Graduate Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is your launchpad into veterinary practice. You’ll be joining Animates Veterinary Clinic’s Graduate Academy programme, working across two countryside locations (Thurlby and Market Deeping) that offer easy connections to London and major transport hubs. The role is structured as 40 hours per week across four 10-hour shifts, Monday to Saturday, with Saturdays fairly shared among the team so your days off are genuinely uninterrupted.

You’ll never feel thrown in the deep end. A dedicated VetGDP advisor, experienced mentoring vet, and day manager will work alongside you to manage your caseload thoughtfully, filtering cases to match your development stage. The nursing team—comprising 8 RVNs and 3 SVNs—are exceptionally supportive of graduates and will be your clinical allies every shift.

About the Practice

Animates Veterinary Clinic operates two well-equipped small animal sites serving the East Midlands. The team spans 7 vets (including a certificate holder in ophthalmology), 8 RVNs, 3 SVNs, and dedicated support staff. Facilities are comprehensive: fully digital radiography, rigid and flexible endoscopy, developing laparoscopic surgery capability, and full ophthalmology equipment from slit lamp to operating microscope.

The practice holds both Dog Friendly and Puppy Friendly accreditations, plus ISFM silver status. The Thurlby site features a dedicated standalone cat clinic, allowing feline patients to be consulted, hospitalised, and operated on completely separately from canine patients—a significant welfare advantage. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a major veterinary group committed to structured graduate development.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver small animal veterinary care across the two-practice network under supervision and mentorship
• Manage consultations, diagnostics, and treatment plans with support from your mentor and day manager
• Contribute to the practice’s high standards of patient care and welfare, including cat-only clinic protocols
• Work collaboratively with the nursing team on hospitalisation, theatre support, and patient monitoring
• Engage with the Graduate Academy structured learning programme alongside clinical practice
• Build confidence and competence in small animal medicine and surgery with guided case progression

Requirements

• Recently qualified veterinary surgeon (or final-year student awaiting graduation)
• RCVS registration or eligible to register upon qualification
• UK veterinary degree or recognised international qualification with UK pathway
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop clinical skills in a supportive environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Flexibility to work the agreed shift pattern (4×10 hours, including Saturdays on rotation)

Benefits

• Salary & Development: £36,000 per annum (pro-rata if applicable), with salary increase in year 2
• Learning & Mentorship: Structured Graduate Academy programme, dedicated VetGDP advisor, and experienced mentor assigned to your progression
• Time Off: 6.6 weeks holiday plus your birthday off
• Wellbeing & Support: £1,250 annual Care Fund allocation, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, comprehensive wellbeing initiatives
• Financial & Pension: Company pension with IVC contribution, no financial tie-in
• Health: Private medical insurance
• Lifestyle: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes, retail discounts and cashback, discounted pet care at IVC practices
• Professional: Paid professional memberships (RCVS and others)
• Career Access: Global network of IVC Evidensia practices, CPD and research opportunities including access to the IVC Evidensia Research Fund

About the Employer

IVC Evidensia is a major UK veterinary group operating multiple companion animal, equine, and farm practices. The company runs a dedicated Graduate Academy programme designed to provide newly qualified vets with structured mentorship, development pathways, and support from day one. IVC Evidensia is a Disability Confident Employer and actively welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, with flexible adjustment discussions available throughout recruitment.