Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon – Graduate

About the Role

This is a 24-month graduate development programme designed to give you the best possible start to your veterinary career. You’ll work across Larkmead’s multi-site practice in South Oxfordshire (Cholsey, Didcot, Great Western Park, Benson, Sutton Courtenay, and Wantage), supported by a dedicated mentor and a team genuinely invested in your growth. With excellent transport links to the M4/M40 and fast trains to London Paddington, you’ll enjoy real work-life balance while building your skills in a state-of-the-art hospital environment.

The programme runs on a 4-day working week with out-of-hours and weekend duties introduced gradually and fully supported—no sudden surprises. You’ll gain hands-on experience across small animal medicine, surgery, and exotic care, with the option to discuss a permanent role once the 24 months concludes.

What makes Larkmead exceptional? A proven track record: 10 of the practice’s 13 partners started as new graduates here. That speaks volumes about the quality of mentorship and career progression on offer.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal care, including consultations, diagnostics, and routine surgical procedures under supervision
• Support exotic and avian cases alongside the main small animal caseload
• Work collaboratively across six practice locations, building familiarity with different teams and facilities
• Engage proactively with your dedicated mentor to develop clinical confidence and decision-making skills
• Contribute to a supportive team culture and staff socials
• Gradually take on OOH duties as part of a shared rota with full colleague support

Requirements

• Recent graduate or newly qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Enthusiasm for small animal medicine, surgery, and exotic species
• Confidence in basic surgical procedures and willingness to learn
• Strong communication skills with clients and colleagues
• Full UK driving licence (you’ll work across multiple sites)
• Proactive approach to CPD and professional development

Benefits

• Salary: Competitive package (details available on application)
• Bursary support: Up to £750 neuter clinic contribution before you start
• Time off: 5 weeks holiday plus loyalty buying scheme after 3 years
• Professional support: Funded CPD and subscriptions; VDS indemnity, RCVS membership, and one relevant society fee (e.g., BSAVA or BVA) covered by the practice
• Accommodation: Modern, fully furnished housing available locally via tax-efficient salary sacrifice
• Wellbeing: Enhanced maternity package, mental health and wellbeing support, discounted gym membership, annual flu vaccination
• Extras: Generous pet discount, profit-related bonus, long service loyalty bonus, staff socials, cycle-to-work scheme

About the Practice

Larkmead Vets is a proudly independent small animal practice serving South Oxfordshire for many years. The practice operates across six convenient locations with state-of-the-art hospital facilities and a collaborative, supportive team culture. As a member of the XLVets network, Larkmead benefits from structured training resources and wider professional networking whilst maintaining its independent identity and values.

The practice has an exceptional track record of nurturing new graduates into confident, skilled practitioners—with 10 of its 13 current partners having started their careers here. This demonstrates genuine commitment to professional development and long-term team building.