FTC Mat Cover Small Animal Vet - Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Fixed Term Maternity Cover Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon – Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Join a friendly and social Small Animal Practice in Berwick-Upon-Tweed on a fixed-term maternity cover basis. This position offers a varied caseload, supportive colleagues and access to modern diagnostic equipment, all within reach of the coast and the Scottish Borders. It is a strong opportunity for a Veterinary Surgeon seeking a well-supported role in a welcoming team.

Key Details

- Position: Permanent Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

- Location: Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland

- Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover

- Working Pattern: Full-time

- Hours: 40 hours over 4.5 days with a one-hour lunch break

- Weekends: Saturday mornings on a rota

- OOH: On a rota, with time in lieu after on-call shifts

- Salary: Up to £50,000 dependent on experience

Why You'll Love This Role

This role combines clinical variety with genuine team support. You will work with a broad first-opinion caseload, access modern diagnostic facilities, and be part of a practice that supports clinical freedom, CPD, and further qualifications.

About the Role

You will manage a mix of surgery and consultations in a Small Animal Practice with a varied caseload. The work includes dogs, cats and rabbits, together with some exotics.

The practice provides 15-minute consults and offers support from a large team of Small Animal Vets. There are two internal medicine certificate holders within the veterinary team.

Out-of-hours care is provided in-house, and Saturday mornings are included on a rota. Time in lieu is given after on-call shifts.

About the Practice

This Small Animal Practice is part of a wider veterinary group across the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland. The team is described as friendly and social, with a strong emphasis on colleague connection and team activities.

Clinical work includes access to endoscopes, dental X-rays, high-quality ultrasound and EPOC bloods. The practice works closely with a local rescue centre and a wildlife centre, and it has achieved the Silver Rabbit Friendly Practice Award.

Working in Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Berwick-Upon-Tweed offers a coastal setting in North Northumberland, close to the Scottish Borders and within an hour’s drive of Edinburgh and Newcastle. For a Veterinary Surgeon, it provides access to both a smaller community environment and larger city links for commuting, travel or wider amenities. The location will suit candidates who value proximity to the coast and a practical balance between work and lifestyle.

Benefits

- 33 days holiday per year, pro rata for part-time roles.

- CPD encouraged and funded, with 5 days annually and a £1,750 budget, pro rata for part-time roles.

- Accommodation support available for relocating colleagues.

- Colleague dogs welcome.

- Competitive colleague discount rates on products and services.

- Enhanced sickness scheme after qualifying period.

- Enhanced maternity and paternity scheme.

- Opportunity to buy and sell holidays.

- Health Shield Cash Plan.

- Support for further qualifications, including certificates.

- Workplace pension.

- Opportunity to apply for the Bike2Work scheme.

- Career progression within a large and growing practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of caseload can I expect?

You will see a varied Small Animal Practice caseload, mainly dogs, cats and rabbits, with some exotics too. The practice also works closely with a local rescue centre and a wildlife centre.

Is there any out-of-hours work?

Yes. OOH shifts are on a rota, and the practice provides its own out-of-hours care. Time in lieu is given after on-call shifts.

What equipment and facilities are available?

The practice has access to endoscopes, dental X-rays, quality ultrasound, and EPOC bloods. Consults are also run at 15 minutes.

Is this a permanent or locum position?

This is a fixed-term maternity cover role for a full-time Veterinary Surgeon.

Is support available for relocation?

Yes. Accommodation support is available for colleagues who are relocating.

If this opportunity sounds of interest, I would welcome your application from suitably qualified Veterinary Surgeons seeking a supported Small Animal Practice role in Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

Job Reference No: JN-35563