The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.
We have an excellent opportunity for a welfare-driven Veterinary Surgeon to join our highly experienced team of 10 Veterinary Surgeons and 6 RVNs based at our fully equipped equine hospital in Honiton, Devon.
This role offers:
A truly varied workload, encompassing routine and emergency clinical work alongside veterinary education, research, equine welfare, and behaviour.
Exceptional clinical support, with a strong focus on professional development and clinical governance.
Collaborative working across multiple departments and disciplines to improve the lives of donkeys every day.
Excellent hospital facilities, including a surgical theatre and designated dental and clinical examination areas complete with stocks, as well as intensive care facilities.
An onsite Veterinary and Pathology Laboratory, equipped with PCR, haematology and biochemistry analysis, FWEC analysis, and post-mortem examination facilities.
About you:
Veterinary degree with MRCVS.
Experience in equine practice.
An interest in all aspects of Donkey medicine.
A welfare driven attitude to veterinary medicine.
Knowledge of herd health programmes.
UK full current valid driving licence.
About the role:
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include -
Undertaking routine and emergency clinical care of animals resident at The Donkey Sanctuary (within the Guidelines to Professional conduct as issued by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, including CPD of 35 hours per year.
Monitoring the health and advising on the management of animals resident at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Supporting the diagnostic work up and treatment of more complex clinical cases.
Maintaining effective communication within the Veterinary Department, Welfare team, holding bases and Donkey Assisted Activities Centres in relation to donkey health and welfare.
Visiting and assessing the health and welfare of donkeys in holding bases, DAA centres, hospice homes and sanctuaries in the UK and Europe.
Providing advice and education on donkey health and welfare to Vets, paraprofessionals, students and owners.
Supporting and assisting in the training of visitors to the Veterinary Department.
The contract:
This is a full time, permanent contract to start as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, core hours 08.30 - 16.30, Monday - Friday plus evening and weekend on-call duties as part of the on-call duty rota.
Benefits:
Competitive pension.
Life assurance.
31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service. Pro rata for part time working.
Wellbeing team.
Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
Long service awards.
Healthshield Plan -
Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.
Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.
Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.
Free parking.
Subsidised restaurant and shop on main site.
If this role interests you or you'd like to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in contact via email at
[email protected] or via telephone on 01395 579162.
Closing date for completed applications: Thursday 10 September 2026.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.
The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.
Before submitting your application, please ensure you read our candidate journey page, in particular our FAQs section – https://jobs.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/jobs/candidate-journey/
