Veterinary Groom

NFP People Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 8,000; Part time

Job summary

An animal welfare organization is seeking a Veterinary Groom (Weekend) to provide care for hospitalised animals at their facility near Honiton. The successful candidate will need substantial experience with equines and a driving license. This part-time, permanent role offers competitive benefits, including 31 days of holiday and health plans. Flexibility is required to cover weekend shifts. Closing date for applications is 19 January 2026.

Benefits

Competitive pension

Life assurance

31 days holiday

Wellbeing Team

Free parking

Subsidised restaurant

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of working with equines.
• Experience of working with risk assessments.
• Physical fitness to lift a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).

Responsibilities

• Provide care of hospitalised animals and stallions.
• Monitor behaviour and clinical signs of animals.
• Maintain hospital stables and clinical areas.

Skills

Experience with equines

Physical fitness

Full valid driving licence

Job description

Job description

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Veterinary Groom (Weekend)

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.

Position: Veterinary Groom (Weekend) (2108)

Location: Honiton

Hours: Part‑time, hours per week

Salary: £7,190 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Monday 19 January 2026

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life‑enhancing relationships.

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 – every other Friday‑Sunday (average hours per week). Flexibility will be required to provide additional out of hours cover as part of the team rota.

Benefits:

• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance.
• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.
• Wellbeing Team.
• 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.

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. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.