Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Graduate Development Programme 2026

Join our 2026 Vet for Pets Graduate Development Programme and make the best possible start in every way

Vets for Pets is proud to be one of the largest veterinary groups in the UK with a national network of practices (of all shapes and sizes) run by Practice Owners who enjoy clinical freedom and the autonomy to do things their way.

Beyond all else, we’re committed to animal health and welfare, and we absolutely put pets first. The most powerful relationships we have are with pets and the people who love them. This is at the heart of everything we do and always will be. Our practices are supported by dedicated business professionals based in our Support Office who have the expertise to help them thrive.

Our programme is packed with essential skills and knowledge that will give you a toolkit for not only getting established, but to also enable you to thrive in practice.

As well as helping you develop your professional skills and commercial understanding, our comprehensive training covers the softer skills needed to care for animals and their owners.

Join us and, with our ongoing support and emphasis on your wellbeing, you can realise and maintain your full potential.

We’re all about doing the right thing for pets and the people who love them. And that starts with developing, empowering and supporting our graduate vets to be their very best. With hands-on surgical training and courses in subjects like cardiology, radiography and dermatology, our programme gives you the confidence to put your knowledge into practice.

About our programme

• A 2-year programme, funded centrally through our support office, designed to support newly graduated vets (<2 year)
• Dedicated support with recruitment and the Graduate Programme runs alongside practice employment
• Approximately 100 graduates on each cohort so lots of networking opportunities with other graduates
• An exciting 2 day induction to welcome you to the programme
• 20 days of organised CPD both clinical and non-clinical
• A dedicated Vet GDP Adviser in each practice
• Non-clinical group coaching sessions
• Regular GP case-based discussion groups hosted by experienced vets within our Veterinary Services Team
• Additional pastoral support for both practices and graduates
• Access to our Aspire Programme - a unique, online, self-study programme designed to cement those essential day-one skills
• Three optional study units in year 2 of the programme, allowing you to pursue your own specific interests
• On completion of your programme, ongoing learning and development opportunities targeted to your interest areas and individual career goals

Here at Vets for Pets we really appreciate our colleagues, and strive to provide an excellent range of benefits and rewards that leave them feeling valued and motivated

• Starting salary of at least £38,000 per annum, with reviews after each year on Programme
• 150 hours of CPD
• Support from your dedicated Vet GDP advisor in practice, regional support, your graduate team and graduate community
• Access to our new Clinical Academy for career development
• Group colleague discount of 20% for you (plus one family member) including Pets at Home (in-store and online), Groom Room salons, Companion Care and Vets for Pets practices*
• Access to a discount platform which gives you lifestyle offers including shopping, eating out and gym membership and access to your Reward Hub for wellbeing support and reward information
• Discount on Pet Plan Insurance policies
• Life Insurance for four times your salary
• RCVS and BVA membership paid for whilst you’re employed with us*
• Group Pension contributions
• Access to the Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to our Aspire Programme - a unique, online, self-study programme designed to cement those essential day-one skills
• Relocation support and relocation packages for inside or outside of the UK*
• Fully funded visa sponsorship support for international colleagues making the move to the UK (we’re an A+ rated sponsor)*

You can find a live map of Practices that are recruiting for Graduates by clicking this link: Vets for Pets - Graduate Development Programme Practice Map. This map will continue to be updated as more of our Practices are open to recruiting a Graduate for the September 2026 cohort.

To find out more about our Practices, or further information about the programme, please email us at GraduateRecruitment@vets4pets.com or visit our website: Vets for Pets - Graduate Development Programme.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer!

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you! 

*These are practice dependent and at the discretion of your individual practice to offer or not