Graduate Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is your opportunity to begin your veterinary career in a welcoming, established small animal practice just outside Manchester. You’ll work 40 hours per week over either 4 or 5 days depending on your preference, plus 1 in 3 Saturday mornings on a rota basis (with time given back in lieu). The practice is undergoing refurbishment and will be fresh and modern by the time you start.

You’ll be supported by a small but vastly experienced team of 4 vets (all 10+ years qualified) and 5 RVNs, plus two VetGDP advisors who specialise in supporting new graduates. There’s set allocated time for operations and shadowing of consults if you’d prefer, giving you structured learning alongside hands-on practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver small animal veterinary care across a full range of cases in a supportive, non-pressurised environment
• Work alongside experienced vets and nursing staff who actively mentor new graduates
• Participate in surgical cases and consultations with guidance from senior clinicians
• Engage with the practice’s modern facilities, including new ultrasound machine, new dental suite with planned dental X-ray equipment, and diagnostic imaging capabilities
• Contribute to a friendly, collaborative team delivering personal care to long-standing clients

Requirements

• Recently qualified or final-year veterinary graduate (or equivalent RCVS-registered status)
• UK veterinary degree or recognised equivalent
• RCVS registration or ability to register
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop within a supportive team environment

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary: £36,000 per annum (pro-rata for part-time hours)
• Salary increase in year 2
• No financial tie-in
• 6.6 weeks annual holiday plus your birthday off
• Company pension with IVC contribution
• Private medical insurance
• £1,250 per year Care Fund (wellbeing/personal use)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid professional memberships (RCVS and others)
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes
• Retail discounts and cashback
• Discounted pet care at IVC practices
• Access to IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy blended learning programme
• Mentorship from dedicated advisor
• CPD and research opportunities, including the IVC Evidensia Research Fund

About the Practice

Darley House Veterinary Centre is a long-established, traditionally-run small animal practice based in Farnworth, Bolton, with excellent transport links to Manchester. Known for a caring, friendly approach, the practice has built strong, lasting relationships with its clients and their pets. The team is currently undergoing practice refurbishment to enhance facilities and modernise the environment.

The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary care provider. Darley House operates as an independent practice within the IVC network, maintaining its own identity and local roots whilst benefiting from corporate support, professional development resources, and career pathways across a larger group.