Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This small animal veterinary surgeon role sits within an independent practice that cares for clients and patients around the clock. The wards and reception are staffed 24/7, and out of hours cover is shared with two other local practices on a 1 in 8 basis, helping to balance emergency work with time off.

You will work across a varied week of consulting, surgery and medicine, with the option to manage your own cases or share the load with colleagues. The practice also supports a flexible approach, and Hexham brings plenty of lifestyle appeal, with historic surroundings, nearby countryside and easy access to the coast and Newcastle.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle a mixed week of consultations, surgery and medical work.
• Work on your own cases or share cases with colleagues, depending on preference.
• Contribute to the practice's 1 in 8 shared out of hours rota with two other local practices.
• Provide veterinary care for a caseload that includes rural working dogs, local pets, RSPCA contract work and wildlife in need.
• Support a 24 hour clinic model alongside the wider clinical team.

Requirements

• Qualified small animal veterinary surgeon.
• Comfortable working across consulting, surgery and medicine.
• Willingness to take part in a shared out of hours rota.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangement.
• Shared out of hours cover on a 1 in 8 rota.
• 24/7 staffing in wards and reception.
• 6 weeks holiday.
• 1 Bank Holiday a year worked, with the rest additional to annual leave.
• Additional 5 to 7 days off during the Festive Fortnight.
• CPD encouraged.
• Access to CPDActif, the practice's own training company, offering active learning, personal development, and leadership and management training in the French Alps.

About the Practice

Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care is an independent veterinary practice and part of the XLVets community. It provides the usual services of a 24 hour clinic and works closely with two other local practices for out of hours cover.

The practice also has an Equine Unit, which is a separate department, and it holds the local RSPCA contract. Its work includes rural working dogs, local pets and wildlife in need.