Night Vet Surgeon - Small Animal

IVC; Axminster; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 69,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome bonus

Relocation allowance

Private medical insurance

6.6 weeks’ holiday

Job summary

Coombefield Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies in Axminster, Devon, is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our night emergency service for small animals. The role offers a dedicated night team alongside an RVN, with sole-charge overnight shifts and no weekends or on-call requirements.

The successful candidate will manage emergency consultations, surgeries and inpatients, delivering a high-quality overnight service to our surrounding practices and clients while developing skills

Qualifications

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with experience in emergency care.
• Willingness to work night shifts and provide high-quality patient care.

Responsibilities

• Manage overnight emergency consultations, surgery and inpatients.
• Provide overnight service with nursing support on site.
• Work two nights every three weeks (Thu and Fri) with a 7pm–8am shift.
• Deliver high-quality care to small animals and maintain continuity of care.

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

Night Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Coombefield Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies - Axminster, Devon
Salary up to £69,000 DOE FTE, up to £5,000 welcome bonus and relocation allowance up to £5,000

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we’re trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Coombefield Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies, part of ivc, are looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our emerging night service at our longstanding small animal hospital in Axminster, Devon.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys the challenge of emergency and critical care and wants to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Working alongside a dedicated night RVN, you’ll have the opportunity to manage a varied and interesting caseload while providing a high-quality overnight service to our surrounding practices and clients.

ECC Without the Daytime Pressure

The caseload is predominantly cats, dogs and rabbits, with the occasional exotic or wildlife patient adding a little extra variety. You’ll manage emergency consultations, surgery and inpatients throughout the night, with the time and space to properly work up your cases without the pressure of a full daytime consult and surgery list.

The shift starts and finishes with a handover from the day team, helping to provide excellent continuity of care for our patients.
You’ll work sole charge overnight, but with a dedicated RVN on site throughout your shift, so you’ll have experienced nursing support alongside you.

A Team That Wants You to Grow

You’ll become part of a team of 15 Veterinary Surgeons, supported by a large nursing, reception and administration team. Many of our colleagues have been with us for years, creating a friendly and supportive environment where people genuinely enjoy working together.

We have certificate holders in ECC, Ophthalmology and Feline Medicine, alongside vets working towards further qualifications, and a visiting Orthopaedic Specialist. We’re committed to supporting professional development, so if you’re keen to gain further experience or work towards a certificate, we’ll encourage you every step of the way.

A Hospital Equipped for Emergencies

You’ll be based at our purpose-built small animal hospital, with everything you need to manage your overnight caseload. We have two operating theatres, a dedicated dental room, imaging suite, in-house laboratory including an EPOC machine, cattery, kennels, isolation unit and pharmacy, alongside external laboratory support when required.

A Night Pattern That Gives You Your Days Back

This is a part‑time night role, working two nights every three weeks, currently Thursday and Friday, although there is some flexibility around the days. Shifts are 7pm–8am.

And importantly, there are no weekends and no on‑call requirements, giving you a predictable working pattern and plenty of time to enjoy life outside the practice.

Thinking of Moving to Devon?

Axminster sits right on the Devon and Dorset border, surrounded by beautiful countryside and within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast. You’re close to Lyme Regis and the coast, while Exeter is around 30 miles away, making the area a great option if you’re looking for a quieter pace of life without being too far from a city.With charming towns, countryside walks, beaches and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role‑relevant courses
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
• A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

£0 - £69,000 a year

Salary up to £69,000 DOE FTE