Job Description

Equine Veterinary Surgeon – Thoroughbred Practice
Curragh of Kildare, Ireland

• Elite Thoroughbred caseload – Exposure to all aspects of professional Thoroughbred racing, breeding, sales and racecourse work within a dedicated equine-only hospital
• Outstanding facilities and support – Fully equipped hospital with advanced surgical, diagnostic and laboratory services, backed by a large, experienced clinical team
• Structured yet balanced rotaS – Clearly defined on-call patterns with higher intensity during the spring season and significantly quieter periods outside of it
• Strong development and rewards package – Excellent salary progression, generous CPD allowance, paid professional fees and opportunities to develop autonomy or reproductive expertise

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Equine Veterinary Surgeon to join a long-established, independent equine hospital located in the heart of the Curragh of Kildare, one of Ireland’s most iconic Thoroughbred regions.

Established over 40 years ago, this respected, medium-sized equine hospital is entirely dedicated to professional and racing Thoroughbreds. The practice delivers a full-service hospital and ambulatory offering, with a caseload spanning all aspects of Thoroughbred Racing, Breeding, Racecourse and Sales work. This is a practice deeply embedded in the Thoroughbred industry, working with racing horses, broodmares and youngstock at the highest professional level.

The hospital is exceptionally well equipped, featuring an in-house laboratory carrying out CEM testing for Thoroughbred breeding, lung wash cytology and blood gas analysis. Surgical facilities cover Orthopaedic, Respiratory, Reproductive/Urogenital, Dental and Abdominal services, providing a stimulating and varied clinical environment.

The team currently consists of approximately 42 staff, including surgeons, medics, a strong intern cohort and a large ambulatory team, fostering a collaborative and supportive workplace. Both experienced veterinary surgeons and newer graduates are encouraged to apply.

The Role

• General associate or assistant role within a professional Thoroughbred-only practice
• Significant involvement in ambulatory and hospital work
• Extensive PVP checking for shipment
• Interest or experience in Thoroughbred reproduction is highly advantageous
• Opportunity to develop autonomy and special interests over time

Work Pattern

• Spring Thoroughbred season (February – May):
o On-call rota of 1 in 3 with two vets on duty
• Off-season:
o Reduced on-call rota of approximately 1 in 5–6
• Five-day working week
• Weekend and out-of-hours on-call rota shared fairly across the team
• Quieter workload outside of the main breeding and racing season

Salary & Benefits

• €45,000 post-internship
• €45,000–€65,000 for experienced vets
• €65,000+ for vets seeking greater autonomy
• €80,000–€85,000 for vets with strong Thoroughbred reproduction experience
• €2,500 CPD allowance plus dedicated CPD days
• Company pension scheme
• Professional membership fees paid, including VCI and IEVA
• Work vehicle provided if required or mileage allowance

Requirements

• Registered or eligible for registration with the Veterinary Council of Ireland
• Eligible to work in Ireland

This role offers an outstanding opportunity to join a highly regarded Thoroughbred hospital, gain exposure to elite-level equine practice and build a rewarding long-term career in one of Ireland’s most prestigious equine locations.Th

For more information or for a confidential chat, please contact Lorna on +441904 570056 or email l.vasey@purovets.com

To view all our vacancies, please visit https://purovets.com/veterinary-jobs/

And don't forget, if this position is of no interest to you but you know someone who may be interested, please pass on our details. We offer €300* for every successful candidate referral. *Terms and conditions apply.

Ref no: JOB-56358