OOH Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a dedicated out-of-hours veterinary surgeon position within MiNightVet Caterham, a specialist night-time emergency service operating from The Village Animal Hospital. You’ll be part of a small, tight-knit team delivering first-class emergency and critical care through the night and at weekends for the surrounding area. The role offers genuine clinical independence within a supportive, hospital-led environment where patient care is the priority.

The rota is genuinely considerate: 7 nights on, followed by 14 nights off (shift times 19:00–08:00). This isn’t the unpredictable on-call juggle many OOH vets endure—it’s a proper night shift pattern that lets you plan your life around predictable time off.

Caterham’s location is a real highlight. You’re on the outskirts of London with fast, easy links into the city, yet close to Surrey countryside for weekends away. The Gatwick Express line runs through the area, making airport travel straightforward. The role is easily commutable from Croydon, Sutton, Epsom, Bromley, Orpington, Redhill, Oxted, Westerham, Godstone, Purley, Warlingham, Coulsdon, Biggin Hill, Tadworth, Leatherhead, Dorking, Crawley, East Grinstead, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Mitcham and the surrounding South London, Surrey and Kent areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide emergency and critical care to small animal patients presenting out-of-hours
• Work as part of a 2-vet night team alongside 4 night nurses and 2 receptionists
• Manage first-line emergency assessment, diagnostics, and treatment with clinical confidence
• Perform emergency surgical procedures across orthopaedic and soft-tissue specialisms as required
• Collaborate with the day team at The Village Animal Hospital, particularly weekend day cover coordination
• Provide hospitalisation and in-patient care for surrounding practice referrals
• Maintain accurate records and ensure continuity of clinical care

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Genuine interest in emergency and critical care
• Ability to work night shifts within the 7-on, 14-off rota pattern
• Strong clinical judgment and ability to work confidently during busy periods
• Collaborative approach to team-based care
• Experience level not specified—applications from all qualified vets considered

Benefits

• Funded RCVS and VDS professional fees
• CPD encouraged and actively supported—your continued development is valued
• Company pension scheme
• Enhanced parental leave
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and mental health first aiders available
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted pet treatment
• SAYE (Save As You Earn) scheme
• Clear internal career pathways across CVS’s network of 500+ practices
• Salary: Flexible, Depending on Experience (DOE)

About the Practice

MiNightVet Caterham is a dedicated out-of-hours emergency service based within The Village Animal Hospital. The facility is exceptionally well-equipped for night-time emergency and critical care, with modern imaging (high-quality ultrasound, brand new DR digital radiography X-ray system, multiple endoscopes), two fully equipped theatres (one orthopaedic, one soft-tissue), laparoscopic surgery equipment, full in-house laboratory, multi-parameter monitoring, ventilator, infusion devices, and an isolation unit. The night team comprises 2 vets, 4 nurses, and 2 receptionists, with additional support from The Village Animal Hospital’s day team.

MiNightVet is part of CVS Group, a major UK veterinary practice network. CVS is committed to inclusive, supportive workplaces where staff are encouraged to be themselves and individual development is prioritised.