Small Animal ECC Night Vet

About the Role

This is a dedicated night-shift position supporting the launch of Bramble and Bear's new Hospital and Rehab Centre, opening autumn 2026. You'll work 7 nights on, 14 nights off, from 8 pm to 8 am, with structured handovers at the start and end of each shift to ensure seamless case continuity with the day team. The practice is open to discussing a weekend-only night rota if that suits your circumstances better.

You'll be joining a practice that genuinely invests in its team. Bramble and Bear was founded by two experienced vets, Hannah Brooks and Matt Bayliss, who wanted to create a workplace where people thrive. The hospital features two fully equipped theatres, a dedicated dental suite, and a comprehensive imaging suite with DR X-ray, Doppler ultrasound, and endoscopy. Fear-Free accreditation shapes the design, with separate cat and dog wards and dedicated outdoor recovery space. The practice is set on a working farm in the peaceful Staffordshire Moorlands, with Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham all within an hour's drive, and Alton Towers just 20 minutes away.

Whether you already hold ECC qualifications or have a strong clinical interest in emergency and critical care, you'll be supported to pursue certificates if you wish. The varied caseload and supportive culture mean no two nights are the same.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide emergency and critical care to small animal patients during night shifts (8 pm to 8 am)
• Manage a varied caseload, from routine emergency presentations to complex critical cases
• Lead structured handovers with the day team to ensure continuity of care
• Contribute to the development of night-shift protocols and procedures in a new hospital environment
• Collaborate with the wider team, including three RVNs, one SVN, and Head Nurse Anna
• Support professional development and mentoring of other team members where appropriate

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS)
• Relevant experience in small animal emergency and critical care, or demonstrable confidence managing emergency cases
• Ability to work independently during night shifts while maintaining communication with the day team
• Genuine interest in ECC and a commitment to gold-standard patient care
• Willingness to work night shifts on a 7-on, 14-off rota

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £60,000 to £85,000 depending on experience
• Uncapped CPD budget with support and funding for ECC certificates
• Professional fees paid for RCVS, VDS and BVA/BSAVA memberships
• Bupa private healthcare
• Strong team culture with regular social events and a supportive, family-like environment
• Access to varied caseload supporting ongoing professional development
• Located in the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands with excellent access to outdoor activities

About the Practice

Bramble and Bear Vet Care was founded just over three years ago by Dr Matt Bayliss MRCVS and Dr Hannah Brooks MRCVS, who shared a vision of creating a forward-thinking practice where every team member can thrive. What started as a mobile surgical unit has evolved rapidly: the first hub opened in September 2023, and now they're transforming an on-site cowshed into a purpose-built Hospital and Rehab Centre. The new facility will include two theatres, a dental suite, comprehensive imaging, Fear-Free-accredited wards for cats and dogs, and an advanced Rehab Centre offering hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill, and physiotherapy services.

The practice operates on a philosophy of transparent, affordable care delivered with compassion and expertise. Once the hospital opens, the team will be on-site 24/7 to provide free consultations around the clock. The current team includes Hannah and Matt (both working towards ECC certificates), new graduate Iona (joined 2024), final-year student Grace (joining as a vet surgeon), Head Nurse Anna (recently completed feline nursing certificate), three RVNs, and one SVN. They also benefit from regular visits from an orthopaedic surgeon. The practice is Fear-Free accredited and an accredited nurse training practice.