ECC Veterinary Surgeon – Cutting Edge Training Programme

About the Role

This is your entry point into Emergency and Critical Care, designed specifically for vets ready to build expertise in high-pressure environments. You’ll complete an intensive 8-week Cutting Edge training programme combining interactive seminars, practical wet labs, and hands-on mentorship at a leading ECC clinic, with a week at Vets Now’s Central Support hub in Scotland (accommodation provided).

After training, you’ll join an ECC clinic of your choice on a full-time basis with flexible rota options between 30–40 hours per week. Rotas are structured to prevent burnout: no more than three consecutive nights and an average of three shifts weekly. This is supported, purposeful emergency work, not chaotic sole charge.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver emergency and critical care treatment across a range of acute presentations
• Manage shock recognition and fluid therapy protocols
• Handle respiratory and cardiac emergencies with confidence
• Perform surgical emergency procedures under supervision and independently as competence develops
• Conduct point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and blood gas analysis
• Communicate effectively with distressed pet owners in high-pressure situations
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment supporting colleague wellbeing
• Develop clinical reasoning skills specific to emergency decision-making

Requirements

• Minimum six months’ small animal veterinary experience post-graduation
• Confidence consulting and performing routine surgical procedures independently
• RCVS registration as a Veterinary Surgeon
• Willingness to work night shifts as part of ECC rotas
• Strong communication and teamworking skills

Benefits

• Training salary: £42,250 for the first 8 weeks, rising to up to £65,000 from week 9
• CPD and development: 250 hours of CPD delivered by recognised ECC specialists, plus £1,500 annual CPD allowance and 35 paid hours pro rata (received after 12 months)
• Leave: Seven weeks pro rata annual leave, plus your birthday as a paid day off
• Health and family: Private medical insurance, enhanced sick pay, enhanced maternity (6 months full pay) and family-friendly policies
• Professional support: RCVS fees, VECCS membership, and VDS cover paid
• Wellbeing: Paid volunteering days, employee discounts with hundreds of retailers, cashback programmes
• Pension: UK Standard Pension contributions – 5% Employee / 3% Employer
• Protection: Death in service cover – two times annual salary
• Training support: Accommodation and travel covered during Central Support hub week

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 Manningtree clinic is part of this established emergency service, supported by a central team committed to clinical excellence and staff development.

The Cutting Edge programme is specifically designed to build confident ECC practitioners. You’ll be mentored by experienced senior clinicians and train alongside fellow participants, building a professional network within the broader Vets Now community. The organisation prioritises flexibility and genuinely adapts rotas to suit individual circumstances—whether you’re looking for one shift per month or full-time work.