Senior Veterinary Surgeon

Location Ireland
Discipline: Small Animal Vet, Veterinary Surgeons, Clinical Director, Head Vet
Job type: Permanent
Salary: €65-€70k
Contact name: Sophie Gould

Contact email: sophie-paige@lloydandcowan.com
Job ref: 3779
Published: 1 day ago

A well-established, small animal practice on the west coast of Ireland is looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to step into a senior-level role, covering maternity leave for their Clinical Director. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident vet who enjoys clinical leadership and is ready to take the next step in their career.

The Role:
The position is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis, starting in July or August 2025. Based across two modern clinics near Galway, this role combines clinical work with the chance to influence day-to-day operations and lead a supportive, tight-knit team.

Key Details:

  • €65,000-70,000 salary

  • 40-hour working week

  • 1 in 4 Saturdays

  • 2 on-call nights per month

  • 5–6 weekends per year (including 1 bank holiday)

Why This Role Stands Out:

  • Step into a senior clinical role without the long-term pressure of a permanent CD post
  • Lead an experienced, welcoming team and maintain high clinical standards
  • Enjoy the support of a well-resourced veterinary group while maintaining local practice autonomy
  • Clinics are modern, purpose-built, and equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, IDEXX lab suite, and more
  • Practice is set just outside Galway, offering the perfect mix of city access and coastal living

Who They're Looking For:

  • VCI-registered (or eligible) Veterinary Surgeon

  • A minimum of 3–4 years' small animal experience

  • Confident with general surgery and internal medicine

  • Comfortable in sole-charge and decision-making

  • A natural team player with a supportive leadership style

  • Someone ready to shape clinical standards and support team growth during the maternity leave period

Benefits Include:

  • €1,300 CPD allowance + 5 CPD days
  • Certificate support
  • VCI & VDS fees paid
  • 22 days holiday + birthday leave
  • Enhanced parental leave, sick pay & bereavement leave
  • And more! 

Interested? This is an excellent opportunity to take on a senior-level post with real influence in a well-run practice, backed by a leading veterinary group. A chance to enjoy career progression, clinical variety, and work-life balance — all in one of Ireland’s most scenic locations.

For more information or a confidential chat, get in touch or send your CV to sophie@lloydandcowan.com.