanced cardiac-capable ultrasound, full endoscopy and gastroscopy, laparoscopic surgical tower, extensive orthopaedic kit, in-house laboratory with blood gas analysis, heated Casco kennels, and modern theatre facilities. The practice is also supported by visiting specialists in orthopaedics, ultrasonography, and cardiology, allowing most cases to be managed in-house while maintaining continuity of care. Learning and professional development are genuinely embedded in everyday practice—clinical interests and postgraduate study are actively supported.