Veterinary Groom (Weekend) (2108)

The Donkey Sanctuary; Honiton; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

An international animal welfare organization in Honiton is seeking a Veterinary Groom (Weekend) to provide a high standard of care for hospitalised animals and maintain hospital facilities. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience with equines, be physically fit, and possess a valid driving licence. This part-time role requires flexibility to work within a 2-week rota and offers various benefits including life assurance and health plans. Apply by 19 January 2026.

Benefits

Life assurance

31 days holiday

Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes

Long Service Awards

Healthshield Plan

Free parking

Subsidised restaurant and shop

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of working with equines.
• Experience of working with risk assessments in relation to safe working practices.
• Physical fitness and the ability to lift approximately 20 kg.
• Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• A practical understanding of biosecurity and infection control measures.
• Able to work under own initiative and maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Full valid driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide care of hospitalised animals and new arrival stallions.
• Monitor behaviour and clinical signs of animals.
• Maintain hospital stables and outside areas.
• Assist vets and nurses as required.
• Implement training plans to alleviate stress in patients.
• Update records using TDS Animal Management System (AMS).
• Assist with loading and unloading animals.

Skills

Experience with equines

Risk assessments

Physical fitness

Understanding of biosecurity

Ability to work under pressure

Valid driving licence

Tools

TDS Animal Management System (AMS)

Job description

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys and mules worldwide. We are working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We are achieving this by transforming the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life‑enhancing relationships.

We have an excellent opportunity for 2 flexible and self‑motivated team players to join our Veterinary Department at our fully equipped veterinary hospital at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton. The veterinary team are responsible for the clinical care of all our donkeys and mules that are resident on our seven farms within a 30‑mile radius of Honiton. As Veterinary Groom (Weekend), you will provide a high standard of care to hospitalised animals and maintain stables, paddocks and outside areas, all in accordance with the Care and Welfare Code of Practice.

About you

• Substantial experience of working with equines.
• Experience of working with risk assessments in relation to safe working practices.
• Physical fitness and the ability to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
• Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• A practical understanding of biosecurity and infection control measures.
• Able to work under own initiative and maintain performance, professionalism and composure when under pressure.
• Full valid driving licence.

About the role

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Providing care of hospitalised animals and new arrival stallions including daily mucking out, feeding, grooming and foot care.
• Monitoring the behaviour and clinical signs of hospitalised animals and report any concerns to the hospital nurse or case vet in a timely manner.
• Maintaining the hospital stables, stallion yard, clinical examination and outside areas.
• Assisting vets, nurses, farrier and dentists as required.
• Under the direction of the behaviour team, implementing training plans to alleviate stress and anxiety in hospitalised patients and new arrival stallions.
• Using TDS Animal Management System (AMS) to update movement records, donkey care, clinical and in patient notes as part of daily routine.
• Assisting with loading and unloading animals being admitted and discharged from the hospital and stallion yard.

What we offer in return

These are part‑time, permanent contracts starting as soon as possible, working on a 2‑week rota – 08.00‑16.30, every other Friday‑Sunday (average 11.25 hours per week). Flexibility will be required to provide additional out of hours cover as part of the team rota.

Life assurance.

31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.

Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.

Long Service Awards.

Healthshield Plan –

• Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.
• Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.
• Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.

Free parking.

Subsidised restaurant and shop on The Donkey Sanctuary main site.

Closing date for completed applications: Monday 19 January 2026.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.