Night Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a permanent night veterinary surgeon position focused exclusively on emergency and critical care at Abivale's main Abingdon site. You'll work a 7 on 14 off pattern, giving you substantial time away from the practice between shifts. When on duty, you'll be supported by one of the team's experienced night RVNs, working together to maintain the highest standards of patient and client care.

The practice operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, serving as the designated out-of-hours emergency provider for the surrounding area. Located in walking distance to historic Abingdon and just 15 minutes from Oxford city centre, the practice benefits from excellent transport links across the UK. This is a role for a vet confident in emergency and critical care practice who values a structured rota and genuine downtime.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide emergency and critical care for small animals presenting out-of-hours
• Work collaboratively with your assigned night RVN to ensure high standards of patient care and client communication
• Utilise the practice's full range of equipment including ultrasound, X-ray, endoscope, dental X-ray, and in-house laboratory
• Maintain detailed patient records with full access to animal histories and client information
• Support the dedicated night team and contribute to the continuity of emergency care provision

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS registration)
• Confidence and experience in emergency and critical care
• Ability to work night shifts and manage the 7 on 14 off rota pattern
• Strong communication skills for client interaction during stressful situations
• Commitment to high standards of patient care

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 pro rata (depending on experience)
• Welcome bonus of up to £2,500 pro rata for new hires
• 6.6 weeks annual leave pro rata plus additional birthday holiday
• £1,250 CPD allowance with 5 days paid professional development (pro rata)
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme
• BVA membership and VDS cover provided
• Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Access to IVC Evidensia Academy and Vetlexicon online resource
• Research funding opportunities for vets and nurses
• Care Fund: £1,000 per annum to spend on professional development or wellbeing
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and non-accidental injury support
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices
• Voluntary benefits and discounts with participating retailers

About the Practice

Abivale is South Oxfordshire's most established veterinary group, operating out of five surgeries across Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford, Wantage, and Oxford. The main office and primary surgery is based at The Vineyard in Abingdon, where a veterinary practice has operated continuously since 1852. The practice operates its own out-of-hours emergency cover, ensuring clients always have access to an Abivale vet familiar with their pet's history and details.

The team consists of eight qualified veterinary surgeons supported by trained nursing staff. Abivale is registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a Nurse Training Centre and maintains a strong commitment to continuing professional development. The practice invests in modern equipment and facilities, including ultrasound, X-ray, endoscopy, dental X-ray, and in-house laboratory facilities. Staff are encouraged to attend courses and seminars to remain at the leading edge of veterinary practice.