Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Inspiring Vet Care; Ballygarvan; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days annual leave

Birthday leave

CPD allowance

Wellbeing programme

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Discounted veterinary fees

Job summary

Sunbeam Vets Kinsale Road in Cork is seeking a part-time Small Animal GP Veterinary Surgeon to join our supportive team. You will manage a varied caseload, perform routine surgeries, and provide high-quality care with autonomy within a collaborative network.

The role offers a balance of medical and surgical duties, a friendly practice environment, and opportunities for professional development. Flexible start date in Oct 2026, with a pro‑rated benefits package.

Qualifications

• Must be VCI registered and able to manage routine first opinion medical and surgical cases independently.
• Not suitable for new graduates or those needing close supervision.
• Confident in dog and cat spays, lump removals, routine diagnostics and case workups.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of first opinion small animal cases from initial consult to diagnosis and treatment.
• Perform routine soft tissue surgeries and develop treatment plans.
• Contribute to ongoing medical management and client engagement within a busy GP practice.

Skills

VCI registered

Small animal GP experience

Autonomy

Job description

Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital, Kinsale Road, Cork

Part-Time, Permanent | 32 Hours per Week

Salary up to €42,000 per annum (equivalent to €52,500 FTE)

Start Date: October 2026 (flexible)

Join a Practice Where Relationships Matter

At Sunbeam Vets Kinsale Road, we believe great veterinary care starts with great relationships. We're looking for a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and dedicated team in a well-established first opinion practice that has become a trusted part of the local community.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident GP vet who enjoys building lasting client relationships, delivering excellent clinical care, and working as part of a close-knit, supportive team. Our clients are loyal, engaged, and genuinely value the continuity and personal approach that our practice provides.

You’ll be joining a small, experienced team where every individual makes a real difference, with the backing and resources of the wider Sunbeam Veterinary Group when needed.

The Opportunity

This role offers an excellent balance of medicine, surgery, preventative healthcare, and client engagement. As a key member of the clinical team, you’ll manage a varied caseload of first opinion small animal cases, providing high-quality care from initial consultation through to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing case management.

You’ll be comfortable independently working up medical cases, developing treatment plans, interpreting diagnostic results, and performing routine soft tissue surgeries. While more advanced and specialist procedures can be referred to our larger teams and referral services within the Sunbeam network, we are looking for a vet who is confident managing day-to-day GP veterinary work without close supervision.

The role also includes elements of sole charge, making it ideally suited to an experienced veterinary surgeon who enjoys autonomy while still benefiting from the support of a collaborative team environment.

An interest in exotic species would be welcomed but is not essential.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a well‑rounded Small Animal GP Veterinary Surgeon who is passionate about delivering excellent patient care and building strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

To be successful in this role, you must be VCI registered and confident managing routine first opinion medical and surgical cases independently. This includes procedures such as dog and cat spays, lump removals, routine diagnostics, case workups, and ongoing medical management.

Due to the level of autonomy required, this position is not suitable for new graduates or veterinary surgeons who require close supervision, structured mentorship, or extensive clinical support. We are looking for someone who can confidently contribute from day one and thrive within a busy first opinion environment.

A Supportive Team with a Community Focus

Sunbeam Vets Kinsale Road is home to a small and experienced team consisting of two veterinary surgeons, two veterinary nurses, and a dedicated receptionist. Together, we’ve built a welcoming practice where teamwork, trust, and client care are at the heart of everything we do.

Many of our clients have been with us for years, creating a genuine community atmosphere and allowing our team to develop meaningful, long‑term relationships with both pets and their owners.

As part of the wider Sunbeam Veterinary Group, you’ll also have access to the expertise, facilities, and support of a larger network including clinics in Blackpool, Cobh, and Passage West, as well as our specialist referral and emergency services.

Modern Facilities with the Support of a Larger Network

Our Kinsale Road branch is well‑equipped with digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, and in‑house diagnostic capabilities, enabling efficient and thorough patient care.

Across the wider Sunbeam Group, we offer:

• 24/7 emergency and critical care with round‑the‑clock veterinary cover
• A team of approximately 9 veterinary surgeons and 15 qualified veterinary nurses
• In‑house laboratory services
• Soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery
• Advanced diagnostic imaging
• Dental services
• Canine hydrotherapy and rehabilitation
• Dedicated nurse‑led clinics including weight management, dental care, puppy, and senior pet clinics

Life in Kinsale Road, Cork

Located on the south side of Cork City, Kinsale Road offers the perfect balance of city convenience and community charm. With excellent transport links, easy access to Cork city centre, Cork Airport, and some of Ireland's most beautiful coastal towns, it’s a fantastic place to live and work.

The area combines the energy of a thriving city with the warmth of a local neighbourhood, creating an ideal environment for veterinary professionals who enjoy becoming a valued part of their local community.

Working Pattern

This is a permanent part‑time position working 32 hours per week on a planned rota basis, with schedules provided in advance.

Shifts are typically worked between: Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm

Weekend commitment includes: 1 in 4 Saturdays: 9:00am to 2:00pm, 1 in 8 Sundays: 8:00am to 7:00pm

Comprehensive Benefits Package (subject To Pro-rata)

We believe in investing in our people. In addition to a competitive salary and a long‑term, stable role, you’ll benefit from:

Work Life Balance & Employee Wellbeing

• 22 days annual leave
• Additional birthday leave
• Paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave packages
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Company Sick Pay
• Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Wellbeing Centre access

Career Development

• €1300 annual CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave
• Full funding for any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue
• Opportunities for clinical and leadership progression
• VCI and VDS memberships fully covered
• Dedicated CARE fund - €1,100 annually to support exceptional cases

Additional Benefits

• Annual Pay Reviews
• Employer Pension Contributions
• Discounted Veterinary Fees across the IVC Evidensia network
• Free Flu Vaccinations
• Access to “Pawesome” Benefits - retail and lifestyle discount platform
• Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurses Committee, Clinical Board and many more)

Up to €42,000 DOE