Job Description
Support Rural Farming When It Matters Most
Veterinary care plays a critical role in supporting the health of livestock and the sustainability of rural businesses. This role focuses on delivering dependable emergency veterinary care to farms across West Wales, including the communities of Cardigan and Pembrokeshire.
As part of an evolving Farm Out-of-Hours service, you will help ensure farmers receive timely support during urgent situations such as calving, lambing, and acute illness in livestock. The position offers flexibility and a rewarding caseload for a veterinarian who enjoys practical field work and values building strong relationships with local farming communities.
Your Role in the Farm24 Emergency Service
The Out-of-Hours Veterinary Surgeon will primarily manage farm emergencies outside of regular daytime practice hours. This role is designed to allow daytime vets to focus on preventative herd health while the OOH team delivers urgent care.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Responding to farm emergencies during evenings and overnight shifts
- Performing obstetric procedures and urgent livestock interventions
- Assessing and stabilising acute medical cases in farm animals
- Communicating clearly with farmers and practice colleagues to ensure continuity of care
- Maintaining professional standards and compliance with veterinary regulations established by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Supporting animal health and welfare in line with national guidance from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
- The role involves independent decision-making, though you will always be supported by a wider veterinary network.
A Caseload That Reflects Real Farm Practice
Emergency farm practice offers variety and challenge throughout the year. In this role, you can expect:
- Seasonal peaks during lambing and calving periods
- Frequent obstetric cases and urgent farm calls
- Occasional quieter periods that allow proper rest and recovery
When possible, emergencies can be attended from your home if you live locally, or from accommodation provided during your scheduled on-call periods.
Flexible Working Patterns
We recognise that veterinarians value different working arrangements. This role has been designed to allow genuine flexibility so the rota can suit your lifestyle.
Possible schedules include:
- 1 week on / 1 week off
- 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off
- Alternative rota arrangements by discussion
- Option to include daytime clinical work during off-weeks if you wish to maintain a broader caseload
Our goal is to create a sustainable out-of-hours service while ensuring veterinarians enjoy a healthy balance between work and personal time.
Salary and Practical Support
This role includes a competitive benefits package designed to support both relocation and long-term career development.
What’s included:
- Salary up to £65,000 FTE, depending on experience and rota pattern
- £5,000 welcome bonus
- £5,000 relocation allowance
- Practice vehicle provided
- Accommodation available during on-call periods if required
- Visa sponsorship available through guidance from UK Visas and Immigration
- Holiday entitlement structured around your rota
- Veterinarians moving to the UK can find additional employment and tax information through HM Revenue & Customs.
Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing
- Veterinary work can be demanding, which is why wellbeing is a priority.
Benefits include:
- 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays
- An additional birthday leave day
- Private medical insurance
- 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and family-friendly leave policies
- Workplace wellbeing initiatives aligned with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive
Professional Development
Continuous learning is essential in veterinary medicine. You will have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities.
Development support includes:
To support your professional responsibilities, the following memberships and registrations are included:
Additional Benefits
Employees also enjoy a range of practical and lifestyle benefits, including:
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Green car scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Discounted veterinary care for your own pets
- Access to national employment rights information through Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service
Living and Working in West Wales
West Wales offers an exceptional lifestyle for those who enjoy nature and community living. The Cardigan and Pembrokeshire region is known for:
- Stunning coastal landscapes
- Peaceful countryside
- A strong and supportive farming community
- Outdoor activities including hiking, surfing, and wildlife watching
For veterinarians seeking meaningful work alongside a relaxed pace of life, this area provides the perfect environment.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a farm veterinarian who enjoys emergency practice and values flexibility, this role offers an opportunity to shape your career while supporting the agricultural communities that rely on veterinary expertise.
Applications are welcome from experienced farm vets interested in contributing to a sustainable and supportive out-of-hours service.
