Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Summerhill Veterinary Centre; Fakenham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Fakenham is seeking a full-time veterinarian to join their dedicated team. The role offers a supportive environment for new graduates with mentorship and hands-on experience in small animal care. This position features a competitive starting salary of £36,000, flexible working hours, and various benefits such as a company pension and 6.6 weeks of holiday. Ideal candidates are compassionate, skilled communicators with a passion for animal care. Join a community where you can grow your veterinary skills and make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Competitive salary

6.6 weeks holiday

Company pension

Private medical insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate in Veterinary Medicine.
• Experience or interest in small animal practice is preferred.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary care to patients.
• Support senior vets during procedures.
• Maintain accurate patient records.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Clinical skills

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

You

Stepping into your future - ready to learn, grow, and do meaningful work that matters.

At IVC Evidensia, you’ll find a place where you can be yourself, supported by people who want to see you thrive. You’ll get hands‑on experience, build your confidence and discover just how far your passion can take you.

Unlock Your Passions at Summerhill Veterinary Centre

Summerhill Veterinary Centre is a friendly, small‑animal practice based in the picturesque market town of Fakenham, just a short drive from the stunning North Norfolk coast and the tranquil Norfolk Broads. Our location offers the perfect balance of rural charm and easy connectivity, with great train links to London via King’s Lynn and Norwich, and convenient access to nearby airports.

Our team includes 6.5 FTE vets, 10 RVNs, 1 SVN and 2 VCAs, all contributing to a supportive and highly skilled clinical environment. Within the team we have certificate holders in Small Animal Surgery, Emergency Medicine and Surgery, Advanced Orthopaedics, Arthroscopy, Diagnostic Imaging, Ophthalmology, Medicine, Physiotherapy and Behaviour. We also have Advanced Practitioners in Surgery, Emergency and Critical Care, Ophthalmology and Medicine, along with a Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences and MGP (SAS).

We are excited to be relocating to a brand‑new, purpose‑built premises in March 2026. The new site will feature additional consult rooms, multiple theatres, a dedicated dental suite, diagnostic room, X‑ray facilities, hydrotherapy and separate dog and cat wards. Staff will also benefit from dedicated study spaces, quiet areas and a comfortable staff room.

Our extensive in‑house laboratory includes biochemistry, haematology, electrolytes, blood gases, coagulation, lactate testing, digital microscopy, same‑day cytology reporting and digital urinalysis. We are equipped with endoscopy, arthroscopy, a nanoscope, Doppler ultrasound with multiple probes, FASTscan (POCUS handheld), multiparameter monitors, a defibrillator and full surgical instrument kits for orthopaedics, soft‑tissue surgery and ophthalmology. Additional equipment includes Enseal, diathermy, a slit lamp, tonometer, oxygen kennels and a wide range of heating and warming devices for both intra‑operative and post‑operative care and so much more.

Enjoy a welcoming environment with structured support and flexibility to suit your lifestyle.

This is a 40‑hour‑per‑week role, Monday to Friday, typically between 8:00a.m. and 5:30p.m. Hours can be arranged flexibly, whether spread evenly over five days, worked as a longer four‑day week, or across 4.5 days. The on‑call commitment is one night per week and 1:6 weekends, split so you cover either the Saturday or the Sunday. Saturday shifts run 8:30a.m. to 11:00a.m., and a nurse is always on call alongside the Vet.

Summerhill Veterinary Centre has many years of experience supporting new graduates, and we are fully committed to giving you the very best start to your career. Our aim is simple: to help you grow, achieve your potential and genuinely enjoy being a vet. You will never be left on your own, there is always someone available for advice or support whenever you need it.

We offer reduced and extended consults initially, dedicated ops days alongside another vet for hands‑on support and scrub‑in opportunities, and a nominated backup for all weekends and nights during your first year. Our Clinical Director is highly experienced in VetGDP training, and you’ll have protected time for regular 1:1s. You’ll also be working with an exceptionally supportive and experienced nursing and reception team.

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 IVC Evidensia Research Fund.
• Supported to Thrive – Gain invaluable experience with guidance from a dedicated mentor who cares about your progression.
• Your Wellbeing – Feel supported with £1,250 per year to spend via our Care Fund, plus a range of wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits and Rewards

• Enjoy a competitive starting salary from £36,000, alongside a range of benefits designed to help you thrive:
• 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)

You

Joining a community

You

Joining a community where you’re seen, valued, and empowered to have an impact that’s felt. This is more than just your first step – it’s the start of something bigger.

You Unlimited.

Join our Graduate Academy.

IVC Evidensia 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.

£36,000 pro rata per annum