Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal Practice

Overview

Avenue Veterinary Hospital in Dundalk, County Louth is seeking a dedicated Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon for a full-time, permanent position. The hospital offers a salary of up to €65,000 annually, depending on experience, with possibilities for flexible working arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance.

About the Practice

This well-established, 100% small animal hospital prides itself on teamwork, excellent patient care, and clinical standards. Equipped with digital radiography, ultrasound, an in-house IDEXX biochemistry and haematology lab, a modern surgical suite, and separate dog and cat wards, the practice supports high-quality medical and surgical care.

Role Details

This role offers a rich mix of consultations, routine and advanced soft tissue surgery, diagnostics, and inpatient care, all in a first-opinion general practice setting without out-of-hours duties, Sunday, or Bank Holiday shifts. The schedule is a 40-hour week across five days, supporting a predictable routine with an emphasis on quality patient care.

Candidate Profile

Applicants must be Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) registered vets with prior experience in small animal first-opinion practice. The ability to work independently during some sole-charge weekend and evening shifts is essential; thus, the role is unsuitable for new graduates requiring ongoing supervision. A keen interest in surgery is highly valued, though not mandatory. The practice encourages clinical autonomy and professional growth, supporting varied interests such as surgery, ophthalmology, or diagnostic imaging.

Professional Development and Benefits

The practice supports career advancement through funded qualifications, an annual €1300 CPD allowance with five paid CPD days (pro rata), career progression opportunities, and clinical initiatives. Benefits include 22 days of annual leave plus paid birthday leave, paid maternity and paternity leave, a cycle-to-work scheme, sick pay, bereavement leave, and full access to an Employee Assistance Programme. Additional perks include paid membership fees (VCI and VDS), pension contributions, free flu vaccinations, discounted veterinary fees, and participation in company groups such as Wellbeing Champions and Clinical Board.

Location

Dundalk offers a vibrant community with excellent cafes, restaurants, scenic coastal areas, and proximity to Dublin and Belfast (about one hour away). It provides a quality lifestyle for those looking to combine professional and personal life.

Additional Information

The hospital fosters an open, supportive environment where collaboration, respect, and shared commitment to excellence in patient care are core values. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used to assist in the recruitment process to analyze applications, but decisions are made by human recruiters.