Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Sheriffs Highway Vets; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks’ holiday including bankhols

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave and pay

BVA membership, VDS & RCVS fees

Cycle to Work program

Green Car schemes

Retail discounts and cashback

Reduced-cost veterinary care

Job summary

Sheriff’s Highway Vets in Gateshead is seeking a passionate Veterinary Surgeon to join a multi-site small animal practice. Ideal for an experienced vet, with surgical bias, though a medicine bias can be accommodated.

You’ll work in a four-day week, 40 hours, with no out-of-hours and a supportive team across four sites. The package includes up to £60,000 DOE, a £5,000 signing bonus and a £5,000 relocation allowance.

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS.
• Evidence of clinical practice experience with confidence in routine medical and surgical cases.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Proactive approach to learning with openness to feedback and development.
• Professionalism, reliability and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for delivering excellent patient and client care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care across consultations, surgery and diagnostics.
• Collaborate with colleagues to provide exceptional patient and client care.
• Manage a varied first-opinion caseload with clinical freedom and support as needed.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and knowledge sharing.
• Develop clinical interests and skills with support from the team.
• Help maintain high clinical standards across the practice.

Skills

Clinical experience

Communication

Teamwork

Surgical bias

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

Salary up to £60,000 DOE plus £5,000 Signing Bonus, plus £5,000 Relocation Allowance

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Sheriff’s Highway Vets is looking for a passionate and confident Veterinary Surgeon to join our progressive and well-established multi-site small animal practice in Tyne and Wear. This role would be suited to an experienced vet ideally with a surgical bias, however we are able to accommodate a medicine bias.

Based in Gateshead, the practice is ideally located to enjoy everything the North East has to offer. From Newcastle's vibrant city life and cultural scene to the stunning Northumberland coastline and nearby countryside, the area offers an excellent balance of urban and outdoor living.

Whether you're looking for city amenities, beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, or a lower cost of living, the region provides an exceptional quality of life.

Practice Highlights

• Established four-site small animal practice across Gateshead, Sunderland, Ryton, and Whickham
• Large clinical team of 14 Veterinary Surgeons supported by experienced nurses and support staff
• Strong collaborative culture with a focus on mentoring, teamwork, and knowledge sharing
• Modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including Doppler ultrasound, ECG, digital radiography, dental x-ray, endoscopy, laparoscopy, orthopaedic surgery suite, and in-house laboratory
• Strong support for certificate study and development of clinical interests

As a Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload.

You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You’ll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivering high-quality small animal veterinary care across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics
• Working closely with colleagues to provide excellent patient and client care
• Managing a varied first-opinion caseload with clinical freedom and support when needed
• Contributing to a positive team culture and sharing knowledge with colleagues
• Developing your clinical interests and skills with support from the wider team
• Helping maintain high clinical standards across the practice

Working Pattern

• This is a full-time position offering excellent work-life balance:
• Four-day working week
• 40 hours per week
• 1 in 6 Saturday rota, alternating full-day and branch morning shifts
• No out-of-hours requirements

You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to delivering high-quality patient and client care. You’ll bring:

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

• A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care

How We’ll Support You

• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

Up to £60,000 DOE