Old Church Vets, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal
Start Your Career in a Practice That Truly Supports You
Looking for a role where you can build confidence, develop your skills, and feel genuinely supported from day one?
Old Church Vets is offering an exciting opportunity for a graduate or junior veterinary surgeon to join our well-established mixed practice team. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, collaboration, and hands‑on learning, this is the ideal environment to grow into a confident and capable mixed practitioner.
A Role Designed for Learning & Progression
You’ll gain experience across a true mixed caseload, including small animal consultations and surgery — the majority of day‑to‑day work — alongside farm work (primarily suckler/beef and sheep) and a small amount of equine.
From your very first day, you’ll be supported to develop practical skills, clinical reasoning, and independence at the right pace. Whether you’re assisting or leading, there will always be guidance available when you need it.
You’ll be joining a welcoming team of 8 vets, 5 RVNs, and a dedicated support team, all working in a genuinely collaborative environment.
We pride ourselves on being a place where questions are encouraged, support is always available, and learning never stops. This is a team that understands what early‑career vets need and actively creates the space for you to succeed.
Exposure to Excellent Facilities & Varied Caseload
Our main hospital in Donegal Town is a beautifully converted 19th‑century church, fully equipped with modern veterinary facilities including a full IDEXX lab, ultrasound, digital X‑ray, endoscopy, and orthopaedic capabilities.
With a varied caseload and strong in‑house capabilities, you’ll have the chance to see cases through, build experience, and develop your clinical interests.
A Structured Rota with Real Support
We understand the importance of balance, particularly early in your career. You’ll work a structured rota with a supportive on‑call system, ensuring you’re never left feeling out of your depth.
Out‑of‑hours is shared across the team, with guidance always available, helping you build confidence in emergency and farm work gradually.
Based in Donegal, you’ll have access to some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery — from rugged coastlines to vibrant local communities. It’s the perfect setting if you enjoy outdoor living, a slower pace, and a strong sense of community.
Who This Role Is Perfect For
This role is tailored specifically for new graduates or junior vets who:
Are VCI registered
Have a genuine interest in mixed practice
Are eager to learn and develop across species
Enjoy working as part of a supportive, team‑focused environment
Have a positive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to get involved (experience is a plus, but not required)
A Benefits Package That Supports You
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from a package designed to support both your professional growth and personal wellbeing:
22 days annual leave (plus birthday leave)
Paid maternity, paternity & adoptive leave packages
Cycle‑to‑work scheme
Full access to EAP and Wellbeing Centre
Paid bereavement leave & company sick pay
Development
€1,300 annual CPD allowance with 5 days paid CPD days pro rata
Funding of any certificates, diplomas, or PhDs 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 (T&C’s 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)
Build Your Career with Confidence
At Old Church Vets, you won’t just be another junior — you’ll be part of a team invested in your future.
If you’re looking for your first role (or next step) in a mixed practice where you can learn, grow, and feel supported every step of the way, we’d love to hear from you.
Old Church Vets, Ballyshannon
The Mall, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, F94 CR68, Ireland
At IVC Evidensia we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging. We are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. 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.
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