Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

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

AtIVCEvidensia,you’llfind a place where you can be yourself, supported by people who want to see you thrive.

You’llget hands-on experience, build your confidence, and discover just how far your passion can take you.

Coombefield Veterinary Hospital is a welcoming small-animal practice based in the lovely town of Axminster. We’re lucky to enjoy a relaxed rural setting with great transport links, including the Exeter–Waterloo train line, and we’re 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.

We’re proud to have a supportive team made up of 15 vets, 18 nurses, and a brilliant admin crew who help 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’re also lucky to 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 inpatients receive 24-hour care, with twice-daily rounds to make sure they’re always closely monitored and supported.

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

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 (8am) and one later finish (7:15pm), averaging around 36.5 hours per week overall. You’ll also take part in the weekend rota, working roughly one weekend day in seven.

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.

At IVCEvidensia,we’recommitted to helping you shape your career your way. Our Graduate Academy offers thevery beststart to life in practice:

• 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 theIVCEvidensia
  
  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 ourCare Fund, plus a range of wellbeing initiatives.

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

• Salaryincreasein year 2
• 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)

Joining a community whereyou’reseen, valued, and empowered to have an impact that’sfelt. This…