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. 

These are exciting times for the charity and we have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and professional individual with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and a strong team ethic to join our dedicated Veterinary Department. As an experienced Veterinary Surgeon, you will be responsible for the clinical care of our donkeys and mules that are resident on our seven farms within a 30-mile radius of our fully equipped veterinary hospital at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton and will support the vet team with more complex cases. In addition, you will provide advice and education on donkey health and welfare to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

About you:

• Veterinary degree with MRCVS.
• Extensive experience in equine practice, with a strong track record of clinical competence and independent case management.
• Demonstrated expertise in donkey medicine, including several years of hands-on clinical involvement.
• A welfare driven attitude to veterinary medicine.
• Experience of herd health programmes.
• UK full current valid driving licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Undertaking routine and emergency clinical care of animals resident at The Donkey Sanctuary (within the Guidelines to Professional conduct as issued by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, ensuring that the recommended CPD of 105 hours over three years, with an average of 35 hours per year is achieved).
• Monitoring the health and advising on the management of animals resident at The Donkey Sanctuary.
• Supporting the diagnostic work up and treatment of more complex clinical cases.
• Maintaining effective communication within the Veterinary Department, Welfare team, holding bases and Donkey Assisted Activities (DAA) Centres in relation to donkey health and welfare.
• Visiting and assessing the health and welfare of donkeys in holding bases, DAA centres, hospice homes and sanctuaries in the UK and Europe.
• Providing advice and education on donkey health and welfare to Vets, paraprofessionals, students and owners.
• Supporting and assisting in the training of visitors to the Veterinary Department.

What we offer in return:

This is a part-time, permanent contract, working 20 hours per week, 2 full days (08.30 – 16.30), 1 part day working flexibility between (09.30 – 15.30) and on-call duties as part of a rota.

Benefits:  

Competitive pension.

Life assurance.

31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service. Pro rata for part time working.

Wellbeing team.

Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.

Long service awards.

Healthshield Plan –

• 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.

Subsidised restaurant and shop on main site.

Closing date for completed applications: Monday 25 August 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, 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.