Veterinary Surgeon – Cutting Edge

About the Role

The Cutting Edge programme is a structured pathway into Emergency and Critical Care designed to equip veterinary surgeons with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in ECC. Over 8 weeks, you'll combine interactive seminars, practical hands-on sessions, and personalised mentorship from experienced senior clinicians. Training takes place in Vets Now clinics with a dedicated 8-week period that includes time at the Central Support hub in Scotland (accommodation provided). After completion, you'll join an ECC clinic of your choice on a full-time basis with flexibility to choose a rota that suits your lifestyle.

This is a night-work heavy role — you'll be working shifts with an average of three per week, no more than three nights in a row. The programme offers genuine flexibility: choose between 30–40 hours per week depending on your personal circumstances and professional goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Build competence in recognition and management of shock, fluid therapy, and transfusion medicine
• Handle respiratory and cardiac emergencies with confidence
• Manage neurological emergencies and trauma cases
• Perform surgical emergency procedures and wet lab training
• Develop proficiency in blood gas analysis and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)
• Apply clinical reasoning and decision-making in emergency contexts
• Work effectively in a team and communicate with clients during high-pressure situations
• Deliver emergency and critical care to small animals as a fully operational ECC vet after training completion

Requirements

• Veterinary degree (BVSc, BVetMed, or equivalent)
• RCVS registration
• Minimum six months' small animal veterinary experience
• Ability to consult and perform routine surgical procedures sole charge
• Willingness to work night shifts as part of ECC rota

Benefits

• Training salary: £42,250 for first 8 weeks; rises to up to £60,000 from week 9 onwards
• 250 hours of CPD delivered by recognised ECC specialists
• Accommodation and travel provided during Central Support hub training period
• Seven weeks pro rata annual leave
• Birthday as a paid day off
• Paid volunteering days
• £1,500 CPD allowance plus 35 paid hours pro rata (received after 12 months)
• RCVS fees, VECCS membership, and VDS cover
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced maternity (6 months full pay) and family-friendly policies
• UK Standard Pension contributions (5% Employee / 3% Employer)
• Death in service benefit — two times annual salary
• Employee discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers

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 company is structured around the philosophy of combining clinical excellence with genuine support for professional development and work-life balance. The Cutting Edge programme is part of Vets Now's commitment to nurturing the next generation of ECC specialists through structured training and mentorship rather than sink-or-swim approaches.

The Vets Now Hull clinic is part of this broader network, staffed by a highly skilled emergency team available when pets and families need them most. After Cutting Edge, participants join clinics where collaborative, evidence-based emergency care is the standard, and continuous professional development is encouraged.