Graduate Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be joining Animates Veterinary Clinic as part of their Graduate Academy—a structured programme designed specifically for newly qualified vets. This role spans two practice locations (Thurlby and Market Deeping) in rural Lincolnshire, with easy access to London and beyond by road and rail. You’ll work 40 hours per week on a 4×10 shift pattern (Monday to Saturday), with Saturdays rotated fairly across the team so your days off are genuinely undisturbed.

From day one, you’ll have a dedicated VetGDP advisor and an experienced mentoring vet guiding your development. The Day Manager works closely with you to ensure your workload is appropriate to your stage of progression, and the nursing team—8 RVNs, 3 SVNs, and 2 VCAs across the two sites—are exceptionally supportive of graduates. You won’t be thrown in at the deep end; instead, you’ll build confidence progressively with cases carefully filtered to suit your experience level.

The practice combines modern facilities with a warm, friendly culture. Across both sites, you’ll work alongside 7 vets and benefit from equipment including fully digital radiography, rigid and flexible endoscopy, developing laparoscopic surgery, and comprehensive ophthalmology kit. The standalone cat clinic at Thurlby offers consulting, hospitalisation, and surgery completely separated from dog visits, and the practice holds Dog Friendly, Puppy Friendly, and ISFM Silver accreditations—a reflection of their commitment to patient welfare.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide first-opinion small animal care across the two Thurlby and Market Deeping sites under supervision of experienced mentors
• Consult with dogs, cats, and exotic pets, with case complexity increasing as your confidence develops
• Work collaboratively with the 8-strong RVN team and support staff to deliver high-quality patient care
• Contribute to the practice’s commitment to feline-friendly care and animal welfare accreditations
• Engage with the Graduate Academy programme, attending structured learning and development activities
• Participate in the IVC Evidensia global community, including CPD and research opportunities

Requirements

• Newly qualified veterinary surgeon (or recent graduate) with RCVS registration
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with nursing and support teams
• Enthusiasm for learning and genuine desire to build clinical skills progressively
• Flexibility and willingness to work across two practice locations

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £36,000 per annum (pro rata), with a salary increase in your second year
• Career development: Structured Graduate Academy mentorship with dedicated VetGDP advisor; access to blended learning programme and research opportunities via IVC Evidensia Research Fund
• Time off: 6.6 weeks holiday plus your birthday off
• Wellbeing: £1,250 per year via Care Fund; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; on-site wellbeing initiatives
• Pension: Company pension with IVC contribution
• Insurance: Private medical insurance
• Professional support: Paid RCVS and professional memberships
• Additional perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes; retail discounts and cashback; discounted pet care at IVC practices
• No financial tie-in — you’re free to move on when you choose

About the Practice

Animates Veterinary Clinic was established in 2005 and operates two well-equipped small animal practices in Lincolnshire: one in Thurlby (PE10 0EB) and one in Market Deeping. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, part of Mars Veterinary Health, giving you access to a global network of veterinary professionals and career opportunities. The team comprises 7 vets, 8 RVNs, 3 SVNs, 2 VCAs, and 2 reception staff, plus a certificate holder in ophthalmology.

Facilities include fully digital radiography, ultrasound, rigid and flexible endoscopy, echocardiography, ECG, blood pressure monitoring, therapeutic laser, acupuncture, and excellent surgical theatres at both sites. The practice operates a separate cat clinic with dedicated consulting, hospitalisation, and theatre facilities, and provides an out-of-hours emergency service based at Thurlby. The practice also runs an exotics clinic for small mammals, reptiles, rabbits, birds, and raptors, led by a certificate-holder in zoo medicine. The practice holds Dog Friendly, Puppy Friendly, and ISFM Silver accreditations.