Small Animal and Equine Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You'll be joining The Beck Veterinary Practice, a well-established independent mixed practice in the charming coastal town of Whitby. With a caseload split roughly 85% small animal and 15% equine, this role offers real variety. You'll have a strong small animal focus while also getting involved in equine work, particularly lameness investigations, plus routine dentistry, vaccinations and general equine practice. The team also has strong connections with local wildlife rescue and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, treating marine wildlife alongside regular patients.

Working a 4-day week (8:30am to 6:30pm) with a set day off, you'll rotate between operating and consulting with proper time built in for admin and a proper lunch break. Consults finish at 6:15pm, so finishing on time is the norm. The on-call rota is genuinely shared: one night per week and 1 in 4 weekends. Small animal OOH cases transfer to a dedicated provider Friday to Monday, while you continue providing 24/7 equine emergency cover. If you're less experienced, you'll have backup from Libby (clinical director) or Simon (owner) for OOH support and advice.

Whitby itself is a pretty coastal town famous for its 199 steps, gothic Whitby Abbey, award-winning fish and chips, and outdoor activities from paddleboarding to the North York Moors. The practice culture is genuinely sociable, with team meals at local restaurants and plans to use the practice beach hut.

Key Responsibilities

• Small animal surgical and medical work, operating and consulting
• Equine lameness investigations, routine dentistry, vaccinations and general equine practice
• Participating in the shared on-call rota (one night per week, 1 in 4 weekends)
• Contributing to the practice's connections with wildlife rescue and marine life rehabilitation
• Developing your own clinical skills while supporting the team's diverse caseload

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon, MRCVS registered
• Some experience in veterinary practice (not a new graduate position)
• Interest in both small animal and equine work
• Ability to work independently and as part of a supportive team

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £40,000 to £65,000 depending on experience
• Five weeks' holiday plus bank holidays
• CPD encouraged, with certificates fully supported and funded
• Professional fees paid for RCVS, VDS and one other membership
• Use of the practice beach hut
• Visa sponsorship available
• Dog-friendly workplace - bring your dog to work
• Potential long-term partnership prospects
• Purpose-built facilities including digital and dental x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy and multi-parameter monitoring
• Equine facilities including digital radiography with dental x-ray capability, modern dental equipment and rasping facilities

About the Practice

The Beck Veterinary Practice is a family-run independent mixed practice established in 1946 by Jimmy Beck and his wife Shirley. Now in its third generation of Beck vets, the practice moved to its current purpose-built location in Whitby in 1997 and opened a branch in Loftus shortly after. Owner Simon Beck (joined 1983) runs the practice with his wife Sue as practice manager and daughter Libby as clinical director. The practice remains committed to providing high-quality care backed by sound clinical judgement.

The main Whitby practice is purpose-built with separate cat and dog areas, three consulting rooms, pharmacy, laboratory, dog and cat wards, isolation ward, and kennel facilities. The team treats a full range of small animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles and small mammals, alongside equine and farm animals, and occasional wildlife including hedgehogs, deer, badgers and seals. The practice has recently extended with fantastic new facilities.