Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal FTC

Job Overview

Discover a new challenge. Abbey Vets are on the lookout for an enthusiastic Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive team on a 9‑month fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone looking to step into a well‑established, collaborative practice where clinical standards are high and team support is a priority.

You will enjoy a varied first‑opinion caseload with a balance of consulting and surgery, working alongside experienced colleagues who are always willing to share knowledge and provide guidance. Whether you are an experienced vet or looking to further develop your skills within a supportive environment, this role offers an excellent platform to do so.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we recognise that achieving a healthy work‑life balance is essential to helping our teams thrive. Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours allows us to offer a schedule that adapts to you and your lifestyle, whatever stage you are at in your career.

The full‑time role is based on 40 hours per week, worked over four days between 8am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, with a 1 in 5 Saturday rota from 8am to 2pm. There are no out‑of‑hours commitments and no bank holiday working. We are also open to discussing part‑time hours or alternative working patterns to suit your needs.

You will be joining a large and experienced team of 10 vets supported by a skilled nursing and support team. We are proud to be a training practice and are committed to providing an environment where colleagues feel supported and encouraged in their professional development. Within the team we have certificate holders in surgery, dentistry and medicine, creating excellent opportunities for collaboration and case discussion.

Our modern, well‑equipped facilities include dental radiography, laparoscopic equipment, ultrasound, and separate dog and cat wards and waiting areas. We are both dog and cat friendly and pride ourselves on delivering high standards of patient care in a welcoming and professional setting.

Our practices in Durham and Chester‑le‑Street offer the ideal combination of city convenience and countryside charm. With excellent transport links and beautiful surrounding scenery, the area provides a wonderful place to live and work.

At Abbey Vets, we foster a positive and inclusive culture where teamwork, communication and mutual support are central to everything we do. If you are looking to join a welcoming practice where you can make a real impact during your fixed‑term contract, we would love to hear from you.

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday

• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
• Non‑accidental injury support

• £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid pro rata
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• All our Vets get £1,250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees

• Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Pension – 5% Employee / 3% Employer
• Discounted staff pet care

Salary: £0‑£60,000 a year, up to £60,000 DOE pro rata.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analysing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgement. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.