Graduate Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is your opportunity to begin your veterinary career in a welcoming small animal practice nestled in beautiful Aberdeenshire. You’ll be based at Mintlaw Vet Surgery, a charming rural practice just 30 miles from Aberdeen, near Aden and Pitfour Country Parks. The role is full-time with flexible working patterns across 40 hours per week, including a manageable 1-in-4 to 1-in-5 weekend rota built into your hours—with absolutely no out-of-hours commitments.

You’ll work alongside a small, collaborative team of 3.3 FTE veterinary surgeons, 4.3 FTE nurses, and dedicated support staff who are genuinely excited to mentor a new graduate. The practice holds ISFM Silver Cat-Friendly Clinic accreditation, is RWAF Rabbit Friendly, and serves as both a veterinary nurse and VCA training facility. Within your first practice placement, you’ll benefit from structured mentoring from an experienced certificate-holding veterinary educator.

The facilities are excellent: a custom-built practice with four consulting rooms (including a dedicated nurse consultation room), a surgical theatre, radiography and dentistry suite with modern equipment, in-house Idexx lab with microscope, ultrasound, therapeutic laser, endoscopy, and advanced dental radiography. Your own pet is even welcome to stay in the outdoor kennels during your shifts, making this genuinely pet-friendly for your own animals too.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide small animal general practice care across a mix of routine and preventative cases
• Develop clinical confidence with guidance from your dedicated mentor and senior veterinary team
• Participate in consultations, diagnostics, surgery, and preventative health planning across dogs, cats, rabbits, and small exotic pets
• Engage with the practice’s feline and rabbit-friendly care protocols and standards
• Contribute to the supportive, collaborative team environment where case discussion is actively encouraged
• Gradually increase clinical responsibility at a pace suited to your development and wellbeing
• Participate in the practice’s regular team socials and professional development opportunities

Requirements

• Recently qualified or newly graduated veterinary surgeon (RCVS registration)
• Enthusiasm to learn, grow, and ask questions in a supportive environment
• Genuine interest in small animal general practice and mentorship-based learning
• Professional communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team
• A commitment to animal welfare and high-quality patient care

Benefits

• Salary & Progression: £36,000 per annum to start, with salary increase in year 2; no financial tie-in
• Time Off: 6.6 weeks annual holiday plus your birthday off; 1-in-4/5 weekends (integrated into 40-hour week); no out-of-hours on-call
• Professional Development: Access to IVC Evidensia’s Graduate Academy blended learning programme; mentorship from qualified veterinary educator; research fund opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: £1,250 annual Care Fund for wellbeing support; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; private medical insurance
• Pension & Schemes: Company pension with IVC contribution; Cycle to Work scheme; Green Car scheme
• Professional Support: Paid RCVS and professional memberships; access to global network of IVC Evidensia practices and career opportunities
• Lifestyle Perks: Retail discounts and cashback; discounted pet care at IVC Evidensia practices

About the Practice

Mintlaw Vet Surgery is an RCVS-accredited small animal general practice serving the Aberdeenshire community from its custom-built facility in rural Scotland. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary group, and specialises in small animal care with particular strengths in feline and rabbit medicine, supported by modern diagnostic and surgical facilities. The team is proud of its supportive, collaborative culture and commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.

The practice actively recruits and mentors new graduates through the IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy, providing structured support, mentorship, and a clear pathway for early-career veterinary surgeons to build confidence and competence in a safe, non-pressured environment.