Graduate Veterinary Surgeon Programme 2026 – Build Your Future with PDSA
We’re inviting new graduates to join our 2026 Graduate Programme and begin a career that’s both rewarding and inspiring.
About PDSA
At PDSA we are the UK’s leading veterinary charity, providing expert care for pets whose families might otherwise struggle to afford treatment. With 49 Pet Hospitals nationwide, our dedicated teams deliver 2.7 million treatments every year to 470,000 pets. Our mission goes beyond treatment; we improve pets’ lives through prevention, education, and compassionate care.
Why choose PDSA?
At PDSA, your journey as a Graduate Veterinary Surgeon begins with the chance to make a genuine impact every single day. You’ll encounter opportunities that inspire and motivate you, helping you to refine your skills, grow in confidence and thrive while building a rewarding veterinary career.
Each day, you’ll make a real difference by caring for pets whose families might otherwise struggle to access veterinary treatment. Your expertise will ease suffering, save lives and bring comfort and peace of mind to the people who love them.
Alongside clinical expertise, our programme also develops essential professional skills such as communication, resilience, and teamwork. You’ll gain exposure to an unmatched variety of veterinary cases, learning from real‑life situations that go far beyond typical graduate roles.
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the skills, confidence, and experience to shape the career path that’s right for you.
The PDSA Graduate Programme includes:
* A welcome induction with our Chief Veterinary Officer along with regular opportunities to interact and collaborate throughout the programme.
* Hands-on involvement in diverse real-life cases, from routine check-ups to life-saving surgeries
* A four-day working week, with one day dedicated to professional development
* Guidance from expert mentors and a dedicated Graduate Development Programme Advisor
* A supportive graduate community with weekly workshops, both online and face-to-face
* A combination of practical, hands-on experiences in our busy PDSA Pet Hospitals and online CPD learning modules.
What can we offer you?
At PDSA, we’re committed to creating a workplace where you can excel, feel connected to our mission and make a meaningful impact.
Here’s what you can expect:
* Competitive salary with a 37.5-hour work week
* 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 extra days
* Pension contributions starting at 5%, rising to 10%
* Life assurance worth 4x your annual salary
* Wellbeing support, including a dedicated Wellbeing Day, Employee Assistance Programme, and 24/7 Online Wellbeing Centre
* One paid Volunteering Day each year to support causes close to your heart
* Discounts and perks across shopping, cinema, gyms, health cash plans, travel, and more via our Reward platform
* Access to a range of internal CPD programmes and discounts for the BSAVA congress and the London Vet Show.
Locations
In 2026, we’re offering Graduate Veterinary Surgeon positions across a range of our UK Pet Hospitals. Locations include Bow, Bradford, Gillingham, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool Huyton, Margate, Oldbury, Southampton and Swansea.
How to apply?
* Apply online: click the “apply” button, create an account, and complete our simple application form
* Programme start: September 2026
* Questions? Email us at joinus@pdsa.org.uk, we’re here to guide you through the process
Our commitment to inclusion
PDSA is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion that reflects the communities we serve. We strive to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, free from discrimination or harassment, and where decisions are based solely on merit.
We offer family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies and flexible working arrangements to support colleagues from all backgrounds. If you have any questions or require accessibility adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us by email or phone—we’ll be happy to discuss reasonable accommodations.