Equine & Small Animal Veterinary Internship – Cork, Ireland

Veterinary ST; Cork; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring programme

VCI registration support

Hands-on exposure to equine and small/

Job summary

The Vet Office is recruiting a new graduate veterinarian into a structured internship at a modern mixed practice in County Cork, Ireland, located just 20 minutes from Cork City and Cork Airport. You will gain exposure to both equine and small animal medicine and surgery under supportive mentors.

This opportunity helps you build confidence, develop practical skills and progress toward greater clinical independence in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• New graduates welcomed and supported to start their veterinary career.
• Eligible for VCI registration in Ireland.
• Interest in mixed veterinary practice (equine and small animals).
• Strong motivation to learn and develop clinically.
• English proficiency and good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn under experienced veterinarians with structured mentoring.
• Gain practical experience across equine and small animal medicine and surgery.
• Develop diagnostic and clinical skills with hands-on cases.
• Progressively increase responsibilities and independence.

Skills

Curiosity

Willingness to learn

Communication

Teamwork

Motivation

Education

Veterinary Medicine degree eligible for VCI registration in Ireland

Job description

• Ultrasound
• Endoscopy

New Graduates Welcome | Structured Mentoring | Equine + Small Animal Training

Are you a newly qualified veterinarian looking for the right environment to build your confidence, develop practical skills and gain experience in both equine and small animal medicine and surgery?

The Vet Office is recruiting on behalf of a modern mixed veterinary practice in County Cork, Ireland, located just 20 minutes from Cork City and Cork Airport.

This is an excellent opportunity for a new graduate who wants to start their veterinary career in a supportive environment where they can learn from experienced vets, gain hands-on experience and progressively develop greater clinical independence.

A Real Learning Opportunity

This position is designed for a veterinarian who is at the beginning of their career and wants to learn.

You will work alongside experienced veterinary surgeons who will provide structured mentoring, clinical guidance and practical support while you develop your skills across a varied mixed caseload.

The goal is to help you become a confident and capable mixed-practice veterinarian, with experience in both equine and companion animal work.

About The Practice

The recently modernised clinic provides an excellent environment for learning and professional development, with facilities including:

• Full in-house laboratory
• Digital X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Endoscopy
• Dedicated small animal surgery suite
• Equine surgery and handling facilities
• Modern diagnostic and clinical equipment

You will be part of a friendly and experienced veterinary team with a strong focus on collaboration and professional development.

What Will You Learn?

During the internship, you will progressively gain practical experience in:

Equine Medicine & Surgery

• Equine ambulatory work
• Clinical examinations and diagnostics
• Equine medicine
• Emergency cases
• Equine procedures and surgery
• Diagnostic imaging
• Working alongside experienced equine veterinarians

Small Animal Medicine & Surgery

• Small animal consultations
• Preventative healthcare
• Diagnostic work-ups
• Routine surgical procedures
• Neutering and soft tissue surgery
• Anaesthesia and patient monitoring
• Care of hospitalised patients
• Laboratory diagnostics
• Emergency case management

The level of responsibility will increase progressively as your skills, confidence and experience develop.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, curious and genuinely motivated to develop as a veterinarian.

You should have:

• A Veterinary Medicine degree eligible for VCI registration in Ireland
• A genuine interest in mixed veterinary practice
• Strong motivation to learn and develop
• Interest in equine medicine and surgery
• Interest in small animal medicine and surgery
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• A positive and proactive attitude
• English proficiency of approximately C1 level

Previous Professional Experience Is Not Required.

What matters most is your willingness to learn, get involved and progressively become more confident and independent.

What the Practice Offers

• Structured mentoring programme
• Support with VCI registration
• Excellent CPD and career development opportunities
• Hands-on exposure to both equine and small animal medicine
• Opportunity to develop surgical skills
• Modern diagnostic and surgical facilities
• Supportive and experienced veterinary team
• Progressive clinical responsibility
• Excellent work-life balance
• Location only 20 minutes from Cork City and Cork Airport

Why Start Your Career in Ireland?

Ireland offers an excellent environment for veterinarians looking to gain broad clinical experience while working in English.

County Cork combines professional opportunities with a fantastic lifestyle, offering easy access to Cork City, the coast, countryside and Cork International Airport.

For a veterinarian interested in mixed practice, this internship provides the opportunity to gain experience across two different areas of veterinary medicine rather than limiting your development to one field from the beginning.

Build the Foundations of Your Veterinary Career

This internship is not simply about gaining your first veterinary job.

It is an opportunity to learn, gain confidence, develop practical skills and work alongside experienced veterinarians while discovering which areas of veterinary medicine you would like to develop further.

If you are motivated, eager to learn and excited about developing your skills in both equine and small animal practice, we would love to hear from you.

Interested?