The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys and mules worldwide. We are working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We are achieving this by transforming the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

We have an excellent opportunity for a welfare-driven Veterinary Surgeon to join our highly experienced team of 10 Veterinary Surgeons and 6 RVNs based at our fully equipped equine hospital in Honiton, Devon.

This role offers:

• A truly varied workload, encompassing routine and emergency clinical work alongside veterinary education, research, equine welfare, and behaviour.
• Exceptional clinical support, with a strong focus on professional development and clinical governance.
• Collaborative working across multiple departments and disciplines to improve the lives of donkeys every day.
• Excellent hospital facilities, including a surgical theatre and designated dental and clinical examination areas complete with stocks, as well as intensive care facilities.
• An onsite Veterinary and Pathology Laboratory, equipped with PCR, haematology and biochemistry analysis, FWEC analysis, and post-mortem examination facilities.

About you:

• Veterinary degree with MRCVS.
• Experience in equine practice.
• An interest in all aspects of Donkey medicine.
• A welfare driven attitude to veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge 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, including CPD of 35 hours per year.
• 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 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.

The contract:

This is a full time, fixed term contract until 31 January 2027, working 37.5 hours per week, core hours 08.30 – 16.30, Monday – Friday plus evening and weekend on-call duties as part of the on-call duty 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.

If this role interests you or you’d like to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in contact via email at applications@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk or via telephone on 01395 579162.

Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 8 February 2026. 

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised date and therefore encourage early applications.

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.