Veterinary Hydrotherapist Lead

About the Role

Wilson Veterinary Group is launching an exciting new hydrotherapy service and seeking a qualified, motivated Veterinary Hydrotherapist to lead this expansion. Based in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, you’ll take the reins of a brand-new initiative that complements the practice’s busy general caseload. This is a full-time permanent position working 36 hours per week over 4 or 5 days, giving you flexibility in how you structure your schedule.

Your responsibilities will span clinical care and business development. You’ll manage a diverse caseload including post-operative rehabilitation patients, elderly animals, weight-loss programmes, and those seeking enhanced fitness. The hydrotherapy service will be supported by an in-house physiotherapist and K-laser therapy, allowing you to deliver comprehensive rehabilitation care. You’ll also oversee client bookings and drive the service forward as it grows—this is an opportunity to shape a new part of the practice from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the newly launched hydrotherapy team
• Deliver hands-on hydrotherapy treatment for post-operative, geriatric, weight-loss, and general fitness cases
• Coordinate care with the in-house physiotherapist and K-laser team to provide integrated rehabilitation
• Manage client bookings and scheduling for the hydrotherapy service
• Drive business development and growth of the hydrotherapy offering
• Maintain clinical standards and detailed patient records

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Hydrotherapist (or equivalent relevant qualification and experience)
• Enthusiasm and motivation to establish and lead a new service
• Strong communication and client-facing skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a wider practice team

Benefits

• Salary: £24,000–£29,000 depending on experience
• Full-time permanent position: 36 hours per week over 4 or 5 days (flexible schedule)
• 6.4 weeks annual leave including bank holidays
• Generous CPD allowance and training support
• Health Shield: comprehensive contributions for health and wellbeing (dentistry, sports massage, and more)
• Company pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave and surrogacy pay
• Discounted veterinary fees for personal pets
• My Perks: offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel, entertainment
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Company sick pay
• Annual pay reviews
• Focus on employee wellbeing and career progression opportunities

About the Practice

Wilson Veterinary Group is a busy general small animal practice based in Bishop Auckland, serving the local community. Part of VetPartners, the practice has been recognised as VetPartners Employer of the Year, reflecting its commitment to creating a supportive and progressive workplace where staff can develop and thrive.

The practice is investing in specialist services and has recently recruited a physiotherapist and K-laser capability to enhance rehabilitation offerings. This hydrotherapy launch represents the next phase of that investment, positioning the practice as a comprehensive small animal care provider with strong links to allied veterinary professionals.