Coombefield Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies, part of ivc, are looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our emerging night service at our longstanding small animal hospital in Axminster, Devon.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys the challenge of emergency and critical care and wants to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Working alongside a dedicated night RVN, you’ll have the opportunity to manage a varied and interesting caseload while providing a high-quality overnight service to our surrounding practices and clients.

ECC Without the Daytime Pressure

The caseload is predominantly cats, dogs and rabbits, with the occasional exotic or wildlife patient adding a little extra variety. You’ll manage emergency consultations, surgery and inpatients throughout the night, with the time and space to properly work up your cases without the pressure of a full daytime consult and surgery list.

The shift starts and finishes with a handover from the day team, helping to provide excellent continuity of care for our patients.
You’ll work sole charge overnight, but with a dedicated RVN on site throughout your shift, so you’ll have experienced nursing support alongside you.

A Team That Wants You to Grow

You’ll become part of a team of 15 Veterinary Surgeons, supported by a large nursing, reception and administration team. Many of our colleagues have been with us for years, creating a friendly and supportive environment where people genuinely enjoy working together.

We have certificate holders in ECC, Ophthalmology and Feline Medicine, alongside vets working towards further qualifications, and a visiting Orthopaedic Specialist. We’re committed to supporting professional development, so if you’re keen to gain further experience or work towards a certificate, we’ll encourage you every step of the way.

A Hospital Equipped for Emergencies

You’ll be based at our purpose-built small animal hospital, with everything you need to manage your overnight caseload. We have two operating theatres, a dedicated dental room, imaging suite, in-house laboratory including an EPOC machine, cattery, kennels, isolation unit and pharmacy, alongside external laboratory support when required.

A Night Pattern That Gives You Your Days Back

This is a part-time night role, working two nights every three weeks, currently Thursday and Friday, although there is some flexibility around the days. Shifts are 7pm–8am.

And importantly, there are no weekends and no on-call requirements, giving you a predictable working pattern and plenty of time to enjoy life outside the practice.

Thinking of Moving to Devon? 

Axminster sits right on the Devon and Dorset border, surrounded by beautiful countryside and within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast. You’re close to Lyme Regis and the coast, while Exeter is around 30 miles away, making the area a great option if you’re looking for a quieter pace of life without being too far from a city. With charming towns, countryside walks, beaches and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.