The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships. 

We are recruiting for two Intern Veterinary Surgeons. These internships will produce vets that are competent in all areas needed for an ambulatory equine vet whilst providing them with a superior knowledge and understanding of the different needs of donkeys. These positions are suitable for newly or recently qualified graduates who are keen to develop their equine skills. You will be primarily welfare focused and with an interest in herd health to support continual improvements in standards of care. An enthusiasm and interest in teaching and working with students is an advantage.

We are a friendly team of 10 vets, nurses, grooms and technical and administrative staff who love our work and are passionate about donkeys and their role in the world. You will be based at our fully equipped veterinary hospital near Honiton, Devon. Vet GDP is supported and you will be appointed a mentor to assist with this.

Details:

• Initial 6 months hospital-based with daily duties including in-patient care, anaesthesia, and diagnostic imaging.
• Transition into an ambulatory 6 months looking after the sanctuary’s 2,700 donkeys across Devon and Dorset.
• Work with farriers, dental technicians and pathologists, gaining a well-rounded knowledge of donkey care and treatment.
• Opportunity to produce a mini-research project with the help of the Sanctuary’s experienced research team.

If you feel you have the qualities, skills and experience to fulfil these varied, rewarding and vital roles, and would like to be part of the evolving program of change taking place within the charity, we would love to hear from you. These are full-time, 12-month, fixed term contracts starting in September 2026 and March 2027.

For further information regarding this role, including application instructions, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser:

https://jobs.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/2166/description

For an informal discussion email: ellie.mcgoldrick@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Closing date for applications: Sunday 5 April 2026.

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.