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.
On-Call Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Keith employer: IVC Evidensia UK
At IVC Evidensia, we pride ourselves on being the UK’s leading veterinary care provider, where our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a Veterinary Surgeon in South Wales, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth through funded learning opportunities and clear career pathways. With a focus on work-life balance, flexible shifts, and a collaborative environment, we offer an exceptional workplace for those passionate about animal care and community impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land On-Call Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Keith
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like IVC Evidensia UK often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at IVC Evidensia UK
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at IVC Evidensia UK. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at IVC Evidensia UK.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at IVC Evidensia UK.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at IVC Evidensia UK.