Senior Veterinary Surgeon – First On-Call or Back-Up Role
Bridgend, South Wales
£40,000–£65,000 DOE
Four- or Five-Day Week | Independent Hospital | Flexible OOH Options
Are you an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys high-quality GP work, emergency care and helping other vets develop?
My client is an independent, vet-owned and RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in Bridgend. They are looking for a confident Senior Veterinary Surgeon to join their established clinical team in a role that can be shaped around the level of out-of-hours responsibility you would like.
You could join as a first on-call vet working a five-day week or take a four-day senior back-up position, supporting the first on-call team with complex cases and clinical decision-making.
This is an excellent opportunity for a vet who enjoys responsibility, mentoring and clinical variety while still wanting protected breaks, scheduled administration time and a genuinely supportive senior structure.
The Role
Your day-to-day work will include:
A varied first-opinion GP caseload
Consulting and diagnostic work-ups
Routine and emergency surgery
Inpatient and hospital care
Charity caseloads
Supporting emergency and out-of-hours cases
Mentoring recent graduates and developing vets
Contributing to training, case discussions and clinical standards
Consulting days include scheduled telephone and administration time, alongside protected one-hour lunch breaks. There is also scope to develop a bias towards your preferred clinical areas while maintaining a fair rota across the wider team.
Choose the Role That Suits You
First On-Call Position
Five-day working week
One block of seven OOH nights within the rota
Seven recovery days following the night block
Two weekend mornings across an 11-week rota
Responsibility for attending emergency and inpatient cases
Must live within 15 minutes of the hospital or use the on-site practice flat
Senior Back-Up Position
Four-day working week
Eight-hour shifts
One-in-four weekend mornings caring for hospital inpatients
One-in-four rota as second on call
Support is usually provided from home by telephone
Attendance required when additional support is needed
Must live within approximately 30 minutes of the hospital
An RVN and SVN are based at the hospital 24 hours a day, providing continuous nursing support for inpatients and emergency cases.
Support and Development
The hospital is a VetGDP-approved practice with a strong commitment to learning and practical clinical support.
You will work within a large and experienced clinical team that includes Advanced Practitioners in Small Animal Surgery and Feline Medicine. The practice values teaching, collaborative case discussion and helping less experienced vets build confidence.
The role would particularly suit someone who enjoys being a trusted senior presence and wants to make a positive difference to colleagues as well as patients and clients.
Facilities
The purpose-built hospital offers:
Separate waiting and hospitalisation areas for cats, dogs and exotic patients
Digital radiography
Doppler ultrasound
Dedicated dental suite with dental radiography
Comprehensive in-house laboratory, including Sedivue
A range of endoscopic equipment
Dedicated operating facilities
On-site staff and client parking
Practice flat for first on-call vets
Several additional local branch practices
Package
Salary of £40,000–£65,000, depending on experience and role
Choice of four- or five-day working pattern
33 days’ annual leave
Option to purchase an additional five days’ holiday
Five CPD days
£1,500 CPD allowance
Enhanced CPD support available for Advanced Practitioners
RCVS and VDS fees paid
One additional professional membership paid
Protected lunch breaks
Scheduled telephone and administration time
On-site accommodation available during first on-call duties
Excellent nursing and senior clinical support
The Location
Bridgend is ideally situated between Cardiff and Swansea, with excellent access to the M4. The area offers easy access to the South Wales coastline, countryside and the Brecon Beacons, making it a great location for anyone who enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle.
For more information or to discuss which version of the role would suit you best, please contact Hannah at Help Search Locate.
2026-08-12
Bridgend