Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; Axminster; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable veterinary practice in Axminster is seeking recent graduates to join their team. The role offers a supportive environment with a focus on mentorship and professional development. Responsibilities include providing veterinary care and participating in a weekend rota, all while benefiting from competitive compensation and wellness initiatives. Ideal candidates will have a veterinary medicine degree and a passion for animal care.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary from £36,000

6.6 weeks holiday + your birthday off

Company pension with IVC contribution

Private medical insurance

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes

Paid professional memberships

Qualifications

• Recent veterinary graduate or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work in a busy environment.
• Willingness to learn and grow within the practice.

Responsibilities

• Providing high-quality veterinary care and support.
• Participating in the weekend rota.
• Working alongside experienced mentors to develop skills.

Skills

Veterinary care experience

Ability to work in a team

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Job description

Unlock Your Passions at Coombefield Vets

Coombefield Veterinary Hospital is a welcoming small‑animal practice based in the lovely town of Axminster. We enjoy a relaxed rural setting with great transport links, including the Exeter‑Waterloo train line, and we are not far from Exeter or Bristol airports. Just a short drive away is the stunning Jurassic Coast and Lyme Regis, giving you beautiful scenery and plenty to explore in your free time. We also have a small branch practice, but new graduates only work there occasionally and only once they feel fully comfortable and confident.

Our Team and Facilities

We’re proud to have a supportive team made up of 15 vets, 18 nurses, and a brilliant admin crew who keep everything running smoothly. Among our team we have certificate holders in Ophthalmology, Feline Medicine, ECC, and Cardiology, so there’s always someone knowledgeable to turn to. We also have a dedicated night team who handle our out‑of‑hours work, as well as providing support for neighbouring practices.

As an RCVS‑accredited hospital, we enjoy a varied and interesting caseload that keeps every day engaging. Our facilities include four consult rooms, two theatres, and a well‑equipped imaging suite with direct digital X‑ray, ultrasound, endoscopy and bronchoscopy. We also have a dedicated dental suite with dental X‑ray, plus separate cattery, kennel and isolation areas. Our in‑patients receive 24‑hour care, with twice‑daily rounds to make sure they’re always closely monitored and supported.

Working Conditions

Your working week will be 40 hours, spread over four days, giving you a great balance between work and time off. This includes one early start (8 am) and one later finish (7:15 pm), averaging around 36.5 hours per week overall. You’ll also take part in the weekend rota, working roughly one weekend day in seven.

Mentorship and Development

You’ll be paired with both a dedicated GDP Adviser and an in‑practice mentor to guide you through your first steps. We make sure all new graduates have protected time for GDP work, case research and developing confidence. For surgeries, you’ll always start by working alongside a mentor who will support you until you feel ready to operate independently. With our large and approachable vet team, there’s always someone on hand to offer advice, and we’re proud of our strong culture of teaching, learning and supporting one another. Weekend day shifts always have two vets on duty, so you’ll never be in sole charge.

What You’ll Get

• Boost Your Learning – Take your career to the next level with our blended learning programme, tailored to your goals.
• Connect, Learn, Grow – Join a global community of veterinary professionals and access career opportunities across our network.
• Unlock Your Development – Explore CPD and research opportunities, including the IVCEvidensia Research Fund.
• Supported to Thrive – Gain invaluable experience with guidance from a dedicated mentor who cares about your progression.
• Your Well‑being – Feel supported with £1 250 per year to spend via our Care Fund, plus a range of wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits and Rewards

• Competitive starting salary from £36,000, with a salary increase in year 2
• No financial tie‑in
• 6.6 weeks holiday + your birthday off
• Company pension with IVC contribution
• Private medical insurance
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes
• Retail discounts and cashback
• Discounted pet care at IVC practices
• Paid professional memberships (RCVS and others)

Join our Graduate Academy

IVCEvidensia is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.