Veterinary Surgeon – Night

About the Role

You’ll be stepping into a fast-paced, highly rewarding emergency and critical care environment at a busy first-opinion small animal hospital in Leigh, strategically positioned between Manchester and Liverpool. This role offers genuine flexibility with just 10 nights per month on a 13.5-hour rota (6:30 pm–8:30 am), allowing you to maintain work-life balance whilst delivering life-saving emergency care.

The hospital is well-equipped with modern diagnostic tools including ultrasound, bronchoscope, gastroscope, biochemistry and haematology analysers, blood gas analysis, and SediVue. You’ll work alongside a dedicated, tight-knit nursing and PCA team who are genuinely invested in excellent patient care and colleague support.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage emergency presentations and perform surgical procedures with confidence, from stabilisation through to definitive care
• Assess, diagnose, and treat critically ill or injured animals overnight, adjusting medications and support protocols as required
• Communicate clearly with worried pet owners during emergencies, explaining diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment options in an accessible way
• Work confidently in sole charge situations, managing both medical and surgical emergencies independently
• Collaborate with the nursing team to deliver high-quality inpatient care and emergency response
• Contribute to a positive, supportive team culture where communication and mutual respect are prioritised

Requirements

• RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon with proven emergency and critical care experience
• Confidence working in sole charge overnight with both medical and surgical emergencies
• Strong clinical decision-making skills and ability to remain calm under pressure in a busy setting
• Team player with a collaborative, can-do attitude and genuine commitment to client communication
• Willingness to be part of a supportive practice culture where colleagues genuinely look out for each other

Benefits

• Competitive salary: up to £75,000 per year (depending on experience)
• RCVS and VDS fees fully paid
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Life assurance
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Extensive internal and funded external CPD opportunities
• Pet-friendly workplace—bring your own pets to work
• Relocation support available

About the Practice

My Pets Vets is an RCVS-accredited first-opinion small animal hospital serving the Leigh area. The practice is forward-thinking and actively encourages staff development; many team members hold or are pursuing veterinary certificates and further qualifications. The hospital is exceptionally well-resourced, featuring separate consult rooms for dogs, cats, rabbits, ICU and isolation kennels, plus an onsite hydrotherapy and rehabilitation centre with a physiotherapist. The team includes several certificate holders and RCVS Advanced Practitioners.

My Pets Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Linnaeus is driven by its purpose—A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS—and operates with a genuine focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term profit. As part of Linnaeus, you’ll gain access to a network of over 6,000 associates, worldwide development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing package prioritising physical and mental health.