Valley Vets are looking for an exceptional vet to join our ECC team.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced ECC Veterinary Surgeon to join our busy 24/7 hospital, working weekend day shifts.
This role offers the perfect balance of a rewarding, hands-on clinical caseload alongside an excellent quality of life. The primary focus is inpatient care and case workups, with a smaller consulting component.
As we provide out-of-hours services for approximately 40 local practices, our caseload is both wide-ranging and diverse, encompassing complex medical and surgical cases. We are therefore looking for a vet with substantial ECC experience who is confident managing emergency cases independently within a supportive team environment.
You will never be sole charge and will work alongside up to three other vets per shift, fully supported by a large team of RVNs, ACAs and receptionists. However, due to the pace and volume of cases, confidence and strong clinical decision-making skills are essential.
Working Pattern
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2 x 12-hour shifts every other weekend (average 12 hours per week)
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4 bank holidays per year
We are happy to consider flexibility for the right candidate(s), for example:
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1 x 12-hour shift every other week
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2 x 12-hour shifts every fourth weekend
(Bank holiday requirements would reduce pro rata.)
This flexibility means this opportunity may suit you if you’re seeking a rewarding standalone weekend rota or looking to add a fresh clinical challenge alongside your current weekday position- a perfect way to diversify your caseload without changing your primary role.
About us
At Valley Vets, we are proud to invest heavily in both our people and our facilities. We are committed to providing the equipment, support and clinical freedom needed to work cases up thoroughly and pursue individual clinical interests.
Our hospital facilities include:
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24/7 inpatient care
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CT scanner
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Advanced ultrasonography
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Endosurgery facilities
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Extensive in-house laboratory equipment (including TEG and blood gas analysis)
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Dedicated orthopaedic, soft tissue and exotic theatres
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Dedicated ECC wards
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Modern dental suite
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In-house rehabilitation services (including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy)
The Local Area
Valley Vets is lucky to be situated in an extremely diverse area. South Wales, particularly Cardiff and the surrounding areas — offers something for everyone. Within easy commuting distance, you could enjoy:
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Vibrant city living in central Cardiff
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Coastal tranquillity in the Vale of Glamorgan
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Mountain scenery in the Valleys and Brecon Beacons National Park
The area boasts extensive sports and leisure opportunities, from the International Sports Village in Cardiff to renowned mountain biking trails in Merthyr Tydfil and Cwmbran, scenic walks along the Welsh Coastal Path, and breathtaking mountain and waterfall routes in the Beacons.
Key Details & Benefits
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Average 12-hour working week
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£28–£45 per hour (dependent on experience and qualifications)
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Minimum 6.6 weeks’ holiday inclusive of bank holidays (with buy/sell options)
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Sick pay: 2 weeks full pay and 4 weeks half pay
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5 days CPD with £1,750 budget
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Certificate study support via formal application process
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RCVS and VDS fees paid
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Two additional professional subscriptions paid (e.g. BSAVA)
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50% colleague discount on services; products at cost price
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Workplace pension
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Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
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Paid volunteering day
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Health Shield employment benefit scheme and wellbeing support
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Optional private health insurance (via group payroll deduction)
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Life insurance (1x annual salary)
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Cycle to Work scheme
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My Perks discount and cashback scheme
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Relocation allowance for candidates applying directly
As a proud member of the VetPartners family there is also access to VetPartners Learning Hub & specialists.
We work hard to be a great place to work and as the newly awarded Employer of the Year, VetPartners offers a supportive, progressive environment where you can thrive.
Next Steps
If this role sounds like the right fit — or if you’d simply like to find out more — we’d love to hear from you.
We’re very happy to arrange an informal chat or invite you to visit the practice, meet the team and experience first-hand what Valley Vets can offer as the next step in your veterinary career.
We look forward to hearing from you.
** Please apply directly – no agency submissions**
