About the Role
Valley Veterinary Hospital is seeking an experienced ECC veterinary surgeon to join its dedicated night team. This is a permanent night position with a 7 nights on / 7 nights off rota, averaging 46.25 hours per week—designed to support genuine work-life balance. As a busy 24/7 emergency hospital serving approximately 40 local practices across South Wales, you'll encounter a varied and rewarding caseload spanning complex medical and surgical cases.
You'll work alongside other experienced veterinary surgeons, supported by a large team of Registered Veterinary Nurses, Animal Care Assistants, and dedicated reception staff. This role suits confident, experienced ECC clinicians who thrive managing cases independently while valuing collaboration and clinical support. The hospital's investment in facilities and clinical freedom means you can work cases thoroughly and pursue individual clinical interests.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage complex medical and surgical emergency cases during night shifts
- Make confident clinical decisions in high-pressure situations
- Work collaboratively with the experienced night team and on-call support
- Provide emergency and critical care across the full caseload served by 40 local practices
- Contribute to the 24/7 inpatient care services
Requirements
- Current RCVS registration as a Veterinary Surgeon
- Substantial previous ECC experience—confidence in emergency situations is essential
- Proven ability to manage cases independently with strong clinical decision-making
- Willingness to work permanent night shifts (7 nights on / 7 nights off)
Benefits
- Salary: up to £100,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
- Holiday: 8 weeks paid holiday (equivalent of 4 working weeks due to week-on-week-off rota)
- Sick Pay: 2 weeks full pay, 4 weeks half pay
- Professional Development: 5 days CPD with £1,750 budget; certificate study support via formal application process
- Professional Fees: RCVS and VDS fees paid; two additional professional subscriptions (e.g., BSAVA)
- Colleague Discount: 50% discount on services; products at cost price
- Pension: Workplace pension scheme
- Family Support: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave; paid volunteering day
- Wellbeing: Health Shield employment benefit scheme and wellbeing support; optional private health insurance via payroll deduction
- Additional Perks: Life insurance (1x annual salary); Cycle to Work scheme; My Perks discount and cashback scheme
- Relocation: Relocation allowance for candidates applying directly
About the Practice
Valley Veterinary Hospital is a state-of-the-art 24/7 emergency and critical care facility serving approximately 40 local practices across South Wales. Part of the VetPartners group, the hospital is committed to investing heavily in both people and facilities, providing the equipment, support, and clinical freedom needed to work cases thoroughly.
Facilities include a CT scanner, advanced ultrasonography, endosurgery facilities, extensive in-house laboratory equipment (TEG and blood gas analysis), dedicated orthopaedic, soft tissue, and exotic theatres, dedicated ECC wards, modern dental suite, and in-house rehabilitation services including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. The hospital is located in Gwaelod-y-garth, near Cardiff, with easy access to vibrant city living, coastal tranquillity in the Vale of Glamorgan, and stunning mountain scenery in the Valleys and Brecon Beacons National Park.
