General Practice (GP)
Veterinary Surgeon
 North East County Durham

Independent Small Animal Practice | £55,000–£75,000 DOE | 4-Day Week | No OOH

GP Veterinary Surgeon | Independent Practice | Up to £75,000 | No OOH | 4-Day Week | County Durham

Global Veterinary Careers (GVC) are assisting an independent small animal practice in North East County Durham with the recruitment of a General Practice (GP) Veterinary Surgeon.

This modern, purpose-built practice opened last year and provides a fresh, well-equipped working environment alongside a supportive and experienced team.

The independently owned practice is focused on delivering high standards of clinical care while maintaining a strong emphasis on work–life balance and team wellbeing. With excellent nursing and support staff, plus access to a certificate holder within the wider team, this role offers the ideal balance of autonomy and mentorship.

Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available.

The Role

Full-Time Veterinary Surgeon

• 4 days per week (40 hours)
• Shifts: 8:30am – 6:30pm
• No weekends initially
• In 6–12 months: 1 in 3 Saturday mornings (8:30am – 12:30pm) with time off in lieu the following week
• Approximately 50% sole charge
• Must be confident with routine consultations and general practice

Part-Time Veterinary Surgeon

• 3 days per week
• 1 day sole charge
• Confident managing first-opinion cases independently

Both roles involve a varied first-opinion GP caseload within a collaborative and supportive clinical environment.

Clinical Environment

The practice is well equipped to provide a high standard of first-opinion care and works closely with a nearby sister practice.

• Support from an experienced certificate holder
• Opportunity to broaden your clinical experience across a varied GP caseload
• Optional opportunity to work one day per week at a sister practice in Seaham for additional case variety if desired

For those interested in career progression, there is also potential to step into a Lead Vet role as the practice continues to grow.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a confident Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys working both independently and collaboratively.

They should demonstrate:

• Confidence with routine consultations and general practice
• Ability to manage some sole charge
• A proactive mindset and willingness to contribute to the growth of the practice
• Interest in ongoing clinical development

An ambition to take on additional responsibility or leadership in the future would be welcomed but is not essential.

Salary & Benefits

• £55,000–£75,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays
• £1,500 CPD allowance + 4 days CPD (certificates supported)
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Pension scheme
• Generous staff discount for personal pets
• Bonus scheme
• Visa sponsorship available

Relocation Support

Relocation support is available, including 3 months' accommodation, with the option to extend privately if required.

Location

Situated in North East County Durham, the practice offers excellent access to the coastline, countryside, and vibrant North East cities, providing an ideal balance between professional development and lifestyle.

Why Join?

• Work in a modern practice opened within the last year
• Join a supportive independent team with strong values
• Enjoy a varied GP caseload in a well-equipped first-opinion practice
• Enjoy a healthy work–life balance with no out-of-hours work
• Opportunity for future leadership progression within a growing practice

Stephanie.Hellier@gvcvets.com | 01392 793069