Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

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

Benefits offered by this job

22 days annual leave

Birthday leave

Cycle to work scheme

EAP & Wellbeing Centre

Company pension

Free flu inoculations

Discounted veterinary fees

Professional development funding

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Old Church Vets in Co Donegal is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon for a busy small animal practice. This role offers ownership of cases within a supportive team and a well-equipped clinic, with a strong emphasis on work‑life balance and professional development.

You will split your time between consulting and surgery, handling a varied caseload while benefiting from in-house facilities and a collaborative environment. A confident, VCI-registered vet with a proactive approach will thrive here.

Qualifications

• VCI registration or eligibility to practice in Ireland
• Experience in small animal veterinary care
• Strong clinical decision making and case management skills

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality consulting, surgical procedures, and case work-ups with the ability to manage cases from presentation through to outcome.
• Occasional sole-charge duties while working within a collaborative team.
• Follow cases end-to-end to build clinical depth and confidence.

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.

Work Life Balance & Employee Wellbeing

• *22 days Annual Leave & Birthday leave
• *Paid Maternity, Paternity & Adoptive Leave Packages
• *Cycle to Work Scheme
• *Full access to EAP and Wellbeing Centre
• *Paid Bereavement Leave& 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’s apply)
• *Pawesome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• *Employer Pension Contributions
• *Free Flu Inoculations
• *Discounted Veterinary Fees
• *Opportunity to join company programmes (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.