Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Craemill Veterinary Clinic, Magherafelt and Cookstown • Permanent, Full-time or Part-time available – No OOH
Salary up to £63,000 DOE
The Role
Craemill Veterinary Clinic is looking to welcome an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our established and close‑knit team in Mid Ulster. This is a first opinion role within a busy, high‑quality small animal practice, suited to a confident clinician who enjoys a varied caseload and takes pride in delivering strong clinical standards.
We can offer both full‑time and part‑time opportunities, with flexible shift patterns discussed around the individual. There is no out‑of‑hours work, as all OOH is covered by Vets Now, allowing for a sustainable work‑life balance while still seeing an interesting and rewarding caseload during the day.
This position is not suitable for new graduates. We are specifically looking for someone who is comfortable managing their own caseload, is surgically competent with routine procedures such as neutering, and has a genuine interest in internal medicine and case continuity.
About the Practice
Craemill Veterinary Clinic is a long‑established, family‑run practice led by husband and wife Clinical Directors who are deeply proud of the culture they have built. The bond within the team is one of the practice’s strongest assets, and it is something we work hard to protect.
The business operates across three sites in total, with two dedicated small animal practices in Magherafelt and Cookstown, and a separate farm practice. One of our small animal clinics is currently undergoing refurbishment, reflecting continued investment in our facilities and our people.
We see a high volume of first opinion cases and are well equipped to support this, with digital X‑ray including dental radiography, ultrasound scanners, and an IDEXX in‑house laboratory. Our caseload supports strong clinical development across surgery and medicine, without being referral‑heavy.
Our Team
You will be joining a team of around 25 staff, including 10 veterinary surgeons and a highly experienced nursing and support team. This is the strongest team we have ever had, with a broad mix of experience and individual clinical interests that include ultrasound, general surgery, dermatology, cardiology, and dentistry.
We currently have one certificate holder, but many of the team have advanced skills and areas of focus, and knowledge‑sharing is actively encouraged. Our small animal Clinical Director is also a Claims Adviser for the Veterinary Defence Society, which provides invaluable on‑site support, reassurance, and practical guidance when dealing with complaints or challenging cases.
We are focused on strengthening the group with the right person who will add positively to the dynamic. Personality, communication, and team fit are absolutely key for us.
Why Join Craemill
Craemill offers the opportunity to work in a genuinely supportive, family‑oriented practice where individuals are valued and treated as such. Decisions are not one‑size‑fits‑all, and flexibility is real rather than promised.
We care deeply about staff wellbeing, mental health, and sustainability in the profession. We believe that looking after our team directly benefits our clients and patients, and we are proud of the environment we have created.
The location is another major advantage, with Belfast just 30 minutes away and the North Coast within 40 minutes, offering an excellent quality of life alongside a rewarding clinical role.
Requirements
Applicants must be RCVS registered and have solid experience in first opinion small animal practice. You should be confident performing routine surgery, comfortable managing a busy and varied caseload, and capable of working cases up to a high clinical standard with good judgement and consistency.
We welcome vets with a range of clinical interests and are well equipped to support ongoing development across different areas of small animal practice. This role is not suitable for new graduates, and candidates should be able to work independently without the need for structured mentorship. Above all, we are looking for an experienced veterinary surgeon who values teamwork, communicates well, and takes professional pride in delivering high‑quality care day in, day out.
How We’ll Support You
* Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
* Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role‑relevant courses
* £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
* Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
* Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
* A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
* 7 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
* Private medical insurance
* Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
* BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
* Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
* Retail discounts and cashback offers
* Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets
Up to £63,000 DOE
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