Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

 

Old Church Vets, Donegal

Full-time | 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

Salary up to €60,000 DOE

A Small Animal Role with Real Variety & Support

If you’re an experienced small animal vet looking for a role where you can take ownership of your cases, work within a genuinely supportive team, and enjoy a varied caseload, this is a fantastic opportunity to step into a well-established practice. You’ll join a progressive, mixed practice environment, where small animal work is at the heart of the day-to-day caseload but with the added benefit of being part of a wider, experienced and collaborative team.

 

 

A Role Where You Can Truly Clinically Thrive

This position offers a rewarding mix of consulting, surgery, and case work-ups, with the opportunity to follow cases through from start to finish. With excellent in-house facilities, referrals are kept to a minimum, giving you the chance to develop confidence and clinical depth in your decision-making. 

You will be trusted with sole charge responsibilities at times, making this an ideal step for a confident vet who enjoys autonomy but also values having a strong team around them for support and collaboration.

 

 

Keep Your Mixed Practice Edge (With Support)

While this is a small animal-focused role, you’ll be part of a shared out-of-hours rota that includes some large animal work. Importantly, you’ll never be on your own — guidance and support are always available, making this a great opportunity to maintain or gently develop mixed practice skills if desired.

 

 

A Structured Rota That Respects Your Time

Work-life balance is genuinely prioritised here. You’ll work a structured and predictable schedule, with protected time off so you can fully switch off when you’re away from work.

Your working week will typically run Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm, alongside a 1 in 5 rota for nights and weekends, including a light Saturday commitment. Crucially, no phone triage is required, as calls are screened by an experienced admin team before reaching the on-call vet.

 

 

An Established Practice with a Strong Reputation

Old Church Veterinary Group has been caring for animals since 1954 and is deeply rooted in the local community. Operating across three sites, including a beautifully converted 19th-century hospital in Donegal Town, the practice blends heritage charm with modern veterinary medicine.

The team consists of 8 vets, 5 RVNs, and a dedicated support team, all working together with a strong sense of camaraderie, respect, and shared clinical pride.

Facilities are extensive and include a full IDEXX lab, ultrasound, digital X-ray, endoscopy, laser therapy, physiotherapy, and orthopaedic capabilities, allowing for a high standard of in-house care.

 

 

Who This Role Will Suit

This opportunity is best suited to a confident and capable small animal vet who is comfortable with a first opinion caseload and enjoys taking responsibility for their work.

You’ll be VCI registered, have at least 2 years’ clinical experience, and be confident working both independently and as part of a close-knit team. While prior mixed experience is helpful, what matters most is a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong team ethos.

 

 

A Benefits Package That Supports You

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from a package designed to support both your professional growth and personal wellbeing including: