Veterinary Surgeon – County Durham | £55,000–£75,000
Location: County Durham
Salary: £55,000–£75,000 per year
Hours: Average 34 hours per week across four days
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
My client in County Durham is looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join their expanding small animal team, with a genuine opportunity to progress towards a Senior Veterinary Surgeon position.
This role would particularly suit a vet with approximately 4–8 years’ experience who is confident in general practice and ready to take the next step in their career. Previous leadership experience would be advantageous but is not essential, with clinical development, leadership training and ongoing support available.
The Practice
You’ll be joining a modern, purpose-built small animal practice with excellent facilities and a strong focus on evidence-based medicine, clinical collaboration and professional development.
Facilities include:
* Five consultation rooms
* Two operating theatres
* Separate cat and dog wards
* Dedicated euthanasia and bereavement room
* Comprehensive in-house IDEXX laboratory
* Extensive modern diagnostic and surgical equipment
* RCVS Practice Standards Scheme accreditation at General Practice level
* VetGDP-approved workplace
* Veterinary Nurse training practice
The veterinary team includes clinicians at different stages of their careers, from recent graduates through to a Surgery Certificate holder, with further clinical support available when required.
Regular vet meetings, case discussions and journal clubs help create a genuinely collaborative clinical environment.
The Role
This is a varied first-opinion position covering a broad small animal caseload, with occasional exotics available for those with an interest.
The rota offers an excellent work-life balance:
* Average 34-hour working week
* Four-day week
* 15-minute consultations
* Approximately one day in four working locally alongside the Homecare Vet and Nurse team
* Only one Saturday morning in six
* Saturday shift is just 2.5 hours and consultations only
* No late nights
* No OOH
* No bank holiday working
The practice sees clients with a wide range of requirements and budgets, allowing vets to provide pragmatic, individualised care alongside more comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options.
About You
The ideal candidate will be confident in general small animal practice and keen to take greater ownership and responsibility within the team.
You should enjoy collaborative working, have a strong work ethic and want to continue developing both clinically and professionally.
Leadership experience is not required. For the right person, training and development will be provided to support progression towards a senior position, with potential for further long-term progression within the practice.
Salary & Benefits
* £55,000–£75,000 depending on experience, capability and additional qualifications
* 8 working weeks’ annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
* Additional annual leave based on continuous service
* Average 34-hour, four-day working week
* RCVS and VDS fees paid
* Approved CPD funded
* Certificate support
* Leadership development and training
* Veterinary treatment, products and services for your own pets at cost price
* Company pension
* Birthday off when it falls on a scheduled working day
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Employee perks and discounts
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Free on-site parking
* UK visa sponsorship may be available for the right candidate
* Genuine progression towards a Senior Veterinary Surgeon role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced vet looking for considerably more time away from work without sacrificing career progression, clinical development or earning potential.
To apply or arrange a confidential conversation, contact Help Search Locate at [hannah@helpsearchlocate.com](mailto:hannah@helpsearchlocate.com)
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19/08/2026
County Durham