Moving to the UK
What to prepare for your move to a Veterinary Practice in the UK.
Our award-winning Graduate Development Programme is designed to give you the best possible start in every way. So, as well as helping you develop your professional skills and commercial understanding, our comprehensive training covers the softer skills needed to care for pets and their owners.
You are joining a Graduate Scheme that provides ongoing support, with emphasis on your wellbeing and how to realise and maintain your full potential.
As part of your journey with Vets4Pets, we know that some of our Graduates will be new to living in the UK. Here, we give an overview of some of the things you should prepare for ready for your exciting move.
Moving to a new country can be an exciting and challenging experience. Here are some pieces of advice to help you settle in:
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Understand the Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visa to study or work in the UK. We will support you with your Visa applications but do research the requirements and application process well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
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Research Your Destination: Familiarise yourself with the city or town where you'll be living. Learn about the local culture, transportation options, cost of living, and amenities. This knowledge will help you adapt quickly and make informed decisions.
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Accommodation: Secure accommodation before you arrive or make temporary arrangements until you find a suitable place. Explore options like temporary holiday accommodations, shared apartments, or private rentals. Consider factors like location, budget, and proximity to essential services. Make sure you use professional and trusted companies by doing your research and checking independent review websites such as Trust Pilot. You can ask for recommendations of local letting agents from your new Joint Venture Partner or Area Relationship Manager.
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Financial Preparation: Understand the cost of living in the UK and plan your finances accordingly. Create a budget that covers rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and other essential expenses.
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Healthcare: Familiarise yourself with the UK's healthcare and dental care system. Register with a local doctor (GP) and local dentist when you move to access healthcare services when needed.
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Networking and Support: Connect with fellow graduates or professionals through social media group or university networks. Building a network of like-minded individuals will help you settle in and provide support during your transition. You will also find that your veterinary practice and the wider graduate scheme will help to build your network here in the UK, as well as joining local teams or clubs.
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Cultural Awareness: Embrace the diversity and multiculturalism of the UK. Learn about British customs, traditions, and social norms. Respect local etiquette, be open-minded, and appreciate the differences you encounter.
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Transportation: Understand the public transportation system in your area. Familiarise yourself with bus and train routes, student discounts, and travel cards. Consider obtaining an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive in the UK.
- Remember your Hobbies: If you have a love of dancing, playing sports or reading a great book, ensure you continue to follow your passions here in the UK. Research your local library to borrow free books, join a local gym or sports club or explore your local art galleries or museums, many of which are free of charge.
- Enjoy the Experience: Moving to a new country is a chance for personal growth and exploration. Embrace new experiences, make friends, and enjoy the diverse cultural offerings of the UK. Travel, try local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant British lifestyle.
Remember, adjusting to a new country takes time, so be patient and proactive in seeking support when needed. The UK offers a rich academic and cultural experience, and with the right mindset, you can make the most of your time there.
Award Winning Programme
Best Graduate Onboarding and Induction Activities Programme
In late 2020 we won an award from the Institute of Student Employers for the best Graduate Onboarding and Induction Activities Programme.
We are immensely proud of this award and were the first Vet Graduate Development Programme to have been recognised outside of the industry for the work we are doing in setting up future graduates for success!
Shortlisted for the BVA Young Vet Award
In October 2022, Kirsty French, who completed our Graduate Programme last year was shortlisted for the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Young Vet of the Year award.
Kirsty currently co-runs the industry leading sustainability work happening in her surgery at Vets4Pets Milton Keynes.
We are so proud of Kirsty’s achievements and excited to see what the future holds.
Finalist for Graduate Scheme of the Year
In November 2021 we were shortlisted as a finalist for the Graduate Scheme of the Year Award as part of the Personnel Today Awards.
We feel extremely proud of this achievement, and were delighted to be up there alongside some other really inspiring finalists!
All About Us
About Vets for Pets and Companion Care
Vets for Pets and Companion Care are a large network of first opinion practices, providing full veterinary care from preventative healthcare, including healthcare checks and vaccinations right through to digital x-rays and operating theatres.
We have over 440 in-store and stand-alone practices across the UK, each one unique! Our Joint Venture Partnership model is special and gives everyone, including our Joint Venture Partners, the best of both worlds. You’ll get to work alongside and learn from experienced vets who own and run their own practice with complete clinical freedom and the autonomy to do things their way whilst benefitting from being part of a large, respected organisation.
Pets at Home Group
Vets4Pets and Companion Care are part of the Pets at Home Group, who are the UK’s leading pet care business. Because pets are at the heart of everything we do, we believe that everyone who is a part of our group has a special responsibility to help keep pets happy, healthy and safe. Our retail colleagues are trained to standards which are endorsed by many of the leading animal care and charity bodies in the UK, and we are leading the way in regulating the pet grooming industry by working with accredited training providers to enable colleagues to train for certification in this profession.
Find out what our graduates had to say about our Graduate Development Programme...
Graduate Alumni
Carmen
I have really enjoyed the past 2 years as a vet and being part of the graduate programme. It has helped me to gain confidence and improve my practical skills. It was a very good opportunity to meet other new grads and to share experiences and find friends especially as I came to the UK from abroad.
Graduate Alumni
Alex
The Graduate Development Programme has been very well run; with a good selection and range of CPD, which has helped massively with the transition into practice.
Graduate Alumni
Eliza
The structured CPD offering that is part of the Graduate Development Programme is fantastic! It gives great CPD targeted at the right level, for new grads and focuses on the most important skills.
Graduate Alumni
Damon
During my time on the programme, being monitored by experienced vets and enjoying the case exposure has enabled me to transfer my theoretical knowledge into practice. After successfully completing the programme the JVP funded my certificate in small animal medicine and has been supporting me in my career development. I would highly recommend new graduates to apply to the Vets4Pets Graduate Programme as they will benefit from the great support structure and development opportunities that the programme has to offer.
What can we offer you?
The Graduate Development programme runs alongside a permanent job in one of our many supportive, passionate practices. Our two-year programme officially launches each September and April, although many graduates start in practice prior to the programme start date or slightly after.
As standard we offer all the benefits you’d expect from a major employer (pension, healthcare, paid memberships. Life insurance, competitive salary etc.) plus a few more!
- 2-year programme, no financial/contractual tie-ins
- Holiday allowance starting at 28 days and increasing with long service
- Guaranteed starting salary of at least £34,000 rising after each year on Programme
- RCVS, BVA and VDS membership
- Exclusive lifestyle and shopping discounts with up to 30% off at Pets at Home, PetPlan insurance discount, cycle to work scheme and more
- 10-12 paid CPD days (clinical & non-clinical) per year
- Dedicated VetGDP Advisor in practice
- Access to wellbeing support and free membership of wellbeing app
- Access to grants for further development – incentive awarding grants of up to £1000 to support with on-going development beyond the Graduate Development Programme
- Relocation and Immigration support for overseas candidates - relocation packages from within or outside the UK, including visa sponsorship if wanted (we’re an A+ rated sponsor).
- Support with practice transfer should the need arise
- Phased approach to sole charge duties
- Plus, lots more!
Our Graduate Team will work with you and support you, in matching you with one of our practices. You will have support from day 1 from your dedicated mentor in practice who will guide you through each step of your professional development, you will train on the job with a phased induction, at a pace that works for you, with regular reviews. You will also have access to over 1,300+ Vets within our online and clinical community.
We also believe support outside of your practice is crucial, our programme launches with a 2-day induction which is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow graduates who have just embarked on the same journey, and also to network with lots of other colleagues from a variety of areas across the business. You will have access to your dedicated Graduate Team, we’re here to support you every step of the way, a Clinical Development Manager and Area Relationship Manager who are field based and regionally aligned, plus many more supportive colleagues, including a clinical community of more than 1,300!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR GRADUATE GUIDE
Further Benefits!
Your wellbeing is really important to us, on starting the Graduate Development Programme, you will receive a tailored Wellbeing Guide and a gift as a little reminder to look after your own health and happiness.
Throughout the non-clinical part of the programme, wellbeing is highlighted regularly.
Vets4Pets and Companion Care want to create a community that takes a really proactive approach to Mental Health and for all colleagues to feel like they have the support needed. We have over 600 colleagues trained as Mental Health First Aiders across the business and this number is growing weekly.
All graduates on programme will receive a subscription to the Headspace App, this is an invaluable tool to support you in lots of areas including managing anxiety, struggling to sleep, low self-esteem and much more!
Our structured CPD is delivered by specialists and covers a range of clinical, wellbeing, leadership and professional development subjects, over the course of two years you’ll have access to over 180 hours CPD. A number of these events include networking dinners, giving you some much needed downtime with fellow grads and presents an opportunity for networking with other colleagues. You will also benefit from paid CPD events including reimbursement of any travel costs.
Our Practices
Joining one of our 443 practices, you’ll train on the job with experienced Veterinary Partners, at a pace that works for you. We’ll find you a role that fits you, in terms of location and culture fit. And, with Vets4Pets and Companion Care practices of all shapes and sizes across the country, there’s a perfect place for everyone.
So, if you share our passion for delivering outstanding pet healthcare, exceptional customer service and would like to join our team, then we would love to hear from you. Apply HERE
For a confidential conversation or if you’d like more information before you apply then please contact Cagla by emailing vetgraduates@vets4pets.com or complete the form below and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once we receive your application, we will invite you to have a chat with someone from our team so we can find out more about you and what makes you get out of bed in the morning. We want to learn about your experiences and understand what is the most important factor for you in finding the right practice.
Our priority is to find out about you as a person so we can help our Practice Partners best support you. We’ll also tell you more about our programme and answer any of your questions.
The next stage will be interviews with the Practice Partners. These could be face-to-face interviews or virtual interviews or both. No two practices are the same so these interviews are an ideal way for you to find the best fit for you and of course, for our Practice Partners to find the right grad for them. If you’d like any support with your interview, our graduate team are on hand to help.
Yes, absolutely! As long as you are eligible to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and can work in the UK as a vet, you can apply to the programme. We currently employ vets who come from 43+ countries and counting! We love the diversity our vets bring and actively encourage vets of all nationalities to apply.
If you’re from outside the EU, you will need to apply for a sponsorship visa. We have lots of experience supporting vets with sponsorship applications. Feel free to contact us on vetgraduates@vets4pets.com with any questions.
You will be employed directly by the practice on a permanent basis. The two-year Graduate Development Programme runs alongside your job in practice, and is designed to support and compliment your role in your practice. Importantly, there are no financial tie-ins for you, and if you chose to leave your practice, you will work your notice period the same as any other vet. We hope that doesn’t happen, but we’re on hand to support you if you are considering moving on.
Absolutely! We understand that location is very important, and for some people location is their number 1 priority. We will work with you, in understanding which practices you wish to consider, and be open and honest about the opportunities available within those practices.
With almost 450 practices across the UK, we have a wide range of practices up and down the country that each year are looking to support a new graduate.
Whatever your preferences when it comes to your practice, we will work with you in putting you forward to the right practice.
Because of the nature of our business model, no two graduates will have an identical benefits package, as this is agreed by each individual Practice Partner.
The minimum starting salary for a graduate on programme is £34k, this will be uplifted each year on the programme.
You will be entitled to at least 28 days holiday pear year (including bank holidays), a competitive pension contribution, income protection and a number of other benefits that come with being part of a large group!
You have lots of support available to you across the group, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this huge network of people that are here and want to support you!
You have access to our dedicated Graduate Development Team, who are always here to support you right through from the point of application and beyond the programme.
You will be part of a community of other Vets that we be embarking on this journey with you! You will have the opportunity to catch up regularly at CPD events, and we encourage you to keep in touch via our closed Graduate Facebook page.
You will be assigned a graduate buddy and talent ambassador upon starting programme - these colleagues are volunteers because they want to support you!
We have an online clinical community of more than 1,000 vets, which means you’re never more than a click away from clinical support and advice, an extensive mentoring network, which lets you tap into clinical and non-clinical expertise.
Vets4Pets and Companion Care are both part of the Pets at Home Vet Group. Prior to 2014, they were two separate businesses, but in 2014, Pets At Home (who already owned Companion Care) bought Vets4Pets, and they became part of the same group. Since then, all new surgeries have been Vets4Pets surgeries.
If you join our programme, you may work in a Vets4Pets practice or a Companion Care practice, but you will receive the same CPD, support and benefits regardless of where you work!
A little bit more about us...
Meet Leigh-Anne, one of our practice Partners
“Taking on new graduates is really rewarding. My aim is to get them on their feet, so they can spread their wings and fly"
And the award goes to…the 2021 Vets4Pets Vet Graduate Awards
"Every year we watch as 80 graduates leave university and join our practices, and each year we hear stories from their colleagues of what a wonderful addition they’ve made to the team - this year has been that times 10!"
Meet Dr Emily Bridges
Emily is a Vet and worked as a Veterinary Surgeon in one of our first-opinion practices before becoming our Vet Graduate Programme Lead in early 2020.
