At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide nursing care for donkeys and assist with medical procedures.
- Company: The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days holiday, health benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys while developing your veterinary skills.
- Qualifications: RCVS qualified nurse with excellent communication and team skills.
The predicted salary is between 31181 - 31181 £ per year.
Salary: £31,181 per annum
Location: Honiton, United Kingdom – Equine Operations (Brookfield Farm)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract, Full Time, 37.5 hours per week. Working 08:00‑16:30 Monday‑Friday, with evening and weekend on‑call duty. Duration until 2 August 2027.
The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organization that cares for donkeys worldwide. The veterinary department at Brookfield Farm is fully equipped and serves donkeys and mules on seven farms within a 30‑mile radius of Honiton.
About You
- RCVS qualified nurse
- Experience delivering high‑standard care
- General equine experience beneficial
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Competent IT skills
- Ability to make good decisions under pressure and meet deadlines
- Flexible and a true team player
- Full, valid UK driving licence
About The Role
- Provide nursing care for hospitalised patients
- Monitor animals under treatment and liaise with farm staff on health and treatment status
- Assist vets with medical and surgical procedures: preparing patients, calculating drug doses, monitoring anaesthesia and recovery
- Carry out medical procedures such as blood sampling, dung sampling, IV fluid therapy and other herd‑health treatments
- Take and process diagnostic X‑rays in compliance with Health & Safety regulations
- Provide nursing care in accordance with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons guidelines, ensuring CPD of 45 hours over three years (average 15 hours per year)
- Upload in‑patient and surgery notes onto the animal management database
What We Offer In Return
- Full‑time, fixed‑term contract starting immediately until 2 August 2027. Working hours 08:00‑16:30, Monday‑Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with additional on‑call duty during evenings and weekends.
- Benefits:
- Competitive pension scheme
- Life assurance
- 31 days holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 34 days annually; pro rata
- Wellbeing team
- Recorded Pilates classes
- Long‑service awards
- Healthshield plan: Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to specified limits per membership
- Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment
- Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service
- Free parking
- Subsidised restaurant and shop on-site
Closing date for completed applications: Monday 3 August 2026.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer. The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults). All staff and volunteers are required to undertake safe recruitment processes, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check where necessary. The sanctuary also participates in the Inter‑Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
Veterinary Nurse in Honiton employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity for Groundworkers at our Weston farm location. With a strong commitment to animal welfare, we foster a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional growth, providing employees with training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys worldwide. Join us in a role where your skills will contribute to vital projects while enjoying a competitive salary and the satisfaction of working for a charity dedicated to improving animal welfare.
