Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

IVC; Ballyshannon; On-site; EUR 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

VCI membership paid

VDS cover paid

Cycle to Work Scheme

EAP and Wellbeing Centre

Paid Bereavement Leave

Company Sick Pay

Employer Pension Contributions

Free Flu Inoculations

Discounted Veterinary Fees

Job summary

Old Church Vets in Donegal Town seeks a Veterinary Surgeon for small animal practice. The role combines consulting, surgery, and case work-ups in a well-equipped clinic with a supportive team and opportunities to follow cases from start to finish.

You will enjoy sole-charge duties some times, balanced by a collaborative environment and a predictable schedule from Monday to Friday plus a 1 in 5 nights/weekend rota.

Qualifications

• This role requires VCI registration and independent clinical capability.
• Experience in small animal practice with ownership of cases.
• Ability to work autonomously within a supportive team.
• Comfort handling a mixed consult/surgery caseload and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Consultations, surgery, and case work-ups with follow-through.
• Occasional sole-charge responsibilities with team support.
• Collaborate across three sites within the group.
• Maintain high standards of in-house care and client communication.

Skills

Small animal vet

Case ownership

Autonomy

Team collaboration

Clinical decision-making

Education

VCI registration

Tools

IDEXX lab

Ultrasound

Endoscopy

Job description

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Old Church Vets | Co Donegal

Full-time, Permanent

Salary up to €70,000 DOE

Preferred start date January 2027

A Small Animal Role with Real Variety & Support

If you’re an experienced small animal vet looking for a role where you can take ownership of your cases, work within a genuinely supportive team, and enjoy a varied caseload, this is a fantastic opportunity to step into a well-established practice. You’ll join a progressive practice environment, where small animal work is at the heart of the day-to-day caseload but with the added benefit of being part of a wider, experienced and collaborative team.

A Role Where You Can Truly Clinically Thrive

This position offers a rewarding mix of consulting, surgery, and case work-ups, with the opportunity to follow cases through from start to finish. With excellent in-house facilities, referrals are kept to a minimum, giving you the chance to develop confidence and clinical depth in your decision‑making.

You will be trusted with sole charge responsibilities at times, making this an ideal step for a confident vet who enjoys autonomy but also values having a strong team around them for support and collaboration.

A Structured Rota That Respects Your Time

Work-life balance is genuinely prioritised here. You’ll work a structured and predictable schedule, with protected time off so you can fully switch off when you’re away from work.

Your working week will typically run Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm, alongside a 1 in 5 rota for nights and weekends, including a light Saturday commitment. Crucially, no phone triage is required, as calls are screened by an experienced admin team before reaching the on‑call vet.

An Established Practice with a Strong Reputation

Old Church Veterinary Group has been caring for animals since 1954 and is deeply rooted in the local community. Operating across three sites, including a beautifully converted 19th-century hospital in Donegal Town, the practice blends heritage charm with modern veterinary medicine.

The team consists of 8 vets, 6 RVNs, and a dedicated support team, all working together with a strong sense of camaraderie, respect, and shared clinical pride.

Facilities are extensive and include a full IDEXX lab, ultrasound, digital X‑ray, endoscopy, laser therapy, physiotherapy, and orthopaedic capabilities, allowing for a high standard of in‑house care.

Who This Role Will Suit

This opportunity is best suited to a confident and capable small animal vet who is comfortable with a first opinion caseload and enjoys taking responsibility for their work.

You’ll be VCI registered, have demonstratable clinical experience, and be confident working both independently and as part of a close‑knit team. What matters most is a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong team ethos.

A Benefits Package That Supports You

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from a package designed to support both your professional growth and personal wellbeing including:

Work LifeBalance&Employee Wellbeing

• 22 daysAnnualLeave&Birthday leave
• Paid Maternity, Paternity & Adoptive Leave Packages
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Full access to EAP and Wellbeing Centre
• Paid BereavementLeave&Company Sick Pay

Development

• €1300 annual CPD allowance with 5 days paid CPD days pro rata
• Funding of any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue
• Career Progression Opportunities, both clinical and non‑clinical

Professional Memberships

• VCI membership paid
• VDS cover paid

Additional Benefits

• Annual Pay Reviews
• Dedicated CARE fund – annual contribution of €1,100 from IVC Evidensia for each Vet to use on a case of your choice to ensure successful outcome with your patient (T&C’sapply)
• PawesomeBenefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Employer Pension Contributions
• Free Flu Inoculations
• Discounted Veterinary Fees
• Opportunity to join companyprogrammes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Clinical Board and many more)

Join a Team That Values What You Bring

This is more than a maternity cover role — it’s an opportunity to step into a welcoming, experienced team, build your confidence in a supportive setting, and enjoy a role that offers clinical variety, autonomy, and balance.

If you’re looking for your next move in a practice where you can feel trusted, supported, and genuinely part of the team, we’d love to hear from you.

€0 - €70,000 a year

Up to €70,000 DOE