Veterinary Surgeon – Cutting Edge

About the Role

This is a structured pathway into Emergency and Critical Care designed for vets who want to develop real expertise without drowning in night shifts from day one. You’ll join the Cutting Edge programme, a comprehensive 8-week training initiative combining intensive CPD, interactive seminars, hands-on practical sessions, and one-to-one mentorship from senior ECC clinicians. After completing the programme, you’ll transition to a full-time ECC role at the Coventry clinic of your choice, working 30–40 hours per week on a carefully designed rota with no more than three consecutive nights and an average of three shifts weekly.

The programme kicks off with 250 hours of specialist CPD covering everything from shock management and fluid therapy to respiratory emergencies, cardiac care, trauma, and point-of-care ultrasound. You’ll also spend time training at Vets Now’s Central Support hub in Scotland (accommodation provided), building your professional network with fellow Cutting Edge participants.

This role suits vets with at least six months’ small animal experience who are confident consulting and performing routine surgical procedures independently, and who want to transition into ECC with genuine support behind them.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete the structured 8-week Cutting Edge training programme, including 250 hours of CPD delivered by recognised ECC specialists
• Participate in interactive seminars and practical wet labs covering emergency and critical care scenarios
• Gain hands-on experience at the Coventry clinic under the guidance of an experienced senior clinician
• Develop competency in shock recognition and management, fluid therapy, transfusion medicine, and emergency anaesthesia
• Master clinical reasoning and decision-making in high-pressure ECC environments
• Work collaboratively within the ECC team, responding to emergency cases alongside nurses and support staff
• Transition to independent ECC shifts following successful programme completion

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Surgeon (RVS)
• Minimum six months’ small animal veterinary experience
• Confidence consulting and performing routine surgical procedures independently (sole charge)
• Genuine passion for emergency medicine and commitment to developing ECC expertise
• Willingness to work night shifts as part of ECC rotas
• Ability to engage with structured learning and mentorship

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £42,250 during the 8-week training programme, rising to up to £60,000 from week 9 onwards
• Comprehensive CPD: 250 hours of specialist training delivered by recognised ECC experts, plus £1,500 CPD allowance and 35 paid hours pro rata (after 12 months)
• One-to-one mentorship: Personalised clinical support from experienced senior clinicians throughout your development
• Accommodation and travel: Fully covered during training at the Central Support hub in Scotland
• Annual leave: Seven weeks pro rata, plus your birthday as a paid day off
• Health and wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced sick pay, and enhanced maternity (6 months full pay)
• Professional memberships: RCVS fees, VECCS membership, and VDS cover included
• Pension: UK Standard Pension contributions (5% Employee / 3% Employer)
• Additional perks: Death in service cover (two times annual salary), employee discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers, and paid volunteering days
• Family-friendly policies: Support for flexible working and work-life balance

About the Practice

Vets Now is the UK’s leading provider of emergency pet care, operating a nationwide network of out-of-hours clinics. The Coventry clinic is part of this larger emergency care group, delivering expert treatment to pets during times when they need it most. The organisation is built on the principle that veterinary passion deserves proper training, support, and career progression.

The Cutting Edge and AdvantEdge programmes are flagship initiatives designed to develop the next generation of ECC vets through structured learning, real clinical experience, and mentorship rather than trial-by-fire approaches. Vets Now emphasises flexibility, professional development, and work-life balance alongside clinical excellence.