Veterinary Surgeon - Mixed Practice

Kernow Vet Group; Ireland; On-site; EUR 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Ireland is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon for a full-time permanent role. The position offers a mix of small and large animal work in a supportive environment. Candidates at all stages of their careers are welcome to apply, provided they are VCI registered or eligible. The role includes a competitive salary of up to €60,000 and various benefits including enhanced annual leave, maternity/paternity leave, and a CPD allowance. Join a dedicated team and enjoy a balanced work-life experience.

Benefits

Enhanced Annual Leave

Birthday Leave

Paid Maternity Leave

Paid Paternity Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Company Sick Pay

CPD allowance of €1300

VDS cover paid

Employer Pension Contributions

Qualifications

• Experience in mixed practice is advantageous but not essential.
• A full, clean driving license is essential due to farm calls.
• Must be capable of handling small and large animal work.

Responsibilities

• Work 40 hours across five days, Monday to Friday.
• Participate in a shared 1-in-5 weekend rota for out-of-hours.
• Engage in consultations, surgery, farm visits, TB testing.

Skills

Team-focused

Approachable

Comfortable with mixed caseloads

Motivated and keen to learn

Education

VCI registration or eligibility

Job description

O'Dowd Veterinary, Ardee Hospital, Ardee

Full-time, Permanent | Salary up to €60,000 DOE

A True Mixed Role, With Real Support

O’Dowd Veterinary Hospital is a long-established, progressive mixed practice in County Louth, and we’re looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, close-knit team. This is a genuine mixed role with an even split between small and large animal work, ideal for vets who enjoy variety, continuity of care, and being part of a supportive rural-community practice.

Whether you’re a confident mixed practitioner or a junior vet keen to build experience with the right backup around you, we’re open to conversations. What matters most to us is your attitude, your commitment to good medicine, and your willingness to be part of a team.

What Your Working Week Looks Like

This is a full-time role, working 40 hours across five days, Monday to Friday (9am–6pm). The caseload is approximately 50% small animal and 50% large animal, including consultations, surgery, farm visits, TB testing, and medical work-ups.

Out-of-hours is shared fairly on a 1-in-5 weekend rota, with time off in lieu provided. Bank holidays are also shared across the team. You’ll never feel like you’re carrying the load alone - support is always available.

A full, clean driving license is essential for this role due to farm calls and OOH responsibilities.

A Practice That Invests in Its People

O’Dowd Veterinary is a modern, purpose-built hospital just off the M1, making it easily accessible from both Dublin and Belfast. Our facilities include digital radiography, ultrasound for both small and large animals, a fully equipped dental suite, and in-house IDEXX laboratory equipment.

You’ll be joining a well-established team of seven veterinary surgeons (including three Clinical Directors), six veterinary nurses, experienced admin staff - and even a resident cat. We pride ourselves on being a genuinely supportive workplace, with a strong culture of teamwork, mentoring, and clinical discussion. We’re also closely involved with local charities and host an annual charity event, reflecting our strong community roots.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from vets at all stages of their career. Experience in mixed practice is an advantage, but not essential - support and training can be provided for junior clinicians who are motivated and keen to learn. You’ll need to be VCI registered (or eligible), comfortable working across both small and large animal caseloads, and hold a valid driving license.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone approachable, team-focused, and proud of the work they do.

Why Join O’Dowd Veterinary?

This is a role where you’ll be trusted, supported, and encouraged to grow. You’ll have the chance to develop your skills across both disciplines, work cases up to a high standard, and enjoy a sustainable work–life balance in a practice that values its people as much as its patients.

Benefits – Subject to Pro Rata

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our staff, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

Work Life Balance

• Enhanced Annual Leave entitlements
• Birthday Leave (paid day off on your birthday)

Focus on Employee Wellbeing

• Paid Maternity Leave Package
• Paid Paternity Leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Full access to EAP and Wellbeing Centre
• Company Sick Pay

Development

• €1300 annual CPD allowance with 5 days paid CPD days pro rata
• Funding of any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue
• Career Progression Opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical
• Care Fund – Annual contribution of €1,100 to use on a case of your choice to ensure a successful outcome with your patient

Professional Memberships

• VCI membership paid
• VDS cover paid

Additional Benefits

• Annual Pay Reviews
• Pawesome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Employer Pension Contributions
• Free Flu Inoculations
• Discounted Veterinary Fees
• Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurses Committee, Clinical Board and many more)

We are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Shonagh Dawson from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.