Night Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Hart Veterinary Centre, Bicester; Bicester; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice specializing in emergency care in Bicester is looking for a dedicated Night Vet to join their team. You will manage emergency cases and support junior colleagues while benefiting from a competitive salary and a range of professional development opportunities. The practice emphasizes a collaborative environment and excellent facilities, providing a work-life balance and 6.6 weeks of annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Private Medical Insurance

£1,250 CPD allowance

26 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration.
• Experience in emergency veterinary care is preferred.
• Ability to work nights and manage inpatient care.

Responsibilities

• Manage emergency cases during OOH service.
• Support and mentor junior colleagues.
• Participate in clinical handovers and rounds.

Skills

Emergency care

Compassionate teamwork

Organizational skills

Job description

Overview

Salary up to £70,000 DOE, plus relocation allowance up to £5,000 and welcome bonus up to £5,000. 7 Nights On / 14 Nights Off | RCVS Accredited Hospital | Progressive, family-oriented practice.

At Hart Vets, we know that high-quality veterinary care starts with a passionate and supported team. Founded in 1993 as a family-run practice, we’ve grown into an RCVS Accredited Hospital in Bicester, with a second, well-equipped branch in Waddesdon. Now proud members of the Independent Vet Care group, we’ve kept our family-practice feel, and remain fully committed to exceptional standards of care-for our patients and our people.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Night Vet to join our team and play a key role in the growth and future of our OOH service. This is a unique opportunity to become part of a supportive, forward-thinking and collaborative environment where your voice and ideas are not only heard but valued.

Responsibilities

• Working 7 nights on, 14 nights off, alongside a dedicated, experienced night RVN.
• Managing a waking OOH role – handling emergency cases and delivering gold-standard inpatient care.
• Helping grow our out-of-hours offering, currently serving Hart Vets and Croft Vets, with scope to expand.
• Participating in daily clinical handovers and rounds, contributing to a fully integrated, communicative team.
• Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues while continuing to learn and develop your own clinical expertise.

What Sets Us Apart

• State-of-the-art facilities, including DR x-ray, endoscopy, ultrasound, capnography, incubators, and more.
• Separate cat and dog waiting areas to maintain a calm and stress-free environment.
• Dedicated night nursing team awake and on-site throughout the night.
• A genuine emphasis on continuity of care—our patients often see the same vet every visit.
• A strong, diverse clinical team of 13 vets (10 FTE), including certificate holders in Surgery, Imaging and General Practice.
• Teaching practice ethos, encouraging learning at all levels and fostering a growth mindset.
• Potential relocation to a brand-new, purpose-built hospital in Bicester on the horizon—part of shaping its future.

What We’re Looking For

• An enthusiastic, motivated vet who thrives in emergency settings and wants to build something meaningful.
• Organised, compassionate, and team-oriented.
• A vet who is happy in both consultations and theatre, and excited to be part of a progressive, proactive hospital practice.
• A mentor and a learner—equally happy sharing knowledge and learning from others.

Benefits

Because our people matter, we offer a range of benefits in addition to a competitive base salary:

• Work-life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays. Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday.
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential helpline); enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay; initiatives focused on employee wellbeing.
• Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata; certificate support; learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy; access to Vetlexicon; research funding opportunities; Care Fund with £1,250 per annum to spend; Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme.
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership; VDS cover; RCVS fees.
• Colleague Benefits: Company pension scheme with employer contribution; Cycle to Work and Green Cars schemes; voluntary benefits package; discounts with retailers; discounted treatment for own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice.