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 (£40–75k 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
• Bank holidays shared, with time off in lieu for any worked

Salary & Benefits
• £40,000 – £75,000 DOE
• 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
• Paid birthday leave
• Additional holiday accrued annually (up to 5 extra days)
• RCVS, BSAVA, BVA and VDS fees paid
• One additional membership funded
• Unlimited CPD (within reason and aligned with practice development)
• On-call accommodation available if required

Culture & Lifestyle

This is a warm, welcoming and genuinely close-knit team who enjoy spending time together, whether that’s sharing meals, relaxing at their beach hut in the summer, or making the most of everything Whitby has to offer.

From paddleboarding, kayaking, wild swimming and seaside saunas, to simply watching the sun set over the harbour with a favourite drink, the lifestyle here is hard to beat.

Whitby itself is rich in history and character, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. With the North York Moors National Park, dramatic coastal walks, and landmarks such as Whitby Abbey and the famous 199 steps (the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula), life outside work can be as adventurous or as peaceful as you choose.

What’s Next?

This is a rare opportunity to join a practice where vets are truly valued, supported, and encouraged to grow—both professionally and personally.

For those looking for fulfilling clinical work alongside an exceptional quality of life, this could be the perfect fit. The practice would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

For more information or for a confidential chat, please contact Lily on 01904 570056 or email l.thorpe@purovets.com

To view all our vacancies, please visit https://purovets.com/veterinary-jobs/

And don't forget, if this position is of no interest to you but you know someone who may be interested, please pass on our details. We offer £250* for every successful candidate referral. *Terms and conditions apply.

Ref no: JOB-56596