At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Graduate Programme to provide expert care for pets in need.
- Company: PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity dedicated to pet welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, wellbeing support, and professional development.
- Other info: Supportive community with hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in pets' lives while building your veterinary career.
- Qualifications: Recent veterinary graduate with a passion for animal care.
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 five-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.
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.
Graduate Veterinary Surgeon in Portsmouth employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer for Registered Veterinary Nurses, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in Leeds. With a strong focus on animal welfare, employees benefit from flexible working options, a generous CPD allowance, and numerous opportunities for professional growth, making it a fulfilling place to advance your veterinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Veterinary Surgeon in Portsmouth
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like PDSA often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at PDSA. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at PDSA.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at PDSA.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at PDSA.
