Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Salary up to £65,000 DOE | Welcome Bonus up to £5,000

Copeland Vets is looking for a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and well-established team in Ingleby Barwick.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a modern, purpose-built practice with excellent facilities, a stable and supportive team, and strong clinical collaboration across neighbouring practices in Teesside.

You will be joining a highly experienced and long-standing team, with many colleagues having been part of the practice for over a decade. This creates a genuinely supportive, collaborative and friendly working environment where clinical standards and teamwork go hand in hand.

The role offers a varied first opinion caseload supported by excellent diagnostic and surgical facilities, providing the opportunity to develop your clinical skills in a well-resourced and encouraging environment.

• Practice Highlights
• *Purpose-built small animal practice in Ingleby Barwick, Teesside
• *Stable, long-standing team including 2 vets, 4 nurses, ACA, and experienced reception staff
• *Strong cross-site clinical support from neighbouring Teesside practices
• *Modern facilities including digital X-ray (including dental), separate theatre and dental suite
• *Laparoscopic spay equipment and modern endoscopy system
• *Fully equipped in-house laboratory
• *Separate cat and dog wards for improved patient care
• *Nurse-led clinics actively supported and encouraged
• *Well-regarded practice with strong community reputation
• *Excellent access to transport links including Teesside Airport and rail connections

About inspiring vet care

Inspiring vet care is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners. We believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, you will contribute to delivering high-quality patient care across a varied first opinion caseload.

• *Provide consultations, diagnostics, medical workups, and routine surgery
• *Deliver high standards of clinical care in a supportive team environment
• *Work collaboratively with colleagues across Copeland and neighbouring practices
• *Support nurse-led clinics and preventative healthcare initiatives
• *Contribute to clinical discussions and continuous improvement
• *Participate in a Saturday rota (8:00am–12:00pm)
• *No out-of-hours requirement

Working Pattern:

• *Full-time: 40 hours per week over 4 days
• *Structured rota designed to support work-life balance
• *Flexible working discussions welcomed

Life in Teesside

Located in Ingleby Barwick, Copeland Vets is ideally positioned close to both countryside and coastline. With the Cleveland Hills and beautiful beaches nearby, the area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities alongside convenient access to transport links, including Teesside Airport and rail connections.

The local area also provides a wide range of amenities, making it a practical and enjoyable place to live and work.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a confident and motivated small animal veterinary surgeon who enjoys working as part of a supportive team. You’ll bring:

• *A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility) with the RCVS
• *Experience in small animal first opinion practice
• *Strong communication and teamwork skills
• *Confidence in consultations and routine procedures
• *A proactive and collaborative approach to clinical care
• *Commitment to high standards of patient and client care

How We’ll Support You

We’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

* 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

* 6.6 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