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- Tasks: Provide exceptional veterinary care and manage cases from consultation to surgery.
- Company: Join a modern, independent practice with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development support, and team socials.
- Other info: Enjoy life in Ponteland, close to Newcastle, with access to beautiful outdoor spaces.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving practice while enjoying clinical freedom.
- Qualifications: Experienced Veterinary Surgeon with completed VetGDP and confidence in routine procedures.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Join a modern independent practice where clinical freedom really means something. River Veterinary Care was founded three years ago with a clear vision — to create a practice where veterinary medicine is thoughtful, collaborative, and genuinely enjoyable to practise.
Led by founder Alex, River Vets has grown into a thriving independent small animal practice serving Ponteland and the wider Northumberland community. Built from the ground up, the practice combines modern facilities with a close-knit team and a working environment shaped by collaboration, clinical curiosity, and continuity of care. Today, River Vets has developed a loyal client base and is known locally for excellent patient and client care. As the practice continues to grow, we are now looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join us and help shape the next stage of our journey.
We have a genuinely supportive culture where communication is open, ideas are shared freely, and everyone contributes to shaping how the practice continues to evolve. We celebrate successes, organise team socials (from Christmas gatherings to occasionally competitive inflatable obstacle courses!), and people stay because they enjoy both the work and the team around them.
Alex holds a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, and Sarah is nearing completion of her Certificate in Small Animal Medicine, allowing us to manage a varied and rewarding caseload. Alongside GP consultations, we regularly undertake advanced procedures, including orthopaedics, BOAS surgery, and laparoscopic procedures. The majority of our spays are performed laparoscopically, and we also accept referrals from local practices.
Our experienced nursing team plays a central role in practice life. RVNs are actively involved in patient care — running clinics, supporting procedures, and managing inpatient and wound care — creating a collaborative environment where everyone works together to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
Learning and professional development are embedded in everyday practice. Clinical interests, certificates, and postgraduate study are actively supported, helping both individual growth and the practice’s ongoing development.
Above all, River Veterinary Care aims to be a place where people feel supported, valued, and able to practise veterinary medicine to the very best of their ability.
Our purpose-built clinic is designed to support both excellent patient care and professional development. Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical facilities and supported by visiting specialists in orthopaedics, ultrasonography, and cardiology, we can manage the majority of cases in-house while ensuring continuity of care for our patients and clients.
- Digital & dental radiography (with bucky table)
- Advanced ultrasound (cardiac capable)
- Full endoscopy & gastroscopy
- Laparoscopic surgical tower
- Extensive orthopaedic kit
- In-house laboratory with blood gas analysis
- Heated Casco kennels & modern theatre facilities
We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced Veterinary Surgeon who has completed their VetGDP and is confident with routine consultations and surgery. This role offers genuine clinical autonomy, managing cases from initial consultation through diagnostics, treatment, and surgery, supported by experienced vets and a highly skilled nursing team.
You will benefit from:
- 20-minute consultations as standard
- Clinical freedom to work cases up thoroughly
- Supportive colleagues keen to discuss and collaborate on cases
- A nursing team empowered to use their skills fully
- A focus on excellent patient care rather than production targets
Whether you are looking to build surgical confidence, develop a particular clinical interest, or pursue a certificate, your learning and professional development will be actively supported.
We aim to provide a working pattern that supports both clinical fulfilment and life outside of work.
- Full-time role across 4 days per week (8.30 am to 6 pm) – part-time also considered
- 1 in 3 Saturday morning consults (9 am to 12 pm)
- No out-of-hours commitments
- No overnight inpatient responsibility
- Protected lunch breaks and time for administration and case follow-up
- Flexible working patterns considered for the right candidate
We offer:
- Salary from £55,000 to £70,000, depending on experience
- 6.6 weeks annual leave
- Certificates and CPD are actively encouraged and funded
- Relocation package available if required
- Professional fees paid for RCVS & VDS
- Christmas bonus & team socials
- Company pension
- Staff discount
- Free parking
Located just outside Newcastle upon Tyne, Ponteland offers the best of both worlds — a welcoming village community with quick access to city life, coastline and countryside. Northumberland’s beaches, walking routes and outdoor spaces are all within easy reach, making it an ideal place to settle, whether relocating or already local to the area.
River Vets is still young enough for new team members to shape its future, yet established enough to offer stability, excellent facilities and a loyal client base. If you’re looking for an independent practice where you can develop your interests and feel part of something genuinely collaborative, we’d love to hear from you. Call us for an informal chat or apply now.
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in North East employer: River Veterinary Care
Contact Detail:
River Veterinary Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the practice before your interview! Research River Veterinary Care, their values, and their approach to veterinary medicine. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or colleague. Run through common questions and think about how you can highlight your experience and enthusiasm for small animal surgery. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the practice is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to professional development and team collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the River Vets family.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for veterinary medicine and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit our practice's vibe. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our values of collaboration and excellent patient care. Show us why you're a perfect fit!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and experiences! Whether it's routine consultations or advanced procedures, let us know what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at River Veterinary Care!
How to prepare for a job interview at River Veterinary Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care and the specific procedures mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with common cases and treatments, as well as any advanced techniques like laparoscopic surgery that River Vets uses.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since River Vets values teamwork and collaboration, be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively in a team before. Share examples of how you've communicated with colleagues or contributed to a supportive work environment, as this will resonate well with their culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's approach to patient care and professional development. This shows your genuine interest in their philosophy and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Think about asking about their support for further training or how they handle complex cases.
✨Be Yourself
River Vets is looking for someone who fits into their friendly and supportive culture. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your passions within veterinary medicine and what excites you about joining their team, as this will help them see how you can contribute to their vision.