Small Animal or Mixed Veterinary Surgeon in North East

Stuart and I set up our independent mixed practice based in Alnwick in beautiful Northumberland in 2017. We started with two nurses and two receptionists and have grown steadily since. We’re now a 6-vet practice (including ourselves) with 5 nurses, a kennel assistant, 5 receptionists and an administrator. We are very lucky in being a relatively young practice that started with a blank canvas, and we have been able to establish things pretty much as we want.

We always had a clear idea of how we wanted the practice to develop, and we have been lucky to realise that vision with our amazing team. We are genuinely a nice place to work, and we can support you with whatever level of experience you have. Our approach is that the most important thing is the service we provide to our clients, not how much "stuff" we can sell them. As such, we have no merchandise in the waiting room.

All our team members are very invested in the business's success, providing a friendly, personal approach to great clients who fully appreciate it, and, combined with complete clinical autonomy, this means we have great job satisfaction. On top of that, we are located in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, just 2 miles from a breathtaking coastline. In fact, this part of Northumberland is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering stunning scenery right on your doorstep.

Here’s what some of our team have to say:

• Rosanna started working at Morris and Plumley as a new graduate: “I found the whole team extremely friendly and helpful from the get-go. Clinically, I received the perfect balance of support and autonomy. The clients were lovely (and often brought cake!) I also thought the location was great with hills, beaches and Newcastle all within easy reach.”
• “I started here 2 years ago after graduating and have felt fully supported in the early days of my career. I love the autonomy I have to make clinical decisions, but there’s always someone around willing to talk through my thought process. Being away from friends and family has been tough, but I’ve been made to feel so welcome, and working with such a close, friendly team has made it much easier. It’s so rewarding to be part of a practice that puts clients and animals first and allows me to pursue what interests me.” Rachel MRCVS
• Milly, an experienced vet, also enjoyed working with us: “Working for Morris and Plumley was an absolute pleasure, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I was part of an exceptional team - supportive, caring and friendly. The caseload was varied and interesting, and I felt I had clinical freedom but also knew I had support if needed. Working for an independent practice with outstanding values makes Morris and Plumley stand out, and I would thoroughly recommend this practice to anyone looking for a new venture.”
• “The team at Morris & Plumley is sociable, friendly, and supportive, and they work brilliantly as a team. The OOH is neither busy nor onerous, but it does allow continuity of care. Being an independent practice, there’s a real family feel, and we get to know many of our clients on first-name terms.” Adam MRCVS

Our caseload is mainly small animals, with some farm work, but no equine. The farm work involves beef and sheep and is consequently quite seasonal, with busier periods in spring and autumn and other periods more dominated by small-animal work. We also work closely with Marine Life Rescue, and it’s not uncommon to be called to treat distressed seals.

We’re pretty flexible in our approach and would welcome applications from small-animal only vets and those with an interest in farm, whether you’d like to pick up some farm work during the day or the occasional case during OOH. We are open to discussing a rota to fit your bias. Someone with a special interest would also be welcome, and your interests would be encouraged and supported.

Our consults are 20 minutes, and our last consults are at 6 pm. Within the 6-week rolling rota, you will work 5 x 4-day weeks and 1 x 5-day week, with just 1:6 weekends, which includes Saturday consults (9 am – 12.30 pm). This rota enables us to schedule a long weekend (Friday-Monday) every 6 weeks, which the team loves. We are also happy to chat about part-time work.

We’re always looking for ways to improve our services and have a dedicated dental suite which incorporates a hand-held X-ray. With an ultrasound scanner, digital X-ray and a well-appointed in-house lab, we’re able to offer a wide range of services to our clients within the practice.

We’re a sociable practice; we often have drinks together after work on Fridays. We also sponsor the local rugby team, and get together to cheer them on at their Sunday matches and host an annual home match. Our Christmas party is never dull! Throughout the year, we regularly have planned lunches (potluck-style), pub quizzes, dog walks, or just nights out! This year, we’ll be having a summer beach BBQ so the team and our families can get together.

For a spot of serious shopping and nightlife, you can be in Newcastle in 30 minutes, and Edinburgh is just over an hour away. Newcastle Airport is only 40 minutes away, making it convenient for international travel.

Salary up to £80,000 (dependent on experience) with regular salary reviews. Five weeks' holiday, plus bank holidays, and this increases by one day each year of working with us, up to a maximum of 6 weeks. We have a generous CPD budget and are happy to support your interests. We fund RCVS, VDS, BVA, and one other professional membership of your choice. Great staff discount scheme. Happy to sponsor visas. Bring your dog to work.

If all this sounds interesting, please call for an informal chat or apply now.