Night Veterinary Surgeon - Dorset

Night Veterinary Surgeon - Dorset

• Flexible, low-hour rota - just two night shifts every three weeks (averaging 9.5 hours per week), offering excellent work-life balance
• State-of-the-art 24-hour hospital - equipped with advanced facilities including CT scanner, endoscopy, hydrotherapy unit, and separate ISFM Silver Cat Friendly wards
• Highly skilled, supportive team - work alongside certificate holders in ECC, internal medicine, dermatology, and imaging, fostering collaboration and professional growth
• Prime Dorset location - enjoy a rewarding career in a modern, refurbished hospital just minutes from the beautiful Jurassic Coast
• Outstanding benefits package - up to £60,000 FTE, private medical insurance, CPD allowance (£1,500 + 3 days), funded certificates, generous leave, and visa/relocation support

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Night Veterinary Surgeon to join a friendly and highly skilled team at a recently refurbished, 24-hour small animal hospital located in a popular county town in Dorset. Just a short drive from the stunning Jurassic Coast, this modern, multi-disciplinary centre combines professional excellence with a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The hospital holds a strong regional presence, providing out-of-hours care for five sister branches and seven other local practices-a testament to its commitment to exceptional animal welfare across the county.

Working alongside a talented and supportive team, the successful candidate will join colleagues who hold certificates in diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, dermatology, and emergency and critical care, as well as others currently pursuing surgical and medical qualifications. This collaborative, knowledge-rich environment offers excellent opportunities for learning, growth, and professional development.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The hospital is fully equipped to deliver gold-standard patient care, including:

• CT scanner (supporting internal and external referrals)
• Digital X-ray and ultrasound
• Endoscopy
• Two sterile surgical suites
• Dedicated in-house laboratory
• Hydrotherapy unit (staffed twice weekly)
• Peripatetic physiotherapist
• Isolation facilities
• Separate dog and cat wards (ISFM Silver Cat Friendly status)
• 24/7 care supported by an ECC-certified night vet and nursing team

The Role

This position is ideal for a veterinary surgeon with a minimum of four years' proven UK experience, seeking the opportunity to work in a busy, forward-thinking hospital while enjoying the beauty and balance of life on the Dorset coast.

As this is a sole charge role, confidence and competence in handling all aspects of night duties independently (supported by a qualified RVN) are essential. Experience in emergency and critical care would be a strong advantage.

Rota: Two night shifts (Monday and Tuesday) every three weeks

Hours: 18:45-09:00 (average of 9.5 hours per week)

Key Benefits

• Excellent salary up to £60,000 FTE
• Private Medical Insurance
• Health cash plan (including dental, physio and optical) with 24/7 Private GP access
• Life Assurance - 3x salary
• 24-hour counselling support, available by phone or in person
• 5 weeks' annual leave + Bank Holidays, rising to 6 weeks with length of service
• An additional "Day for You" - a paid day's leave to use as desired
• Generous CPD package: £1,500 per year + 3 days' paid leave
• Internal CPD and access to Clinical Communities
• Funded certificate opportunities
• VDS, RCVS, and BVA fees paid
• Sabbatical opportunities based on length of service
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Staff discounts
• Visa sponsorship (Tier 2 - General) and relocation support available

Your Skills and Experience

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Experienced in providing exceptional care to both patients and clients
• Skilled at working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrates clinical leadership and a progressive mindset
• Confident in supporting nurse consults and Schedule 3 procedures
• Excellent communicator with strong coaching and influencing skills

Join the Team

This is an outstanding opportunity for a confident, compassionate, and capable vet to take the next step in their career-offering autonomy, variety, and a genuine work-life balance within a thriving hospital just minutes from the coast.

If you are passionate about high-quality veterinary care and want to be part of a dynamic, high-performing team, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information or for a confidential chat, please contact Megan on or email

To view all our vacancies, please visit

And don't forget, if this position is of no interest to you but you know someone who may be interested, please pass on our details. We offer £250 for every successful candidate referral. Terms and conditions apply.

Ref no: JOB-55557