Out of Hours Night Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an opportunity for an OOH Night Veterinary Surgeon to join the CVS Vets 24/7 Chester team on an annualised part-time rota averaging 28 hours per week. The shifts run from 7pm to 8am, with a rota pattern of 4 on, 7 off and 3 on, 7 off.

You’ll be working in a small animal emergency and out-of-hours service, supporting hospitalised inpatients and managing a varied ECC caseload. The setting is based within Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, which gives access to advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities, plus on-call referral clinicians when extra support is needed.

The team places a strong focus on collaboration, clinical support and development. There is also an ECC specialist working Mondays and Tuesdays, creating further opportunity for mentoring and learning within the service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage emergency and critical care cases during out-of-hours night shifts.
• Provide care for hospitalised veterinary inpatients from member practices.
• Handle medical workups and emergency surgical cases.
• Make clinical decisions independently in an out-of-hours environment.
• Communicate clearly with clients, referring practices and the wider veterinary team.
• Take ownership of cases from presentation through to ongoing treatment planning.

Requirements

• Experienced Veterinary Surgeon with a genuine interest in Emergency and Critical Care.
• At least 2 years of post-graduate experience.
• Strong medical and surgical skills.
• Confidence managing emergency and critical care cases.
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek support.
• Effective communication with clients and referring practices.

Benefits

• Salary up to £83,200 FTE, depending on experience.
• RCVS and VDS fees paid in full.
• Generous CPD allowance.
• BSAVA library access and 450+ courses.
• Fully funded postgraduate qualifications, including CertAVP and PgCert, with tuition, exams and study leave covered.
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring.
• Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies.
• Staff pet care discounts, including 50% off services, MiPet food and medications.
• Free on-site parking.

About the Practice

CVS Vets 24/7 Chester is a dedicated small animal emergency and out-of-hours service. It operates within Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, an RCVS-approved referral hospital, and offers access to modern diagnostic and surgical facilities.

The service provides 24-hour care for patients from first opinion member practices, including inpatient management. It is part of CVS Veterinary Group, with central support teams and continued investment in practices and facilities.