Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Orchard House Veterinary Centres; North East; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Northumberland is looking for a passionate veterinary surgeon to join their dedicated team. The role offers a supportive environment, opportunities for career growth, and a chance to contribute to the community. Ideal candidates will have some experience and a commitment to compassionate care. This position provides a competitive salary and a well-balanced work schedule within a beautiful location.

Benefits

Generous OOH bonus

CPD support and funding

Annual leave of five weeks plus Bank Holidays

Pet-friendly environment

Community engagement initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience as a veterinary surgeon preferred.
• Interest in a supportive team environment.
• Desire for a work-life balance and varied caseload.

Responsibilities

• Perform surgical and consulting shifts across branches.
• Provide compassionate care to animals in need.
• Support the professional development of team members.

Skills

Compassionate care

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Completed VetGDP

Tools

Laparoscopy

Dental radiography

In-house lab

Job description

Are you a passionate veterinary surgeon looking for your next challenge? Do you dream of joining a progressive, well-equipped, and friendly practice in a picturesque part of the country? If so, Orchard House in beautiful Northumberland could be the perfect fit.

We’re seeking a veterinary surgeon, ideally with some experience and having completed your VetGDP, to join our close-knit team, working primarily at our Hexham and Stocksfield branches, with occasional work at Bellingham. This is a role where your expertise will be valued, your development supported, and your work-life balance respected.

About Us

Nestled among the rolling hills and historic streets of Hexham, and just 30 minutes from Newcastle upon Tyne, our independent practice has built a trusted reputation for exceptional small animal care. Clinical Director Tim, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Tim’ to our clients, opened the Hexham branch in 1998. Our clients appreciate both the quality of our medicine and the compassion and empathy that underpin everything we do.

Our Stocksfield branch has recently been expanded and refurbished, featuring a spacious theatre and prep area for a variety of procedures, while our rural Bellingham branch has also undergone recent renovations. Together, these branches offer variety in your working week and exposure to a broad caseload.

We’re proud of our supportive team culture. Several team members have been with the practice for 15–20 years, and five have come back after working elsewhere. You’ll be joining colleagues who actively support each other’s professional development. With certificate holders in medicine, ophthalmology, and dentistry, there’s always someone to learn from, share knowledge, and offer mentorship — helping you grow your skills while feeling part of a genuinely collaborative team.

What Our Team Says

Our 2024 Investors in People assessment, an independent survey, highlighted how supported and valued our team feel. Here’s what they had to say:

“Working here means being part of a truly supportive team where everyone’s expertise is valued.”

“It is a massive USP that we are a truly independent practice.”

“We are a small team. We all get on well. It’s like a little family.“

“The rota gives me flexibility and time to enjoy life outside of work. Hexham is a fantastic place to live, and the practice’s reputation means we see an interesting and varied caseload.”

“(Lead Nurse) is fabulous, she is reliable and accessible.“

“We treat your pets as if they are our own. We get to know the clients and take time to build a relationship with them.“

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Supportive Team Culture & Social Life: Work alongside six experienced vets and nine RVNs who value open communication, inclusivity, and teamwork. Our team doesn’t just work well together; we enjoy each other’s company, too. From Christmas parties and pizza lunches to casual Friday treats, summer paddling, and nights out in Newcastle, there are plenty of opportunities to bond beyond work.

Exceptional Facilities & Varied Caseload: Enjoy a mix of surgical and consulting shifts across our three branches, with access to the latest technology, including laparoscopy, DR and dental radiography, and a fully equipped in-house lab. Weekly visits from a specialist ultrasound and endoscopy service further enhance our diagnostic and treatment options.

Career Growth & CPD: Whether you’re an experienced vet or looking to take the next step, you’ll find opportunities and challenges that match your ambitions. With funded CPD, certificate support, and mentorship, you can refine your surgical skills, explore new areas such as dentistry or internal medicine, and advance your career.

Wellbeing & Flexibility: We prioritise your health and work-life balance, with regular check-ins, protected lunch and admin time, and a rota designed to give you time to recharge and enjoy life outside of work, while still engaging in a varied and rewarding caseload. Many of our team happily commute from Newcastle, enjoying the combination of rural life and city access.

Compassionate Care: Our vets have an annual “pets in need” allowance to help treat animals whose owners cannot afford life-saving treatment, ensuring no pet suffers due to financial constraints.

Community Engagement: We actively sponsor local events and charities, such as our Christmas pet food collection for the local food bank, reflecting our commitment to the community we serve.

Flexible Rota

Hours: Four days per week (8:30am–6:00pm).

Out-of-Hours: One night per week until 10pm, plus one weekend in five (7am–10pm), including Saturday morning consults (9 am – 1 pm). Generous OOH bonus included.

No Overnight On-Call: Our overnight OOH service is outsourced from 10 pm daily.

What We Offer

• Salary: £40,000–£60,000 (dependent on experience)
• Generous OOH Bonus for night/weekend shifts
• Annual Leave: Five weeks plus Bank Holidays
• CPD Support: Fully funded, including certificates
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Well-behaved dogs welcome and enjoy a generous staff discount
• Wellbeing Support: Flexible arrangements, regular check-ins, and a supportive team

Life in Hexham & Northumberland

Hexham is a historic market town full of charm, with independent cafés, a small cinema, sports facilities, and the iconic Hexham Abbey. Surrounded by Northumberland’s rolling countryside, you’ll enjoy riverside walks, cycling trails, hiking, horse riding, and paddleboarding — all just 30 minutes from Newcastle. Perfect for those who want a vibrant community, outdoor adventure, and city access all in one.

Join Us

Joining Orchard House is more than a career move; it’s an opportunity to be part of a community that values growth, kindness, and excellence. Call us for an informal chat, or apply today and help shape the future of veterinary medicine in Northumberland. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!