At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Veterinary Surgeon, providing emergency and routine care for pets.
- Company: Blue Cross has been helping pets and their owners since 1906 with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38-43 days holiday, wellbeing support, free GP access, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- Qualifications: Must be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons with small animal experience.
- Other info: Flexible working across multiple sites and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 54000 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 12 months, full time 40 hours p/week over 5 days
Salary: £43,820 - £54,074 per annum plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance
Location: London SW1V 1QQ
Closing date: 20th July 2025
Interviews: W/C 28th July 2025
As a Veterinary Surgeon, you won’t just be practicing medicine; you’ll be making a meaningful impact on vulnerable animals and the people that depend on them.
More about the role:
Veterinary Surgeons at Blue Cross work on a healthy mix of emergency and routine treatments where our vets are exposed to a wide variety of medical, surgical and emergency cases, enabling rapid development of skills and confidence in general practice. With a shift pattern of Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, this provides you an excellent work-life balance. You will be a part of the evening and weekend rota, which is shared between vets based across Victoria, Merton and Hammersmith resulting in about 1 evening shift a month and 1 weekend day shift (compensated by time in lieu) every 6 weeks. Your hours will be based primarily at Victoria however we will need you to have the flexibility to support pets at our other sites when needed.
About the hospital:
The Blue Cross Victoria hospital has been in operation since its opening in 1906, remaining steadfast in its commitment to helping pets and their owners in need. Equipped with state-of-the-art veterinary facilities, you will be joining a hospital that spans six floors with six consultation rooms, two theatres, four minor procedure rooms and a laboratory including an ambulance service dedicated to transporting animals to and from the hospital. Victoria is a 24-hour hospital with a dedicated night team, allowing for much desired case continuity. You will take an active part in our team development days, where once a month we provide emergency services only, allowing time for in-house cadaver training, case discussions and team meetings. We are proud to have attained the Silver ISFM cat friendly award and the Dogs’ Trust Dog Friendly Accreditation.
About you:
We’re looking for a pragmatic and competent Veterinary Surgeon who thrives in a team environment. You’ll demonstrate excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering compassionate care to our patients and their owners. With a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to make a difference, you’ll embody our Blue Cross values and contribute to our culture of compassion, courage, and inclusivity.
Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:
- Member of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Demonstrable small animal or mixed practice experience
- Sole charge experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to demonstrate understanding and application of our Blue Cross values.
Although not essential, it would also be great if you had:
- UK small animal or mixed practice experience
- UK driving licence
How to apply:
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits:
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today. In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are. Our generous benefits package includes:
- Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
- Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
- Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
- Life assurance
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Recognition scheme
- Annual volunteer days
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover) employer: Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Blue Cross's values and mission. During your interview, be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially in terms of compassion and inclusivity.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in both emergency and routine treatments. Be ready to share specific examples of cases you've handled that demonstrate your skills and confidence in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for continuous learning and professional development. Mention any relevant training or courses you've completed, as well as your willingness to participate in the in-house cadaver training and team development days.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions about the role and the hospital environment. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you, while also demonstrating your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in veterinary practice, especially any small animal or mixed practice experience. Emphasise your membership with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and any sole charge experience you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal care and your commitment to the Blue Cross values. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills that align with the job description, such as your ability to handle emergency cases and your understanding of compassionate care. Mention any additional qualifications or experiences that could set you apart.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the veterinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals and your commitment to their welfare. Share specific experiences where you made a positive impact on an animal's life, as this will resonate with the values of Blue Cross.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires working in a team environment, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight any experiences that showcase your ability to work well under pressure, especially in emergency situations.
✨Prepare for Clinical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about clinical cases or scenarios during the interview. Brush up on your knowledge of common veterinary procedures and be ready to discuss your approach to handling various medical situations, demonstrating your competence and confidence.
✨Align with Blue Cross Values
Familiarise yourself with the Blue Cross values of compassion, courage, and inclusivity. Be ready to provide examples from your experience that reflect these values, showing that you are not only a skilled Veterinary Surgeon but also a good cultural fit for the organisation.