Veterinary Surgeon – Weekend

About the Role

This is a weekend-only veterinary surgeon position at Vets Now Chesterfield, one of the UK’s leading emergency and critical care providers. You’ll work flexible weekend shifts over an eight-week cycle, combining Saturday and Sunday overnight shifts with daytime weekend work—perfect if you’re looking to build your ECC expertise without committing to full-time hours or want to supplement existing work elsewhere.

You’ll be part of a close-knit emergency team where you’re never working in isolation. Natalie, the Senior Vet, and experienced colleagues provide both formal mentoring and day-to-day collaboration. The practice is well-staffed with skilled nurses and Animal Care Assistants, so you can focus on clinical work with genuine support around you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide emergency and critical care to small animals presenting out-of-hours
• Work across a varied weekend rota: 2x Saturday/Sunday overnight (1900–0900), 2x Saturday daytime/Sunday long days (1200–1930 and 0830–1930), plus 4x Sunday afternoon shifts (1200–2000)
• Collaborate with experienced Senior Vet Natalie and the nursing team to deliver high-standard emergency care
• Contribute to a supportive, friendly team culture where knowledge-sharing is valued

Requirements

• Registered as a veterinary surgeon with the RCVS
• Experience in emergency or critical care practice preferred but not essential
• Willingness to work within a supportive team environment
• Flexibility and reliability for weekend shift work

Benefits

• Up to £45 per hour depending on experience
• £1,500 annual CPD allowance plus 35 paid hours (pro rata)
• Seven weeks pro rata annual leave plus bank holidays
• Enhanced sick, maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Private medical insurance
• Up to 50% discount on staff pet care
• Professional membership fees covered
• Access to Vets Now’s AdvantEdge professional development programme

About the Practice

Vets Now Chesterfield is part of Vets Now, the UK’s largest emergency and critical care provider. The Chesterfield clinic is a dedicated emergency service operating around the clock to support pets when they need emergency care most. The team combines experienced emergency vets, skilled nurses, and dedicated support staff to deliver exceptional care in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Vets Now is part of Mars Veterinary Health and operates as a Disability Confident Employer, welcoming applications from candidates of all backgrounds and commit to making reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment.