Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal – FTC

Vetcare Athy, Co. Kildare

Full-time, Fixed Term Contract (minimum 6 months)

Salary up to €70,000 DOE (FTE)

Start date from May 2026 (flexible)

An Experienced GP Role in a Flagship Practice

Vetcare Athy is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced small animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our established team on a maternity cover basis. This is a minimum six-month fixed-term contract, ideal for a confident GP vet who enjoys a varied caseload, high clinical standards and working alongside experienced colleagues in a supportive, well-equipped environment.

While this role is offered as maternity cover, it also presents the opportunity to build strong relationships within the wider Vetcare and IVC Evidensia group, with potential for future progression or extended opportunities depending on business needs and mutual fit.

The Role

This is a full-time position working 42 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, with a 1-in-4 Saturday rota (9:00am to 3:00pm). There is a protected lunch break from 1:00pm to 2:00pm everyday.

You’ll be managing a varied first-opinion small animal caseload, with a mix of medical, surgical and dental work. The role requires confidence in general practice, including soft tissue surgery and periods of sole charge. There are no out-of-hours duties, no Sundays and no bank holiday work, allowing for a healthy and predictable work–life balance.

Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach are essential, as you’ll be working closely with both clinical and nursing colleagues.

A Flagship Practice With Referral Exposure

Vetcare Athy is the flagship and referral hub of the Vetcare group, supporting sister practices in Carlow, Rathcoole and Portlaoise. While remaining a first-opinion practice, Athy also handles more complex procedures, second opinions and detailed case work-ups, offering excellent clinical exposure and learning opportunities.

The practice is fully equipped with digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, IDEXX blood analysers and a well-resourced in-house laboratory. Referral services include orthopaedics, advanced ultrasound (cardiac and abdominal) and soft tissue surgery.

You’ll be joining a friendly, experienced team of four Veterinary Surgeons and four RVNs, in an environment that values teamwork, case discussion and high standards of patient care.

Who This Role Will Suit

This position is suited to an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who is confident in first-opinion small animal practice, including routine and more complex medical, surgical and dental cases. You must be VCI-registered and comfortable working independently when required.

This role is not suitable for new graduates or those requiring ongoing day-to-day mentorship, but is open to vets with varying interests and clinical strengths who enjoy GP work and contributing to a wider team.

We are also open to discussing part-time or flexible working arrangements for highly experienced candidates seeking improved work–life balance or managing commitments outside of work.

Part of the Vetcare Group

As part of the wider Vetcare group, you’ll benefit from the stability and resources of an established organisation while retaining the close-knit feel of a local practice. We place strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, clinical autonomy and creating a positive, supportive working environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.

Rewarding You Properly

In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll receive a comprehensive benefits package (subject to pro-rata) designed to support your wellbeing, professional development and long-term career.

You’ll benefit from generous annual leave including birthday leave, enhanced family-friendly policies, company sick pay, wellbeing supports and a strong focus on work–life balance. Professional development is actively encouraged, with a CPD allowance, paid CPD days and funding support for further qualifications.

Professional memberships are covered, and additional benefits include annual pay reviews, pension contributions, a dedicated CARE fund for patient cases, lifestyle discounts, free flu vaccinations and discounted veterinary care for your own pets across the IVC Evidensia network.

Interested?

If you’re an experienced GP vet looking for a high-quality maternity cover role within a respected flagship practice, with the potential to grow within a wider group, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Vetcare Athy and be part of a team where clinical standards, collaboration and wellbeing genuinely matter.

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€0 - €70,000 a year

Up to €70,000 DOE (FTE)

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Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - FTC

Benefits

Job Description