Intern Veterinary Surgeon (£31,485 per annum) at The Donkey Sanctuary
One Yearfull time fixed term contract
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 are recruiting for two Intern Veterinary Surgeons. These internships will help new and recent graduates to become competent equine vets, whilst providing them with a superior knowledge and understanding of the different needs of donkeys. These positions are suitable for newly or recently qualified graduates who are keen to develop their equine skills. You will be primarily welfare focused and have an interest in herd health to support continual improvements in our standards of care. An enthusiasm and interest in teaching and working with students is an advantage.
We are a friendly team of 9 vets, nurses, equine dental technicians, grooms and technical and administrative staff who love our work and are passionate about donkeys and their role in the world. You will be based at our fully equipped veterinary hospital near Honiton, Devon. Vet GDP is supported and you will be appointed a mentor to assist with this.
Details:
- Initial 6 months hospital-based with daily duties including in-patient care, anaesthesia, and diagnostic imaging.
- Transition into an ambulatory 6 months looking after the sanctuary’s 2,700 donkeys across Devon and Dorset.
- Work with farriers, dental technicians and pathologists, gaining a well-rounded knowledge of donkey care and treatment.
- Opportunity to produce a mini-research project with the help of the Sanctuary’s experienced research team.
If you feel you have the qualities, skills and experience to fulfil these varied, rewarding and vital roles, and would like to be part of the evolving program of change taking place within the charity, we would love to hear from you. These are full-time, 12-month, fixed term contracts starting in September 2025 and March 2026.
For an informal discussion email Marta.ferrari@thedonkeysactuary.org.uk
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 1 April 2025.
Please note: On site accommodation (shared with the other intern) will be provided rent free (utilities will be charged).
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.