Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Are you a small animal vet interested in rehabilitation, pain management or sports medicine and ready to take the next step in your career? 

About Donaldson’s Vets

As a practice, we are always evolving, upgrading and improving. We combine truly cutting-edge training, facilities, equipment, and premises with good old-fashioned personal care. We are the only independent veterinary group in Huddersfield, and our thriving multi-centre mixed practice has 44 vets and 6 surgeries across Huddersfield and South Halifax, including our hospital at Almondbury.

We are looking for a vet with some experience to join our supportive 7-vet team at Donaldson’s Vets Birchencliffe, where our Animal Rehabilitation Centre is based. ARC opened in 2008 to help patients recovering from surgery, suffering from painful and debilitating arthritis or other bone/joint problems, affected by neurological or spinal conditions, and those needing to lose weight or regain muscle condition and fitness. We have everything needed, including two underwater treadmills, therapeutic ultrasound and laser units, electrotherapy for pain relief and muscle maintenance (including TSE, TENS, and NMES) and a wide range of exercise equipment.

This is an opportunity to combine first-opinion practice with exploring your interest in rehabilitation, pain management, and sports medicine. We want you to take your career to the next level, and we will encourage your ambitions and help you to achieve your goals.

Our team

Rhona is a company Director and our lead vet at Birchencliffe.  She became interested in rehabilitation and sports medicine through her experience caring for her own dog with hip dysplasia. Rhona qualified as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner in 2009 and has obtained further qualifications in Veterinary Acupuncture. Her determination to bring the best facilities and expertise to the patients who need it is a very personal mission and at the root of the ARC’s development and success. Rhona also works with competitors in multiple canine sports and works closely with the local Mountain Rescue Search Dogs, which Donaldson’s Vets is proud to sponsor.

Jill graduated from Glasgow in 1994 and joined the team in 2021. She recently completed the University of Tennessee Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner programme, including a practical externship with Dr Angela Martins’ amazing neuro-rehab team in Aritao, Portugal.

"I've been at Donaldson's Vets Birchencliffe for 3 years and immediately felt at home. The largest independent practice in the North of England, there is scope to work independently and as part of a team. I completed my CCRP training in Canine Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee in 2021 and now spend 2/3 of my time in ARC, mainly working with orthopaedic, neurological and geriatric patients. We accept internal and external referrals and are increasingly busy as this relatively new specialism is becoming more recognized. Having been in practice  for 30 years, working in this field and with this team gives me the most job satisfaction since graduating from Glasgow University in 1994." Dr Jill Atkin BVMS MRCVS CCRP 

We run a vet-led rehabilitation service, and Rhona and Jill examine and assess each patient to develop an individual treatment plan. Our amazing RVNs, many of whom are studying towards further qualifications in rehabilitation, support them in providing the necessary treatment. We have five other fantastic vets working on the first opinion side of the practice who are supported by our RVNs, SVNs, auxiliary nurses, and a cracking support crew.

“I have worked at Donaldsons for nearly 6.5 years, joining them as a new graduate, and thoroughly enjoy working here. It is a very supportive, friendly team to be a part of. The Birchencliffe branch has been my regular place of work now for 6 years, and I feel like we have a very tight-knit but welcoming team. We like to socialise outside of work and regularly get together on an evening or weekend. With a wide range of skill sets and interests across all the vets and nurses, we can provide a very good service to clients, and there is always someone to offer advice or a helping hand if required.” Lisa Hernon MRCVS

There is also a wealth of knowledge across the wider Donaldson's team, including certificate holders in diagnostic imaging, surgery, ophthalmology, and ECC, as well as those currently undertaking both postgraduate certificates and CertAVP. We benefit from the expertise of many specialists in the area. Neil Palmer runs his Cancer Care for Pets referral service from the hospital; Advanced practitioners Sue Roberts, cardiology and Alison Shearer, SA dermatology, regularly consult from our hospital. We also have regular visits from Vet Practice Support, who assist with more complex scans and echos.

We believe in working together for the benefit of the patients, clients and most importantly, the team - providing a supportive, collaborative environment is one of the reasons our staff retention is so good, with many of the team staying with us since completing their training/school. We are a friendly team that enjoys working together, creating a very relaxed vibe.

“I am the newest member to the Donaldson's vets team at Birchencliffe. Understandably starting a new job in a new place with people who I didn't know, I was apprehensive. I didn't need to be at all. From the moment I walked in, the team showed me the ropes and welcomed me like I was an old friend. People were always forgiving of any small mistakes I made and were more than willing to help me with anything I was confused about.

I have been working here for just over a month now, and I can safely say that there is nobody in the Birchencliffe team who wouldn't have your back when you need it; everybody is kind, considerate and more than willing to provide a safe place, to learn and grow with the team. Overall, if anybody is apprehensive about starting a new job at Birchencliffe, I assure you that all of those worries will have disappeared by the end of your first day.” Charlie, Auxiliary nurse

“We both enjoy the variety of cases we see and the challenges it brings. The Birchencliffe team is a very friendly bunch, warm and welcoming to work with, and they often arrange off-the-clock social activities where we can let our hair down.” Ash and Fran, RVNs

“I have worked at Birchencliffe for the past 3 years now and love it. The team is very welcoming and kind and like one big family. As the industry can be difficult at times, everyone at Birchencliffe is extremely supportive of each other and very aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses. Everyone is happy to help when needed, and while maintaining professionalism with patients and clients, we do enjoy a giggle with each other. We frequently organise social events outside of work, from meals out to garden parties.” Emma RVN

The rota

We value our team and are always looking to improve work-life balance; we recently changed our finish time from 7.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Our full-time vets work a 4-day week (8.15 am - 6.15 pm), with typically just 1:4 Saturdays (9 am – 2 pm). While most of your time will be spent at Birchencliffe working between first opinion and ARC, you will also have the opportunity to get involved with the varied caseload at the hospital. All our vets work one late shift (10.15 am - 8.15 pm) every two weeks and approximately 1:9 daytime weekends at the hospital. We have two vets working on weekends, so someone is always available to provide backup or to discuss cases. We have a dedicated 3-vet night team, so there are no routine nights for our day vets.

The social scene

We love getting together and regularly sharing ideas at our clinical club or learning new skills at any CPD events held here, where the practice provides food and drink. With such a large team, there’s always something going on outside of work, whether meeting up for dog walks or heading to the pub. We are also well known for our legendary Christmas shindig when the whole team gets together to enjoy great food, the free bar, and a good old knees up. We've created a treasure trove of memories over the years, and they get funnier with each retelling!

The local area

Set in West Yorkshire, Huddersfield is a traditional market town. With the mountain range of the Pennines to the west and the stunning views and wild, rugged scenery of the nearby Marsden Moor, this is a beautiful place to explore by foot, bike, paddleboard, or even take to the skies paragliding, which is a popular activity locally.

What we offer:

• Salary of £44,000 to £60,000, depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks holiday, including bank holidays
• CPD encouraged, with certificates supported and funded
• Professional fees paid for RCVS, VDS, BSAVA, and BVA
• Happy to sponsor visas
• Assistance with finding accommodation available if relocating
• Employee Assistance Program, enhanced maternity and adoption pay, and shared parental leave.
• Enhanced company sick pay

If you're interested in this opportunity and want to learn more about us and how we can support your career development, please call us for an informal chat or apply now.