Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Old Church Vets | Co Donegal

Full-time, Permanent

Salary up to €70,000 DOE

Preferred start date January 2027

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 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.

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, 6 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 demonstratable clinical experience, and be confident working both independently and as part of a close-knit team. 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:

Work Life Balance & Employee Wellbeing

* 22 days Annual Leave & Birthday leave

*Paid Maternity, Paternity & Adoptive Leave Packages

*Cycle to Work Scheme

*Full access to EAP and Wellbeing Centre

*Paid Bereavement Leave & Company Sick Pay

Development

*€1300 annual CPD allowance with 5 days paid CPD days pro rata

*Funding of any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue

*Career Progression Opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical

Professional Memberships

*VCI membership paid

*VDS cover paid

Additional Benefits

*Annual Pay Reviews

*Dedicated CARE fund – annual contribution of €1,100 from IVC Evidensia for each Vet to use on a case of your choice to ensure successful outcome with your patient (T& C’s apply)

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*Employer Pension Contributions

*Free Flu Inoculations

*Discounted Veterinary Fees

*Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Clinical Board and many more)

Join a Team That Values What You Bring

This is more than a maternity cover role — it’s an opportunity to step into a welcoming, experienced team, build your confidence in a supportive setting, and enjoy a role that offers clinical variety, autonomy, and balance.

If you’re looking for your next move in a practice where you can feel trusted, supported, and genuinely part of the team, we’d love to hear from you.