ECC Veterinary Surgeon – Cutting Edge

About the Role

This is a structured pathway into Emergency and Critical Care (ECC), designed specifically for vets ready to build rewarding careers in high-acuity medicine. The Cutting Edge programme combines 250 hours of CPD delivered by recognised ECC specialists with an 8-week intensive training block featuring interactive seminars, practical sessions, and one-to-one mentorship from experienced senior clinicians.

After completing the programme, you’ll join the Vets Now Gillingham ECC clinic full-time on a rota that you choose—working 30–40 hours per week with no more than three consecutive nights and an average of three shifts weekly. This is genuine shift flexibility built around your lifestyle, not a gimmick.

Training takes place partly at your chosen clinic and partly at Vets Now’s Central Support hub in Scotland (accommodation provided). You’ll complete a comprehensive rotation covering shock management, fluid therapy, respiratory and cardiac emergencies, neurological trauma, surgical emergency labs, blood gas analysis, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), clinical reasoning, and adjustment to night work.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop competency in recognition and management of shock across multiple presentations
• Master fluid therapy, transfusion medicine, and resuscitation protocols in real-world ECC settings
• Manage respiratory and cardiac emergencies using POCUS and blood gas interpretation
• Handle neurological emergencies and acute trauma cases with clinical confidence
• Perform surgical emergency procedures under supervision and develop surgical judgment
• Build clinical reasoning and decision-making skills specific to high-pressure ECC environments
• Communicate effectively with distressed owners in emergency situations
• Work reliably within a rota system alongside experienced ECC colleagues

Requirements

• Minimum six months’ small animal veterinary experience
• Confident consulting and performing routine surgical procedures independently
• Full RCVS registration as a Veterinary Surgeon
• Willingness to work night shifts and on-call rotas
• Genuine commitment to developing expertise in Emergency and Critical Care

Benefits

• Salary: £42,250 during the 8-week training programme; rising to up to £65,000 from week 9 onwards
• Professional development: 250 hours of CPD delivered by ECC specialists, plus £1,500 annual CPD allowance and 35 paid hours pro rata (after 12 months)
• Leave: Seven weeks pro rata annual leave, plus your birthday as a paid day off
• Health & wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced sick pay, enhanced maternity (six months full pay), and family-friendly policies
• Professional memberships: RCVS fees, VECCS membership, and VDS cover all covered
• Pension: UK Standard Pension contributions—5% Employee / 3% Employer
• Additional perks: Paid volunteering days, employee discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers, death in service cover (two times annual salary)
• Training support: Accommodation and travel covered during Central Support hub training
• Network: Build professional connections with fellow Cutting Edge participants

About the Practice

Vets Now is the UK’s leading provider of emergency pet care, operating a nationwide network of out-of-hours clinics delivering expert treatment when pets need it most. The Gillingham ECC clinic is staffed by a highly skilled emergency team committed to providing exceptional care during critical moments. The organisation emphasises clinical excellence, colleague wellbeing, and structured career development for vets at all career stages.

The Cutting Edge programme reflects Vets Now’s commitment to building the next generation of confident, competent ECC clinicians. Unlike traditional apprenticeships, participants receive a full salary, accommodation during training, and guaranteed placement at a clinic of their choice—removing financial barriers to specialist ECC training.