Senior Veterinary Practitioner – Small Animal  

Animal Care Vets, Douglas, Cork 

Full-time or Part-time  

Fixed Term Contract  

Salary up to €90,000 DOE FTE

Welcome Bonus up to €5,000 

A Standout Opportunity for Experienced Vets Ready to Lead by Example 

Animal Care Vets is a well-known, highly regarded small animal practice in Douglas, Cork, and we’re now looking to welcome an experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon to our established team. 

This role is ideal for a confident, capable clinician who enjoys first-opinion practice, takes pride in high clinical standards, and wants to play a key role in shaping how a busy, successful practice delivers care - without stepping away from hands-on clinical work. 

Whether your passion lies in surgery, internal medicine, exotics, or developing clinical standards across a team, this position can be tailored to suit your professional interests while keeping you firmly grounded in day-to-day veterinary medicine. 

The Role – Clinical Focus With Real Influence 

As a Senior Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll be a trusted clinical lead within the practice, supporting colleagues, helping to guide standards, and acting as a point of reference for complex cases - all while maintaining your own varied and engaging caseload. 

You’ll be confident managing first-opinion consultations and soft tissue surgery, comfortable with sole charge when required, and happy to support and influence the wider team through collaboration rather than hierarchy. This is very much a “lead from the floor” role, designed for experienced vets who want responsibility and respect, without excessive administrative burden. 

This position is not suited to new graduates or those requiring close daily supervision. We’re looking for someone who enjoys autonomy, responsibility, and being relied upon. 

Working Pattern – Flexibility Without Compromise 

The role is available on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time hours are 40 per week, with weekday shifts between 8am and 7pm and one in four Saturday mornings (9am–2pm). There is no out-of-hours, no overnight work, and no Sunday commitments. 

For part-time applicants, we’re very open to discussing a tailored working pattern that supports both your lifestyle and team continuity. Bespoke arrangements can be considered for the right person. 

A Practice Built on Standards and Support 

Animal Care Vets is a modern, purpose-driven companion animal practice with an excellent reputation and a loyal, engaged client base. Located in an affluent area, the practice allows you the time and resources to work cases up properly and deliver gold-standard care without constant time pressure. 

Facilities include digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, and access to a visiting referral ultrasound specialist. You’ll be supported by a friendly, experienced team of three vets, two nurses, an ACA, a Practice Manager and a dedicated receptionist, all working together in a calm, well-organised environment. 

We’re proud to be Ireland’s first Fear Free–certified practice, with a strong focus on low-stress handling and positive patient experiences. Ongoing development is actively encouraged, and several team members are currently pursuing further qualifications. 

Living in Douglas, Cork 

Douglas is a thriving, family-friendly suburb just minutes from Cork City. With excellent schools, cafés, coastal walks, green spaces and easy access to the city centre, it offers an exceptional quality of life – whether you’re relocating or already based nearby. 

About You 

You’ll be a VCI-registered Veterinary Surgeon with solid post-graduate experience in small animal practice. You’ll be confident in first-opinion work, including routine soft tissue surgery, and comfortable supporting colleagues through your experience and judgement. 

Strong communication skills, professionalism, and a collaborative approach are essential. You’ll take pride in your clinical work and enjoy contributing to a positive, high-functioning team environment. 

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 entitlement 

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 

Paid Bereavement Leave 

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 

Professional Memberships 

VCI membership paid 

VDS cover paid 

Additional Benefits 

Annual Pay Reviews 

Dedicated CARE fund – annual contribution of €1,100 from IVC Evidensia for each Vet to use on a case of your choice to ensure successful outcome with your patient (T&Cs apply) 

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) 

Join a Practice That Respects Experience 

If you’re an experienced Small Animal Vet looking to join a respected, well-run practice where your skills are valued, your interests supported, and your work-life balance protected, we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply today and discover why Animal Care Vets is a place where senior clinicians thrive – clinically, professionally and personally.