Honiton
United Kingdom
Equine Operations
Permanent
Full Time
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 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, permanent contract to start as soon as possible, 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.
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: Thursday 10 September 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), 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.
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Veterinary Surgeon (2286) in Honiton employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
Join a leading charity in East Devon as a Compliance Administrator, where you will thrive in a supportive and flexible work environment that values your contributions. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including 31 days of holiday and access to wellness classes, this role offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth while making a positive impact on animal welfare globally. Embrace the chance to be part of a dedicated team committed to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and promoting a culture of inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon (2286) in Honiton
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like The Donkey Sanctuary often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at The Donkey Sanctuary. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at The Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at The Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at The Donkey Sanctuary.
