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Weekend-only role with 1:2 weekend rota. Shift pattern includes night shifts (18:00–09:00), Saturday days (12:00–18:30), Sunday days (08:30–18:30), and back shifts (18:00–00:00). Example 4-week rota provided showing variable shift allocation.
About the Job
This is a weekend-focused emergency and critical care position based at Vets Now's Kilmarnock clinic. You'll work a predictable one-in-two weekend rota combining day and night shifts, giving you excellent ECC exposure while maintaining a clear work-life boundary. The role includes a structured mix of night shifts (18:00–09:00), Saturday days (12:00–18:30), Sunday days (08:30–18:30), and back shifts (18:00–00:00), with a rotating 4-week pattern that's known well in advance.
You'll join a collaborative team of experienced veterinary surgeons, skilled nurses, and dedicated support staff who genuinely support each other through busy nights and complex cases. The Kilmarnock clinic is part of Vets Now's established emergency network, so you'll have access to clinical resources, peer learning, and a welcoming environment where asking questions is encouraged. If you're looking to enhance your ECC skills or want additional hours alongside other work, this role offers the flexibility and structure you need.
New to ECC or wanting to strengthen your emergency knowledge? Vets Now offers the AdvantEdge programme—one week of hands-on practical training followed by 20 hours of flexible, case-based e-learning at your own pace. You'll be paid for all training time, accommodation, and travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide emergency and critical care treatment across a range of small animal presentations during your allocated shifts
- Work independently and collaboratively with the Kilmarnock team—nurses, animal care assistants, and receptionists—to deliver high-quality patient outcomes
- Manage out-of-hours cases during night shifts, early mornings, and evening back shifts
- Contribute to a supportive, team-focused clinic culture where colleague wellbeing is valued
- Engage in professional development through structured training and case-based learning
- Maintain clinical standards and follow Vets Now protocols and best practice guidelines
Requirements
- Registered Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS qualified)
- Experience in emergency and critical care or willingness to develop ECC skills through the AdvantEdge programme
- Comfortable working night shifts, early mornings, and variable weekend hours
- Collaborative approach to teamwork with strong communication skills
- Full professional indemnity insurance
Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate up to £45ph (depending on experience)
- £1,500 CPD allowance plus 35 paid training hours pro rata
- Seven weeks annual leave pro rata
- Enhanced company sick, maternity, paternity, and adoption pay schemes
- Private medical insurance
- Up to 50% discounted staff pet care
- Professional membership fees covered
- Structured, predictable rota with one weekend in two
- Access to the AdvantEdge training programme with paid time and expenses
About the Practice
Vets Now Kilmarnock is part of Vets Now, a leading out-of-hours emergency and critical care provider across the UK. The Kilmarnock clinic operates 24/7 to serve the local community with urgent and emergency small animal care. The team comprises experienced ECC veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, animal care assistants, and receptionists working together to provide high-quality emergency medicine.
Vets Now is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace culture. As a Disability Confident Employer, the organisation welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment. Professional development is encouraged through structured training programmes including the AdvantEdge and Cutting Edge initiatives.
