Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon – Graduate 2026

About the Role

This 24-month fixed-term graduate programme offers the ideal launchpad for newly qualified veterinary surgeons keen to build real-world experience in small animal practice. You’ll join Larkmead Vets, a proudly independent practice serving South Oxfordshire across six locations including Didcot, Cholsey, Great Western Park, Benson, Sutton Courtenay, and Wantage. The practice combines modern hospital facilities with a genuinely supportive team culture where learning and progression are prioritised—ten of the current thirteen partners started their careers here as new graduates.

You’ll work a 4-day week with out-of-hours and weekend duties introduced gradually and fully supported as you develop confidence. Excellent transport links to the M4/M40 and fast trains to London Paddington mean you can balance career ambition with genuine work-life balance. Partnership with XLVets provides structured training pathways and a wider professional network to accelerate your development.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality clinical care across small animal, avian, and reptile cases
• Develop competency in basic surgical procedures under supervision
• Work collaboratively across multiple practice locations, supported by your assigned mentor
• Engage proactively with professional development opportunities and in-house training
• Communicate effectively with clients and the wider clinical team
• Gradually take on out-of-hours responsibilities as confidence and experience grow

Requirements

• Newly qualified veterinary surgeon (2026 graduate or equivalent)
• Enthusiasm and genuine commitment to delivering excellent clinical care
• Confidence in approaching basic surgical procedures and a genuine desire to learn
• Strong communication skills with both clients and colleagues
• Full UK driving licence (essential for working across multiple sites)
• Proactive approach to CPD and collaborative teamwork

Benefits

• Professional fees covered: VDS indemnity, RCVS membership, and one relevant professional society (BSAVA or BVA)
• Pre-qualification support: Up to £750 neuter clinic contribution before you start
• Accommodation: Modern, fully furnished housing available locally via tax-efficient salary sacrifice
• Holiday: 5 weeks annual leave, plus loyalty holiday buying scheme after 3 years
• Learning & development: Funded CPD and professional subscriptions
• Wellness: Mental health and wellbeing support, discounted gym membership, annual flu vaccination
• Financial perks: Profit-related bonus, long service loyalty bonus, generous staff pet discount
• Quality of life: Staff socials, cycle-to-work scheme, enhanced maternity package

About the Practice

Larkmead Vets is an established independent practice across South Oxfordshire, proudly operating six locations to serve their local community. The practice is recognised for investing in new graduate development—a track record demonstrated by the fact that 10 of the 13 current partners began their careers as new graduates at Larkmead. State-of-the-art hospital facilities and a genuinely supportive team culture create an environment where learning and progression happen naturally.

As a member of the XLVets community, Larkmead benefits from partnership support, structured training programmes, and access to a wider network of independent practices—providing graduates with both local mentorship and national professional development opportunities.