Job Description
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:
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)
*Pawesome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
*Employer Pension Contributions
*Free Flu Inoculations
*Discounted Veterinary Fees
*Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurses Committee, 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. 🐾