On-Call Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

VC Evidensia UK; Keith; On-site; GBP 27,900 - 34,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance (£7,500)

Vehicle provided

Accommodation provided

Private medical insurance

Cycle to Work

Retail discounts

Job summary

Seafield Vets, Keith in Moray, Scotland, invites a confident Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join an out‑of‑hours emergency service as we relaunch our SA emergency provision. The role offers a unique chance to shape high‑quality emergency care within a supportive team and enjoy a strong work‑life balance in a remarkable Scottish region.

You will manage urgent cases, work independently with clinical support, and contribute to developing the out‑of‑hours service, with a 1 week on / 3 weeks off

Qualifications

• A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility) with the RCVS.
• Confidence in managing emergency and critical care cases independently.
• Ability to work independently during on‑call periods with appropriate clinical support available.
• Excellent communication and client care abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality emergency and urgent care for small animal patients.
• Work independently during on‑call periods with appropriate clinical support available.
• Manage a varied emergency caseload, including medical and surgical presentations.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the out‑of‑hours service.
• Support the local veterinary community through reliable emergency cover.
• Participate in a 1 week on / 3 weeks off rota (or alternative agreed pattern).

Skills

RCVS registration

Emergency care

On-call capability

Communication skills

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

On-Call Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Salary up to £31,000 (1 week on / 3 weeks off) + £7,500 Relocation Allowance + Vehicle + Accommodation Provided

We are looking for a confident Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our team in Moray in an exciting out-of-hours role as we relaunch and develop our small animal emergency provision.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver high-quality emergency care within a supportive and forward-thinking practice, while enjoying an exceptional work-life balance in a stunning part of Scotland.

You will play a key role in providing urgent and emergency care to the local community, working independently while being supported by a wider team and well‑equipped facilities. This role is ideal for a vet who is confident in emergency situations, enjoys problem‑solving, and is committed to delivering excellent patient and client care.

Practice Highlights:

• Developing small animal out-of-hours emergency service within a wider mixed practice group
• Opportunity to help shape and grow the SA emergency provision
• Well‑equipped site with access to clinical support and facilities during on‑call periods
• Option to work from home locally during on‑call weeks, or use provided accommodation
• Strong integration with wider practice teams including farm and equine emergency services
• Supportive structure with clear clinical backup pathways
• Focus on high‑quality emergency and urgent care delivery

Inspiring vet care is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners. We believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As an Out of Hours Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, you will play a vital role in delivering emergency care across the region.

• Provide high‑quality emergency and urgent care for small animal patients
• Work independently during on‑call periods with appropriate clinical support available
• Manage a varied emergency caseload, including medical and surgical presentations
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the out‑of‑hours service
• Support the local veterinary community through reliable emergency cover
• Participate in a 1 week on / 3 weeks off rota (or alternative agreed pattern)

Working Pattern:

1 week on, 3 weeks off rota
Monday–Thursday: 6pm–8am
Friday 6pm–Monday 8am
Daytime (8am–1pm Saturday) covered by practice
Option for 1 week on / 1 week off with adjusted salary
Accommodation provided during working weeks or option to work from home if local

Life in Moray

Based in the beautiful northeast of Scotland, Moray offers an outstanding quality of life surrounded by natural beauty. From the Cairngorms National Park to the Moray Firth coastline, the area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, wildlife watching, canoeing, and exploring the whisky trail.

The region also offers a welcoming local community and a relaxed lifestyle, making it an ideal setting for a rewarding veterinary career alongside excellent work‑life balance.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a confident and capable small animal veterinary surgeon who thrives in emergency situations. You’ll bring:

• A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility) with the RCVS
• Confidence in managing emergency and critical care cases independently
• Strong clinical decision‑making and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication and client care abilities
• A calm, adaptable, and resilient approach to out‑of‑hours work

How We’ll Support You

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

• 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

Seafield Vets, Keith

144 Land Street, Keith, AB55 5DL, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long‑term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.