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 have an excellent opportunity for a Veterinary Surgeon with outstanding equine skills to join our friendly Veterinary team at TDSI, to undertake routine and emergency clinical care of all resident animals, to support the Head of Veterinary Services and Senior Veterinary Surgeon in facilitating the safe and smooth running of the veterinary department and to provide advice and education on donkey health and welfare, both to internal and external stakeholders. You will be part of a team of 3 veterinary surgeons based at the hospital in Liscarroll providing both in-patient and ambulatory services with primarily a medicine caseload.

About you:

• Veterinary degree with MVB, MRCVS or DVM.
• Demonstrable experience of equine practice, ideally that includes donkeys.
• Welfare driven focus to veterinary medicine.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work as part of a team and contribute to team success.
• Full valid driving licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Undertaking routine and emergency clinical care of all animals resident at TDSI within the Guidelines to Professional Conduct as issued by the Veterinary Council
• of Ireland
• Working closely with our team of Donkey Welfare Advisors to support improvements to donkey health and welfare in Ireland
• Providing progressive education for donkey owners, veterinary students, veterinary surgeons and allied professionals throughout Ireland.
• Participating in the provision of an emergency on-call service.
• Monitoring the health and advising on the management of all animals resident at The Donkey Sanctuary (Ireland) Limited, and maintaining effective communication with all staff associated with their care.
• Providing advice on donkey health and welfare, both within the organisation and in the public domain, including veterinary surgeons and members of the general public.
• Deputising for the Senior Veterinary Surgeon as appropriate.

What we offer:

This is a full-time, permanent contract working 39 hours per week. Flexibility will be required for evening and weekend work as part of the Veterinary Team on-call rota.

Benefits:  

• Generous CPD allowance.
• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance.

• 21 days holiday per year, which includes a country ‘non-discretionary day’ this increases by one day each year until a maximum of 26 days is reached.

• Wellbeing team.
• Recorded Pilates classes.
• Long service awards.

• Healthshield plan, including reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership, offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets, access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.

• Free parking.

Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 23 February 2025.

Please note, interviews will take place in Ireland week commencing 3 March 2025.

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, and may be Garda vetted where required for the post. The Donkey Sanctuary is an equal opportunities employer.

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.