O'Dowd Veterinary, Ardee Hospital, Ardee
Full-time, Permanent | Salary up to €65,000 DOE
A Genuine Mixed Role for Confident Practitioners
O’Dowd Veterinary Hospital is a long-established, progressive mixed practice in County Louth, and we’re seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our close‑knit and collaborative team.
This role is not suitable for new graduates. We’re looking for a vet with at least a couple years’ experience in practice, ideally with exposure to mixed caseloads, who is comfortable working independently while valuing clinical discussion and team support.
The position offers a true 50:50 split between small and large animal work, appealing to practitioners who enjoy variety, continuity of care, and autonomy within a well‑supported rural community practice.
The Role
This is a full‑time position working 40 hours across five days, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm. The workload is evenly split between small and large animal duties and includes consultations, surgery, farm visits, TB testing, and medical work‑ups.
Out‑of‑hours is shared fairly on a one‑in‑four weekend rota, with time off in lieu provided. Bank holidays are also shared across the team. There is always backup available, and no one is expected to manage complex situations in isolation.
A full, clean driving licence is essential due to farm calls and out‑of‑hours responsibilities.
Facilities & Team
O’Dowd Veterinary Hospital is a modern, purpose‑built hospital located just off the M1, making it easily accessible from both Dublin and Belfast. The practice is well‑equipped with digital radiography, ultrasound for both small and large animals, a fully equipped dental suite, and in‑house IDEXX laboratory facilities.
You will be joining an established team of seven Veterinary Surgeons, including three Clinical Directors, supported by six experienced Veterinary Nurses and a dedicated administration team. The practice culture is supportive and collegial, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, open clinical discussion, and maintaining high but realistic clinical standards.
We have strong ties to the local community, work closely with local charities, and host an annual charity event each year.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a VCI‑registered Veterinary Surgeon with a couple years of experience in clinical practice. Previous experience in mixed practice is preferred, and candidates should be comfortable working across both small and large animal caseloads.
You will be approachable, team‑focused, and committed to delivering good medicine while contributing positively to the wider practice culture.
Why Join O’Dowd Veterinary?
This is a role where you’ll be trusted, supported, and encouraged to grow. You’ll have the chance to develop your skills across both disciplines, work cases up to a high standard, and enjoy a sustainable work‑life balance in a practice that values its people as much as its patients.
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 entitlements
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
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
Care Fund – Annual contribution of €1,100 to use on a case of your choice to ensure a successful outcome with your patient
Professional Memberships
VCI membership paid
VDS cover paid
Additional Benefits
Annual Pay Reviews
Pawesome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
Employer Pension ContributionsFree Flu Inoculations
Discounted Veterinary Fees
Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurses Committee, Clinical Board and many more)
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.
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