On-Call Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Seafield Veterinary Group is relaunching and expanding its small animal emergency provision, and they’re looking for a confident veterinary surgeon to lead that growth. This is an out-of-hours focused position that blends independent clinical work with genuine flexibility—you’ll handle emergency and critical care cases across the group’s well-equipped facilities, whether working from the clinic site or on-call from home (or provided accommodation).

The role operates on a one-week-on, three-weeks-off rota, giving you substantial time between shifts to rest, recharge, and enjoy life in one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions. If you prefer a different pattern, the practice is open to negotiating a one-week-on, one-week-off schedule with adjusted salary. You’ll work Monday–Thursday 6pm–8am, Friday 6pm–Monday 8am, with no anticipated calls between 8am–12pm on Saturdays (covered by the daytime practice team).

Located in Keith, Moray, the practice serves a supportive local community and offers access to the Cairngorms, coastal walks, and rural Scotland’s quality of life. This is an ideal opportunity for a vet who thrives in emergency situations, values work-life balance, and wants to help shape the future of small animal out-of-hours care in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver emergency and critical care to small animals during out-of-hours periods across Seafield Veterinary Group’s facilities
• Work independently during on-call weeks, making clinical decisions confidently and managing cases from initial presentation through discharge or referral
• Provide telephone triage and advice when appropriate
• Support the local community and daytime veterinary teams with continuity of care
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the practice’s small animal emergency provision
• Maintain detailed clinical records and communication with referring vets

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS) with UK registration
• Confidence working independently in emergency situations
• Strong problem-solving skills and genuine commitment to client care
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
• Experience in small animal practice (emergency experience desirable but not essential)
• Willingness to work flexible out-of-hours patterns

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £31,000 DOE (based on one-week-on, three-weeks-off rota; adjusted if alternative pattern agreed)
• Relocation Support: Up to £7,500 relocation allowance plus comfortable accommodation during working weeks
• Visa Sponsorship: Available for overseas-qualified candidates
• Annual Leave: 6.8 weeks inclusive of bank holidays, plus additional holiday entitlement on your birthday
• CPD & Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata; access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online resource, certificate support, and research funding opportunities
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/surrogacy pay), wellbeing initiatives
• Colleague Benefits: Company pension scheme with employer contribution, Cycle to Work and Green Cars schemes, voluntary benefits, retail discounts/cashback, discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices
• Care Fund: £1,250 per annum to support causes you care about

About the Practice

Seafield Veterinary Group, based in Keith, Moray, is an established multi-disciplinary practice serving the northeast of Scotland. The practice offers small animal emergency care, farm animal services, equine medicine, and exotic-friendly facilities. As part of IVC Evidensia, one of the UK’s leading veterinary groups, the practice has access to extensive clinical resources, specialist support, and professional development opportunities whilst maintaining its strong roots in the local community.

The team is passionate about delivering accessible, affordable, and personalised veterinary care. Having recently enhanced their large animal and equine out-of-hours support, they’re now investing significantly in small animal emergency services and actively seeking a dedicated vet to help shape that journey forward.