Veterinary Surgeon – Durham (Full-time, Permanent)

Our client in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join their team. This area offers accessible home ownership and a high standard of living, with close proximity to beautiful Northumberland countryside, the coast, and vibrant cities like Newcastle and historic Durham.

The Practice

The practice is VetGDP registered and RCVS accredited under the Practice Standards Scheme. They are a nurse training practice with a brand-new clinic featuring 5 consultation rooms, 2 theatres, separate cat and dog wards, and a dedicated euthanasia room. Professional development is actively supported, with opportunities for succession if you want to establish long-term roots.

The clinic is well equipped with everything you need (except endoscopy – they use Alicam instead!) and a comprehensive in-house lab. A new IDEXX Invue machine is due to arrive soon for inpatient diagnostics.

You

Leadership skills are preferred but not essential — leadership training is provided and encouraged. The practice values a strong work ethic and positive attitude above all else. Enjoy working as part of a close team and don’t take yourself too seriously.

The Team

The team is proud to be a little “weird” and embraces a culture where staff work hard and enjoy life outside of work. The four-vet team ranges from recent graduates to surgery certificate holders, with support from a sister practice and a close relationship with a nearby referral hospital.

There are weekly vet meetings, a dedicated vet Slack group for quick clinical discussions, and a monthly Microsoft Teams journal club focused on evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM).

The Work

Varied caseload including companion animals and some exotics

15-minute consults

Average 34 hours per week

One in four days “on the road” locally as part of the Homecare Vet/nurse team

No late nights, out-of-hours, or bank holiday work

One in four Saturday mornings (2.5-hour consult shift)

Protected free time, frequent breaks, and free lunches during shifts

The Perks

RCVS and VDS fees paid

Pension scheme

Free professional mental health support

Cycle to work scheme

Unlimited CPD budget

Certificates fully funded, supported, and encouraged

Six weeks holiday plus birthday off

Staff loyalty bonuses

Excellent support staff with dedicated receptionists

Comprehensive facilities and equipment

Flexible working pattern

Competitive salary £45,000 – £70,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)

Generous staff discount

Relocation package (up to £595 per calendar month for first 3 months)

Visas and sponsorship covered