Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - FTC

IVC; Limerick; On-site; EUR 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days annual leave

Birthday leave

Cycle to Work

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing Centre

Pension contributions

Dedicated CARE fund

Job summary

Crescent Veterinary Clinic in Limerick is seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon for a 12-month maternity cover. This genuine mixed consulting and surgery role has designated consulting and surgical days and a collaborative team environment.

You will manage cases from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, with team support and access to modern facilities. Registration with the Veterinary Council of Ireland is essential, with a salary from €65,000 DOE.

Qualifications

• Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon.
• Registration with the Veterinary Council of Ireland is essential.
• Comfortable with routine surgery and dentistry.
• Able to work independently and within a team.
• Not suitable for new graduates.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.
• Act as veterinary surgeon in charge during rota periods with nursing support.
• Collaborate with a team of veterinarians, nurses and support staff.
• Provide high-quality medical and surgical care in a first opinion practice.

Skills

Small animal surgery

Dentistry

Case management

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Registered Veterinary Surgeon (VCI)

Job description

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Crescent Veterinary Clinic | Limerick

Full-Time | 12-Month Fixed Term Contract

Salary from €65,000 DOE

Ideal Start Date: December 2026 (Flexible)

An Opportunity to Join a Thriving and Supportive Practice

At Crescent Veterinary Clinic, we believe great patient care starts with great people.

For many years, our team has built a reputation for delivering high-quality veterinary care while creating a supportive and enjoyable working environment where colleagues genuinely enjoy coming to work. As one of Limerick’s most established small animal practices, we’ve developed strong relationships with our clients, invested heavily in our facilities, and fostered a collaborative culture that allows our veterinary professionals to thrive.

We are now seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join us on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This role offers the opportunity to become part of a close-knit and highly experienced team, working with a varied caseload in a well-equipped practice where clinical standards and teamwork sit at the heart of everything we do.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh challenge, considering a move to the area, or simply seeking an opportunity to work within a progressive and supportive environment, this role offers the chance to make a real impact from day one.

Enjoy True Variety as a First Opinion Veterinary Surgeon

This is a genuine mixed consulting and surgery role, ideal for a veterinary surgeon who enjoys the diversity and continuity that comes with first opinion practice.

You’ll have designated consulting and surgical days, allowing you to focus fully on your patients while managing cases from diagnosis through to treatment and follow-up. The caseload offers an excellent balance of routine work alongside more challenging medical and surgical cases, making it a rewarding position for a vet who enjoys building relationships with clients while continuing to develop their clinical skills.

We’re looking for a capable and confident clinician who is comfortable working independently when required and enjoys taking ownership of their cases. As part of the rota, there will be occasions where you’ll act as the veterinary surgeon in charge, supported by our experienced nursing and support teams.

For this reason, the role would be best suited to a veterinary surgeon with previous small animal experience and confidence in both routine surgery and dentistry. This position is not suitable for a new graduate.

A Supportive On-Call Structure

The standard working week is Monday to Friday, with routine shifts operating between 9:00am and 5:00pm. On-call days are structured differently, typically running from 11:00am to 7:00pm, creating a more balanced working day when emergency responsibilities apply.

The rota includes one weekday night on call and participation in a shared 1-in-5 weekend on-call rota. Saturday consultations form part of the role, while weekend emergency cover is shared collaboratively with a neighbouring veterinary practice, helping to ensure a manageable and sustainable workload.

Importantly, you’ll never be handling on-call responsibilities alone. Dedicated nursing support is available during on-call periods, providing valuable clinical assistance and ensuring excellent continuity of care for patients.

Work with Excellent Facilities and Equipment

Crescent Veterinary Clinic combines the feel of a local, community-focused practice with the facilities and equipment of a modern veterinary clinic.

Our purpose-built premises are equipped with digital radiography, ultrasound, dental facilities and a dedicated orthopaedic theatre, allowing the team to work cases up thoroughly and deliver a high standard of care across both medical and surgical disciplines.

As part of a multi-site practice, you’ll also benefit from collaboration with colleagues across our sister clinic in Castletroy, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and clinical discussion. Convenient motorway access and on-site parking make commuting straightforward from across the region.

Join a Team That Values Collaboration

One of the things our team is most proud of is the culture we’ve built.

You’ll be joining a close-knit team of five veterinary surgeons, seven veterinary nurses and three support team members who genuinely enjoy working together. Collaboration is encouraged, questions are welcomed and knowledge is shared freely, creating an environment where everyone feels supported.

The practice also benefits from the expertise of a certificate holder in Diagnostic Imaging, providing an additional resource for case collaboration and development.

Outside of clinical life, team wellbeing is important to us. Throughout the year, the team enjoys regular social activities and outings, from mini-golf and bowling evenings to informal get-togethers that strengthen the relationships that make our practice such an enjoyable place to work.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys the variety and challenge of first opinion practice.

You’ll be confident with routine surgery, dentistry and case management, comfortable working both independently and within a team, and committed to maintaining high clinical standards while delivering excellent client care.

Registration with the Veterinary Council of Ireland is essential.

Most of all, we’re looking for someone who will embrace our collaborative culture and contribute positively to the friendly, supportive environment that our team has worked hard to create.

Rewarding You Properly

Alongside a salary from €65,000 depending on experience, you’ll receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth and long-term career aspirations.

You’ll enjoy:

Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing

• 22 days annual leave plus birthday leave
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave packages
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme and Wellbeing Centre
• Company sick pay and paid bereavement leave

Development & Career Growth

• €1,300 annual CPD allowance with 5 days paid CPD leave (pro-rata)
• Fully funded certificates, diplomas, or PhDs
• Career progression opportunities, clinical and non-clinical
• Access to internal mentorship and development programmes

Financial & Professional Support

• VCI membership and VDS cover paid
• Annual pay reviews
• Employer pension contributions
• Dedicated CARE fund – €1,100 annual contribution per vet to use on a case of your choice
• Discounted veterinary fees across the IVC Evidensia network
• Pawesome Benefits – retail discounts and cashback options

Your Next Chapter Could Start Here

The best veterinary roles aren’t defined solely by facilities or salary. They’re defined by the people you work alongside, the support you receive, and the opportunity to practise high‑quality medicine and surgery within a team that genuinely values your contribution.

This maternity cover position offers a unique opportunity to join an established and highly respected practice, contribute to a fantastic team and enjoy a varied and rewarding caseload in one of Limerick’s leading small animal clinics.

If you’re an experienced veterinary surgeon looking for your next opportunity, we’d love to hear from you and tell you more about life at Crescent Veterinary Clinic.

€0 - €65,000 a year

Up to €65,000 DOE