A practice where you know your clients, feel part of the community and have a team looking out for you, too.
We are seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys managing a varied caseload, building lasting client relationships and delivering outstanding patient care.
We’re husband-and-wife owners Rob and Amber Pattinson. When we opened North Shields Vets in May 2026, we wanted to create somewhere we would love to work ourselves: a friendly, independent practice delivering high-quality veterinary medicine and surgery, with time for our patients and a healthy balance between work and life outside it.
We’ve been warmly welcomed by our local community and have grown quickly. We’re now looking for a colleague who shares our values and would enjoy helping shape what comes next.
Growing thoughtfully, with our team at the heart of it
We’re proud of the trust our clients have placed in us and want to protect the personal service they value. That means growing thoughtfully. We’re planning to pause new client registrations while we recruit to keep workloads manageable. As owners working within the practice, we can make those decisions ourselves.
We build admin time and an hour’s lunch break into the day, block appointments when the team needs breathing space and keep the final appointment slot clear to help everyone finish on time. Veterinary work will always bring the occasional unexpected emergency, but we organise our diary with a manageable working day in mind.
A lovely team, with support that goes beyond the clinical work
You’ll join a friendly, experienced team where everyone is encouraged to share ideas, ask questions and contribute. Alongside Rob, you'll work with experienced RVNs, animal care assistants, and reception colleagues, with additional support from regular, experienced locum vets.
Rob brings more than 15 years of experience across mixed and small animal practice, in both independent and corporate settings from Sri Lanka to the Outer Hebrides. He prides himself on excellent client and clinical care, with an honest, relaxed and approachable style.
Amber is our practice manager and a clinical psychologist by background. She brings her communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills to the day‑to‑day running of the practice, with a particular interest in making it a nurturing, supportive place to work.
We have regular supportive one‑to‑ones: personal check‑ins to hear how you’re doing, what’s working and where you might need help. Our team meetings offer space for everyone to contribute, usually over a nice lunch.
We also enjoy spending time together outside work. We’ve already been out for a team meal and drinks, our Christmas party is booked, and we’re thinking about a night at the comedy club soon.
We understand that life needs room in the diary. Whether it’s an appointment, a school play or another personal commitment, we’ll do our best to accommodate it. With a young family ourselves, we know how much that flexibility matters.
What our team say
“North Shields Vets has been a breath of fresh air. The team are so welcoming, the caseload is varied, and we constantly strive for the highest level of care for all our patients. I haven't looked back since NSV opened.”
“We have such a lovely team at North Shields Vets and a really relaxed atmosphere. We all get along so well, have a laugh and really pull together when things get busy. Everyone is so approachable, including Rob and Amber, and I love that there's no real sense of hierarchy. Everyone's ideas are welcomed, we're encouraged to get involved and explore what interests us, and I feel incredibly supported to learn and develop.”
“We're a small practice, but we're a busy little clinic, and there's always something going on! I love that we can bring in visiting vets for things like orthopaedic surgery and advanced ultrasound, and that we're always looking at ways to do more for our patients in‑house. We recently had a puppy in for PDA surgery, which was such an exciting case for the team to be involved in! Rob and Amber genuinely care about us and are always open to feedback and new ideas. I feel really lucky to be part of a team where everyone supports each other and where I can see myself staying for a long time.”
“Working as a veterinary receptionist for North Shields Vets is incredibly rewarding. Every day is different, and our role goes far beyond answering phones and booking appointments. We are often the first point of contact for clients, offering reassurance, compassion and support when they need it most. I am proud to work alongside a fantastic team, both clerical and clinical, who are supportive, caring and go above and beyond.”
Interesting cases, clinical freedom and experienced support
You’ll have the opportunity to work up cases to a high standard, see them through and develop your clinical interests.
Our facilities include digital X‑ray, an in‑house laboratory, ultrasound and laparoscopic surgery. If you haven’t used laparoscopy before, Rob is happy to teach you.
We also have excellent visiting clinical support, including an experienced ultrasonographer for advanced imaging and cardiac scans, and surgical support that allows us to keep more complex cases in‑house. This includes orthopaedic procedures such as TPLOs and fracture repairs, giving our patients continuity of care and our team opportunities to follow interesting cases through treatment and recovery.
You don’t need a certificate or a particular clinical interest to join us. We value a confident, thoughtful GP who enjoys first‑opinion practice. We encourage clinical freedom and support professional development, whether your interests lie in medicine, surgery, diagnostics or mentoring. An interest in ultrasound would be welcome, but isn’t essential.
The role and working pattern
We’re looking for someone with a few years’ postgraduate experience and a solid grounding in small animal practice, who is comfortable with consultations, routine surgery and dentistry, and happy with some sole charge.
Just as important is the way you work with people. We’d love a colleague who listens, communicates warmly and clearly, and enjoys being part of a close team. Our clients value feeling heard and understood, and we want you to enjoy building those lasting relationships.
We’re open to full‑time or part‑time applications, and happy to discuss a working pattern that suits us both.
Our full‑time pattern is:
- Four weekdays, working 8.15am–6.15pm with a one‑hour lunch break.
- One in four Saturday mornings, 8.45am–12.15pm.
- Saturday mornings are consulting only, with no routine operations booked.
- No OOH or on‑call duties, with out‑of‑hours care provided externally.
What we offer
- Salary up to £65,000, with scope for discussion depending on your experience and qualifications.
- 6.6 weeks’ annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays.
- £2,000 annual CPD allowance and three days’ paid CPD leave, pro rata for part‑time colleagues.
- Aviva life insurance.
- Access to health and wellbeing services, including a digital GP, annual health check, and mental health and nutritional consultations.
- Workplace pension.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay after two years’ service.
- Veterinary care at cost price for two pets.
A community you’ll enjoy being part of
North Shields has a friendly, independent spirit, with local shops, cafés, creative businesses and a community that supports them.
Tynemouth and Whitley Bay are close by, with beautiful beaches, coastal walks, surfing and plenty of places to stop for coffee or dinner. Newcastle is around 20 minutes away by car, with music, shopping, restaurants and city life within easy reach. For quieter days, there’s the Northumberland countryside and coastline to explore.
Whether you’re already local, hoping to return to the North East or considering a fresh start by the sea, there’s plenty here to make life outside work enjoyable.
Come and get to know us
We’re building a practice we’re proud of, and we’d love to find someone who wants to be part of its future.
If you’re looking for a practice where teamwork, clinical excellence and work‑life balance are genuinely prioritised, we’d love to hear from you.
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Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in North East employer: North Shields Vets
Join our independent veterinary practice as a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, where you will be part of a supportive and friendly team dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care. We prioritise clinical excellence, teamwork, and work-life balance, offering generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and a CPD allowance to foster your professional growth. With a focus on individual strengths and interests, this is an ideal environment for those looking to develop their skills while building lasting client relationships in a positive and collaborative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in North East
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like North Shields Vets often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Shields Vets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at North Shields Vets. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at North Shields Vets.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at North Shields Vets.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at North Shields Vets.
