Discover the next step in your career
We're seeking an experienced, motivated, and forward-thinking Equine Veterinary Surgeon to join our dedicated team at Clare Veterinary Group in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland. This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside Andrew Healy, who has been leading our equine services for over 25 years, as we continue to expand and enhance the care we provide.
You'll play a key role in shaping the future of Clare Equine Vets, developing and growing our services to meet the needs of our varied client base, from happy hackers to competitive sport horses. The position offers an excellent balance of autonomy, clinical freedom, and teamwork, with access to modern facilities and equipment for ambulatory work.
We're looking for someone who can collaborate closely with Andrew, contribute fresh ideas, and help drive the practice forward. An interest in lameness, dentistry, or gastroscopy would be highly desirable. Your day-to-day will be varied, encompassing ambulatory visits, clinical case management, and client consultations, with plenty of scope to develop your role around your own professional strengths and ambitions.
Flexibility that fits your lifestyle
We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We offer flexible rota patterns and working hours to accommodate your personal needs and priorities. Whether you prefer fixed or flexible work patterns, we are committed to finding the right solution for you.
Ideally, we're seeking a full-time candidate working 40 hours per week, however, we're happy to offer flexibility for the right person. To support you in the role, we'll provide you with a laptop and phone, along with the use of a company car, and a relocation allowance of up to £5,000 is available for those moving to the area. Competitive salary dependent on experience.
Find a place to excel
Clare Veterinary Group is a long-established, progressive, and proudly RCVS-accredited practice based in Ballyclare, County Antrim. Being just a short drive from Belfast and the Glens of Antrim it has excellent transport links to local airports and ferry ports. We're a multi-disciplinary, 22-vet team providing exceptional Small Animal, Large Animal, and Equine care across our main hospital in Ballyclare and branch practices in Whiteabbey, Cavehill, and Carrickfergus. Our hospital holds RCVS Hospital Status for Small Animals and General Practice recognition for both Large Animal and Equine services, and we were proud to be named Vet Practice of the Year in 2024.
Our purpose-built hospital is designed to support high clinical standards and team wellbeing. You'll find 4 consulting rooms, 2 theatres, an X-ray room, a dedicated dental suite, separate cat and dog wards, an isolation unit, and even a comfortable staff room (complete with a well-stocked biscuit tin). We're fully equipped with digital X-ray, dental X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, an in-house lab, and anaesthetic monitoring including capnography. For equine work, we offer access to modern ambulatory facilities and a broad range of diagnostic equipment.
Meet like-minded professionals
At Clare Vet Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do. You'll join a friendly, collaborative team of vets, 10 RVNs, 5 SVNs, 4 clinical support staff, and a welcoming 18-strong reception and admin team. Our clinicians include several certificate holders in Surgery and ECC, alongside visiting specialists in cardiology and rehabilitation. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of learning, mentorship, and professional growth, with full support for CPD, certificate study, and hands-on development.
Beyond clinical excellence, we value team spirit and community connection. Whether it's taking on challenges like the Derry 5K Tough Mudder, supporting charities such as Guide Dogs and the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, or simply enjoying team events, there's a genuine sense of pride and camaraderie here.
Located in the heart of Ballyclare, our practice benefits from a welcoming small-town atmosphere with beautiful countryside, historic charm, and easy access to Belfast's vibrant culture and amenities. With the stunning Glens of Antrim and Northern Ireland's coast nearby, it's the perfect blend of professional opportunity, supportive community, and exceptional quality of life.
Because Our People Matter
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from –
Work-life balance
*7 weeks annual leave
*Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
Wellbeing
*Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
*Private Medical Insurance
*Cycle to Work scheme
*Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
*Non-accidental injury support
Development
*£1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
*Certificate support
*Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
*Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
*All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
*Infection Prevention and Control Programme
*Quality Improvement Programme
Professional Memberships
*VDS cover
*RCVS fees
*AVSPNI/NIVA
Additional
*Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers
*Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer
*Discounted staff pet care