Veterinary Practitioner – Mixed Practice
Oaklawns Veterinary Surgery | County Carlow
Full-time or Part-time | Fixed Term Contract (12 months minimum)
Start date: July / August 2026 – flexible
Salary up to €70,000 DOE (FTE)
A Rare Opportunity in the Heart of County Carlow
Opportunities like this don’t come up often at Oaklawns. When they do, they’re worth paying attention to. We’re looking for a capable, motivated Mixed Veterinary Practitioner to join our long-established and highly regarded practice in beautiful County Carlow. This is a genuine chance to step into a well-run clinic with a loyal client base, a supportive team, and the space to practise good veterinary medicine properly.
Whether you’re seeking a full-time role or something more flexible, we’re open to a conversation. What matters most to us is finding the right person to complement our team.
About Oaklawns Veterinary Surgery
Oaklawns Veterinary Surgery is a thriving, first-opinion mixed practice located just five minutes from Carlow town centre, with excellent access to the main road networks connecting Dublin and Waterford. We’re proud to be part of the local community and equally proud of the standard of care we provide.
The practice has grown steadily over the years, with particularly strong momentum on the small animal side, while maintaining a varied and rewarding mixed caseload. You’ll be joining a close-knit, experienced team of five Veterinary Surgeons, three Veterinary Nurses and three Support Staff, all of whom work collaboratively and support one another day to day.
Our facilities are modern, practical and well maintained, including digital X-ray, ultrasound, dental equipment, gas anaesthesia, in-house haematology and biochemistry, microscopy and more: everything you need to work cases up properly and confidently.
The Role & Working Pattern
This is a Monday to Friday role, with shifts rota’d in advance between 8.00am and 6.30pm, offering structure and predictability. A half-day Wednesday is built into the rota for the week following your on-call weekend.
The on-call rota is fair, well shared and realistic, consisting of one midweek night on call and one weekend in five, including bank holidays. This structure allows for proper rest, balance and sustainability alongside the clinical variety that mixed practice offers.
You’ll have the autonomy to use your skills, the support of a strong team, and the opportunity to shape your role based on your experience and interests.
Who This Role Will Suit
We’re looking for a VCI-registered Veterinary Practitioner with experience in mixed practice, who is comfortable with sole charge and on-call responsibilities. You’ll be a confident communicator, enjoy building long-term relationships with clients and colleagues, and take pride in delivering high-quality, practical veterinary care.
While experience is preferred, we would consider supporting a more junior vet with the right mindset, clinical foundation and work ethic. A full driving licence is essential due to the on-call element of the role.
Rewarding You Properly
We believe great vets deserve to be supported, recognised and rewarded.
Alongside a competitive salary of up to €70,000 DOE, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive package designed to support your career, wellbeing and life outside work. This includes:
Work Life Balance
22 days Annual Leave Birthday Leave (paid day off on your birthday)
Focus on Employee Wellbeing
Paid Maternity Leave Package Paid Paternity Leave Cycle to Work Scheme Full access to EAP and Wellbeing Centre Paid Bereavement Leave Company Sick Pay
Development
€1300 annual CPD allowance with 5 days paid CPD days pro rata Funding of any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue Career Progression Opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical Care Fund – Annual contribution of €1,100 to use on a case of your choice to ensure a successful outcome with your patient
Professional Memberships
VCI membership paid VDS cover paid
Additional Benefits
Annual Pay Reviews Pawesome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers Employer Pension Contributions Free Flu Inoculations Discounted Veterinary Fees Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurses Committee, Clinical Board and many more)
Why Carlow?
Carlow offers the best of both worlds. A welcoming town atmosphere, beautiful countryside on your doorstep, and easy access to larger cities when you need it. It’s an ideal place to settle, commute from, or enjoy a slower pace without compromising on professional opportunity.
Let’s Talk
If you’re an experienced mixed vet looking for a role that values your skills, respects your time and offers real balance - this could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Tell us what you want the next stage of your career to look like, and let’s build it together.