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- Tasks: Provide clinical care and support for donkeys, ensuring their health and welfare.
- Company: The Donkey Sanctuary, a leading organisation dedicated to donkey welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive pension, 31 days holiday, wellbeing initiatives, and discounts on shopping.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys while developing your veterinary skills.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree with MRCVS and experience in equine practice.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Honiton
United Kingdom
Equine Operations
Permanent
Full Time
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.
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 contract, 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. Please note this was initially advertised as fixed term until January 2027 but is now available as a permanent position.
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: 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 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.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.
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Veterinary Surgeon employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
Contact Detail:
The Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend industry events, and connect with people in the donkey welfare community. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your clinical cases, any training you've done, and your experience with donkeys. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your passion for donkey health and welfare.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role at The Donkey Sanctuary and be ready to discuss your approach to complex cases.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in donkey welfare.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare: When writing your application, let your love for donkeys and animal welfare shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in the role and how it aligns with our mission at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any experience you have in equine practice or donkey medicine. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate clinical competence and independent case management, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to customise your application to fit the job description. Mention specific duties from the role that excite you and how your background makes you a great fit for our Veterinary Department.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Know Your Donkeys
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of donkey health and welfare. Familiarise yourself with common health issues and treatments specific to donkeys, as well as the latest research in donkey medicine. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to their care.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information to different audiences. Whether it's educating owners or collaborating with colleagues, demonstrating your interpersonal skills will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Clinical Competence
Be ready to discuss your clinical experience, especially in equine practice. Prepare to share specific cases where you managed independent treatment plans, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to handle emergencies.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Veterinary Department's approach to donkey welfare and the challenges they face. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.
