Experienced Small Animal Vet Vacancy near Hartlepool

Veterinary Surgeon Opportunity – North East England
This great practice is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join its friendly, forward-thinking small animal team in the North East of England. This opportunity is well suited to confident clinicians looking for a supportive practice environment, with scope for development and the potential for a more senior role for the right candidate.
Established 75 years ago this is a well-respected small animal-only practice operating across four sites. The main surgery is based in the coastal town of Hartlepool, with additional surrounding branches. The location offers an excellent quality of life, combining easy access to outstanding beaches, beautiful countryside and the historic cities of Durham and York.
The practice is led by 2 Clinical Directors, alongside a great Practice Manager and is supported by a large, welcoming and highly experienced team. The veterinary team includes certificate holders in surgery, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, cardiology and minimally invasive surgery, while the nursing team is made up of dedicated RVNs, VCAs and ANAs, including certificate holders in medicine and anaesthesia.
They are entering an exciting period of growth, with plans to relocate the main Hartlepool surgery into a new purpose-built building in the near future. The expansion will allow the team to grow further and introduce additional advanced facilities, including a CT scanner. The practice is already well equipped across all sites, with ultrasound, digital and dental radiography, and endoscopy and laparoscopy available.
The team prides itself on delivering a high standard of clinical care in a friendly and approachable environment. Personal and professional development is actively encouraged, with team members supported to broaden their skills and pursue individual clinical interests. Despite a busy and varied caseload, the practice maintains excellent diary management. Twenty-minute consultations are standard, with appointments reserved each day to accommodate emergencies and unwell patients. Time is also protected within the working day for client communication, administrative tasks and case follow-up.
The ideal candidate will be confident in routine consultations and surgery and comfortable working sole charge when required. There is also scope for an individual seeking a more senior position, which would involve mentoring less experienced colleagues and supporting VetGDP candidates. This role would suit a strong team player with excellent communication skills and the ability to handle more complex or sensitive client interactions professionally and empathetically.
The full-time position is based on a 40-hour working week and includes a 1-in-4 Saturday rota, with no out-of-hours commitments. Part-time and flexible working arrangements will be considered for candidates seeking an improved work–life balance. Salary is competitive and will be dependent on experience and the level of responsibility within the role.
They offer a comprehensive benefits package. This includes 6.6 weeks of paid holiday inclusive of bank holidays, a CPD allowance of £1,700, Health Shield contributions, payment of RCVS membership and up to two additional professional subscriptions, and VDS cover. Further benefits include enhanced family leave policies, discounted veterinary fees, access to discounts including gym memberships and retail offers, a cycle to work scheme, enhanced company sick pay, annual pay reviews, colleague engagement surveys, a strong focus on employee wellbeing and actively supported career progression opportunities.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity or wish to apply, please don't hesitate to contact Louise@brightleaf.co.uk or give us a call at 01422 433900. We are dedicated to assisting talented Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons like you in finding the ideal job.

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