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
✨Tap into Medical Trainee Networks
Join student-led medical organisations and trainee networks where you can connect with others in the same boat. They often share job leads, resources, and advice on getting your foot in the door—plus, you might even hear about opportunities at places like PDSA before they hit the mainstream!
✨Engage with Your Local Medical Community
Attend local medical events, workshops, or conferences to meet professionals in person. These gatherings can give you insider knowledge about internship openings and help you make a lasting impression on those in decision-making roles at places like PDSA.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
Don’t underestimate your university’s career services—they can help you find trainee roles and offer mock interviews and CV workshops tailored for healthcare careers. They may also host career fairs where PDSA could be scouting for new talent!
✨Apply Early and Often
Trainee positions can be competitive, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on application windows. Make sure to apply through our website to increase your chances at PDSA. Remember, early applications often make a better impression!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Passion for Human Medicine:In your cover letter, make sure to express why you’re passionate about human medicine. Share any experiences, whether in academia or volunteering, that show your commitment to the field. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in healthcare!
Show Off Your Academic Credentials:For a trainee role in human medicine, your grades and academic achievements matter a lot! Be sure to include your relevant qualifications and any special courses or projects you’ve worked on that relate to the field. A solid academic background can really help you stand out!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications like First Aid or basic life support, don't forget to mention them! These qualifications can demonstrate your readiness and commitment to the field. It shows that you’re proactive about gaining skills that matter in human medicine.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this trainee role with PDSA. Highlight any clinical or research experience, even if it's just shadowing or internships, and clearly outline your aspiration to learn and grow in human medicine. A customised CV shows that you truly care about this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Know Your Anatomy!
Brush up on your anatomy and physiology knowledge, as questions on these topics are likely to come up in the interview. Be prepared to explain concepts clearly, and maybe even think about how you'd teach them to a patient – that shows understanding and communication skills!
✨Show You're a Team Player
Human medicine is all about working with others, so be ready to discuss examples from your studies or volunteering experiences where you’ve collaborated in a team. Think about situations where you had to communicate effectively with peers or patients, as this will help showcase your interpersonal skills.
✨Passion Over Perfection
As a trainee, the interviewers are looking for motivation and potential more than polished experience. Be genuine about why you chose this path and what excites you about the world of medicine. Your enthusiasm could be the winning factor!
✨Prepare for Clinical Scenarios
You might face some clinical scenario questions that test your problem-solving skills. Practice structuring your thought process on how you would approach a patient case, focusing on history-taking and treatment options. This will show that you’re thinking like a future healthcare professional!
