Veterinary Surgeon - Cutting Edge

About the Role

This is a structured entry point into Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) via Vets Now's Cutting Edge programme. You'll complete an intensive 8-week training course combining 250 hours of CPD delivered by recognised ECC specialists, interactive seminars, practical wet lab sessions, and personalized clinical mentorship at a senior clinician's side. Training takes place at the Central Support hub in Scotland (accommodation provided), where you'll build your professional network alongside fellow participants.

Following successful completion, you'll join a permanent ECC clinic of your choice across the UK on a full-time basis. The role is specifically designed to support work-life balance, with flexible rotas between 30 to 40 hours per week, no more than three consecutive night shifts, and an average of three shifts weekly.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop competence in recognition and management of shock, fluid therapy, and transfusion medicine
• Manage respiratory, cardiac, and neurological emergencies, and trauma cases
• Perform surgical emergency procedures under guidance
• Conduct blood gas analysis and point of care ultrasound (POCUS)
• Apply clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in high-acuity settings
• Provide effective teamworking and client communication during emergencies
• Adapt to night shift working patterns
• Work autonomously in ECC clinic settings following training completion

Requirements

• Minimum six months' small animal clinical experience (post-qualification)
• Confidence consulting and performing routine surgical procedures sole charge
• Veterinary registration with RCVS
• Commitment to developing expertise in emergency and critical care
• Willingness to relocate to Scotland for the 8-week training block

Benefits

• Training salary of £42,250 for the first 8 weeks, rising to up to £65,000 from week 9 depending on chosen clinic
• 250 hours of CPD delivered by ECC specialists
• Accommodation provided during Central Support hub training
• Up to £5,000 relocation support
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced maternity (6 months full pay) and family-friendly policies
• 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
• Employee discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• UK Standard Pension contributions (5% Employee, 3% Employer)
• Death in service benefit (two times annual salary)
• Flexible rota arrangements (30 to 40 hours per week)

About the Practice

Vets Now is the UK's leading provider of emergency pet care, with a strong commitment to investing in the profession's future. The Cutting Edge programme reflects this dedication, offering structured training in emergency and critical care to veterinary surgeons looking to develop expertise in this demanding and rewarding field. The organization operates multiple ECC clinics across the UK including Aberdeen, Ashford, Barnet, Belfast, Bridgwater, Cheltenham, Colwyn Bay, Dundee, Eastbourne, Farnham, Gillingham, Hemel Hempstead, Herne Bay, High Wycombe, Hull, Kilmarnock, King's Lynn, Liverpool, Macclesfield, Middlesborough, Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Preston, Salisbury, Sheffield, Southampton, Sutton, Swansea, Tunbridge Wells, Witham, Worcester, and Wrexham.

The culture emphasizes flexibility, professional development, and animal welfare. Vets Now is part of Mars Veterinary Health, bringing together resources and expertise to support continuous improvement in emergency veterinary care.