Job Description
Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal & Equine
Whitby, North Yorkshire | Independent, Family-Run Practice
• Independent, family-run practice with over 70 years of trusted history and a warm, supportive team culture
• Varied clinical work – small animal (85%) and equine (15%), with opportunities for equine training and involvement in orthopaedics, surgery, dentals, and unique wildlife cases
• Work-life balance – 4-day week, dedicated admin and lunch breaks, flexible weekend and on-call rota designed to support your wellbeing
• Exceptional coastal lifestyle – live and work in historic Whitby, with the North York Moors, stunning coastline, and outdoor adventures on your doorstep
• Accommodation available for on-call if required, alongside competitive salary (£40–70k DOE), unlimited CPD, paid memberships, and modern, fully equipped facilities
If you’re seeking a role that offers genuine clinical variety, a supportive and close-knit team, and the chance to enjoy an exceptional coastal lifestyle, this could be the perfect next step.
An established, family-owned independent practice in the iconic seaside town of Whitby is looking to welcome an additional Veterinary Surgeon to their team. Trusted by the local community for over 70 years, this RCVS-accredited, Gold Award Cat Friendly Clinic has been caring for generations of clients and their animals since opening its doors in 1946.
The Practice
This is a 4.5-vet practice with a loyal client base and a varied caseload:
• 85% small animal / 15% equine
• Ideal for a vet confident in both disciplines, or a small-animal vet open to training in equine
• Opportunity for someone interested in a leadership or Clinical Director-style role, helping to provide cover and balance alongside the current Clinical Director
The team works across two successful sites:
• The main Whitby practice
• A nearby branch clinic attended on a rota basis during weekday afternoons (4pm–6pm), focusing on routine GP work only
Facilities & Clinical Work
The practice is fully equipped and well invested in:
• Digital and dental X-ray
• Endoscopy and bronchoscopy
• SonoScape ProPet 80 ultrasound
• In-house laboratory
• Purpose-built clinic with 3 consult rooms, 2 prep rooms and a dedicated X-ray suite
Clinical work includes:
• Orthopaedics
• Routine and emergency soft tissue surgery
• Dentistry
• A varied and interesting medical caseload
They are also a nurse training centre and currently support two new graduates through their GDP, fostering a collaborative and mentoring culture.
The practice works closely with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and a local wildlife sanctuary, offering opportunities to be involved in some truly unique and meaningful cases.
The Working Week
Designed with wellbeing and sustainability in mind:
• 4-day week with a fixed day off
• 1:4 Saturdays (9am–1pm)
• 1:4 nights on call, always supported by a nurse
• Dedicated daily admin time and a scheduled lunch break
• Diary structure praised by the Practice Standards Inspector for supporting wellbeing
Hours:
• Monday–Thursday: 8.30am–7pm
• Friday: 8.30am–5pm
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