Veterinary Surgeon

British Veterinary Association; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An international animal welfare organization is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Surgeon to oversee the health care of donkeys and mules. The role involves routine clinical care, diagnostics, and educating stakeholders on donkey welfare. Applicants should hold a Veterinary degree and have a passion for animal welfare. This full-time position offers competitive benefits, including a pension plan and 31 days of holiday that increases with service.

Benefits

Competitive Pension

Life assurance

31 days holiday

Wellbeing team

Pilates and Yoga classes

Qualifications

• Experience in equine practice with clinical competence.
• Ability to manage cases independently.
• Knowledge of herd health programmes.

Responsibilities

• Undertake clinical care of animals at The Donkey Sanctuary.
• Provide health management advice for the resident animals.
• Support diagnostics and treatment of complex cases.
• Communicate effectively within the Veterinary Department.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Clinical competence

Welfare driven attitude

Education

Veterinary degree with MRCVS

Tools

Veterinary surgical equipment

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 a proactive and professional individual with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and a strong team ethic to join our dedicated Veterinary Department. As a Veterinary Surgeon, you will be responsible for the clinical care of our donkeys and mules that are resident on our seven farms within a 30-mile radius of our fully equipped veterinary hospital at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton. In addition, you will provide advice and education on donkey health and welfare to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

About you:

• Veterinary degree with MRCVS.
• Experience in equine practice and an ability to demonstrate clinical competence and independent case management.
• Experience and interest in all aspects of Donkey medicine.
• A welfare driven attitude to veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge of herd health programmes.
• UK full current valid driving licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Undertaking routine and emergency clinical care of animals resident at The Donkey Sanctuary (within the Guidelines to Professional conduct as issued by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, ensuring that the recommended CPD of 105 hours over three years, with an average of 35 hours per year is achieved).
• Monitoring the health and advising on the management of animals resident at The Donkey Sanctuary.
• Supporting the diagnostic work up and treatment of more complex clinical cases.
• Maintaining effective communication within the Veterinary Department, Welfare team, holding bases and Donkey Assisted Activities Centres in relation to donkey health and welfare.
• Visiting and assessing the health and welfare of donkeys in holding bases, DAA centres, hospice homes and sanctuaries in the UK and Europe.
• Providing advice on donkey health and welfare to Vets, paraprofessionals, students and owners.
• Supporting and assisting in the training of visitors to the Veterinary Department.

What we offer in return:

This is a full time, permanent contract, working 37.5 hours per week, core hours 08.30 – 16.30, Monday – Friday plus evening and weekend on-call duties as part of the on-call duty rota.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pension
• Life assurance.
• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service. Pro rata for part time working.
• 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 main site.

Closing date for completed applications: Monday 20 October 2025.

For further information regarding this role, including application instructions, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser: https://jobs.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/2081/description

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.