At PDSA, we're not just an organisation but a lifeline for countless people and their beloved pets.
As the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA provides approximately 1.8 million treatments each year to sick and injured pets. The dedicated Vet teams in our 49 Pet Hospitals are the unsung heroes who help to create a society where social inequality never stands in the way of the precious bond between humans and their furry companions.
Why choose PDSA?
At PDSA, your journey as a Graduate Veterinary Surgeon begins with the opportunity to make a genuine impact every single day. You’ll encounter experiences that inspire and motivate you, helping you refine your skills, grow in confidence, and thrive as you build a rewarding veterinary career.
Every 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 pets' lives, and bring comfort and peace of mind to the people who love and care for them.
Alongside clinical expertise, our programme also develops essential professional skills, including 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 day with our Chief Veterinary Officer
- 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 experience in our busy PDSA Pet Hospitals and online CPD learning modules.
What we can offer you
At PDSA, we’re committed to creating a workplace where you can thrive, feel connected to our mission, and make a meaningful impact.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Competitive salary, £31,711 including allowances (London weighting up to £35,611) with a 37.5-hour working week
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to five extra days
- Pension contributions starting at 5%, rising to 10%
- Life assurance worth four times 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 a cause close to your heart
- Discounts and perks across shopping, cinema, gyms, health cash plans, travel, and more via our Rewards platform
- Access to a range of internal CPD programmes and discounts for the BSAVA congress and the London Vet Show.
Join the team
Hear what our recent Vet Grads say about the PDSA Graduate Programme
Video found at youtu.be/DFEzNWiAhVw
Cian's story
Cian graduated from Vet School in 2022 and has since gone on to begin his career on PDSA’s Graduate Programme.
Tom's story
Tom joined PDSA on the very first year of our Graduate Programme in 2013. He worked his way up through various roles as a vet before accepting a non-clinical role as Central Veterinary Operations Manager.
FAQs
You should find all the information you’re looking for in our FAQs section below, but if you still have an unanswered question, please get in touch with our Early Careers team by calling 01952 290999 or emailing joinus@pdsa.org.uk
I completed EMS with PDSA. Do I need to mention that on my application?
Absolutely! We know how much effort goes into an EMS placement, so we offer a fast-track for those who’ve completed one with PDSA. Don’t worry, all applications are treated fairly and assessed on the same criteria. We just want to make it easier for you to take the next step!
I have applied for the Veterinary Surgeon Graduate Programme. Will I receive a response?
Absolutely! Once you've submitted your application through our careers website, we'll send you an email confirmation to let you know we've received it. We understand how important this process is to you, so we'll keep you informed every step of the way. You can also access your account to check your application status whenever you'd like. Your journey with us matters; we're here to support you.
Will I receive feedback if I am not successful?
Please be assured that we will keep you updated on the progress of your application. Regardless of the outcome, you will receive a final update from us once the recruitment process has concluded.
Will I be required to travel during the programme?
Yes. During the graduate programme, you'll need to travel regularly between PDSA Pet Hospitals and offices.
Do you sponsor overseas graduate vet surgeons?
We welcome any graduate vet surgeons who have eligibility to work in the UK and are also eligible to gain full RCVS registration at the end of their studies. These are conditions of any offer of employment.
I have a disability. Will this affect my application?
PDSA embraces a commitment to equal opportunities, and we welcome applications from all individuals. If you require adjustments to facilitate your application process, please inform us when submitting your application. We are here to ensure everyone has an equal chance to shine and thrive within our organisation. Your inclusion matters to us.
I have yet to graduate. How can I tell you my degree classification?
Please indicate your expected degree result.
If my application is successful, when would I start?
We are looking for successful graduates to start in September.
Can I defer my start date?
We are unable to accommodate deferred applications. If you are considering taking a gap year, we would be delighted to receive your application when you're ready to begin your journey with us. We look forward to hearing from you when the time is right.
What are the working hours in practice?
Your working hours will follow a varied shift pattern, which will be agreed with your manager as part of the programme.