Graduate Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is your chance to start your veterinary career in one of Scotland’s most vibrant communities. Inshes Vets is a single-site practice in Inverness, nestled in the heart of the Highlands—where you’ll find world-class scenery, outdoor adventures (yes, dolphins included), and a genuinely supportive team culture. You’ll work 40 hours per week across various shift patterns (8am–10am starts, finishing by 8pm), with Saturday mornings shared on a rota in exchange for long weekends and corresponding Fridays off. This schedule is designed to let you actually enjoy Highland living without burnout.

The practice has invested in modern equipment and clinical spaces. You’ll be backed by 9 vets and 9 nurses—plus an AVP—many with specialist interests in cardiology and medicine. Multiple GDP advisors are on hand to support your development, and you’re welcome to shadow the separate OOH service to gain additional experience in your own time.

As a new graduate, you’ll benefit from IVC Evidensia’s Graduate Academy—a structured programme combining mentorship, blended learning, and access to a global network of veterinary professionals. This isn’t a practice that leaves graduates to figure it out alone.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide small animal veterinary care across a busy, mixed caseload within a supportive, single-site environment
• Work collaboratively with the 9-strong vet team and 9-strong nursing team on routine and surgical cases
• Engage with in-house clinical learning through weekly Friday practice meetings and regular Lunch and Learns
• Build clinical confidence with access to modern diagnostic tools: DR X-ray, ultrasound, laparoscopy, dental IM3 suite, gastroscopy, and otoscope
• Shadow the OOH service at your own pace to develop emergency experience
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture built on shared workload and peer support

Requirements

• Recently qualified veterinary surgeon (or newly graduated/near-graduation)
• Full registration with the RCVS or eligible to register
• Enthusiasm for small animal medicine and willingness to learn
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative team
• No prior experience required—this role is designed to support your transition into practice

Benefits

• Salary & Progression: Competitive starting salary from £36,000 per annum, with a salary increase in year 2 and no financial tie-in
• Time Off: 6.6 weeks holiday plus your birthday off
• Professional Development: £1,250 per year via the Care Fund for CPD and wellbeing; access to IVC Evidensia Research Fund and blended learning programme; dedicated mentor support through Graduate Academy
• Wellness & Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; £1,250 annual Care Fund; comprehensive wellbeing initiatives
• Pension & Insurance: Company pension with IVC contribution; private medical insurance
• Perks: Paid professional memberships (RCVS and others); Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes; retail discounts and cashback; discounted pet care across IVC practices

About the Practice

Inshes Vets is an established small animal practice in Inverness, committed to combining modern clinical knowledge with compassionate, common-sense care. The practice operates two theatres and a prep room, using safe, monitored anaesthetics with qualified nursing support for all major procedures. As part of IVC Evidensia (a division of Mars Veterinary Health), the practice offers structured support and career development opportunities while maintaining its own identity and single-site focus—meaning you’ll have a genuinely tight-knit team around you.

The location is a major draw: Inverness offers excellent transport links to UK hubs and Europe, world-renowned Highland scenery, cultural events (Eden Court Theatre), quality dining, and endless outdoor recreation. The practice culture emphasises work-life balance—team members celebrate together, support each other through challenges, and respect that time off is essential. Weekly Friday meetings and a practice WhatsApp group keep everyone connected, and regular social events (Lunch and Learns, pizza lunches) build camaraderie.