Independent mixed practice in beautiful North Antrim Veterinary surgeon required to join our friendly, progressive 9 vet team (plus 2 TB testers) with an expanding small animal and farm animal caseload.
We offer:
– An attractive salary package with private health insurance.
– Car and accommodation provided if required.
– CPD encouraged and paid for.
– OOH rota is equally shared with excellent back up and support always available.
– RCVS and VDS fees paid plus membership of AVSPNI.
For further information about our practice please see our website: www.riadavets.com or visit our Facebook page.
If you would like to join our great team of vets and support staff please forward CV to: [email protected] or if you want to discuss any details further please ring (028) 27663126 or 07734166379.
Registered Veterinary Nurse – Small Animal
Millburn Vets – Coleraine
Millburn Vets is a friendly, single-site practice located in the heart of Coleraine, where we primarily care for dogs, cats, and small furries. Our modern facility features three consulting rooms, dedicated cat and dog wards, two separate day procedure areas, a prep room, an operating room, and an imaging room – all designed to provide the highest standard of care.
Our talented nursing team takes pride in running their own consultations, offering services such as general health checks, weight clinics, laser therapy, physiotherapy, nail trims, and gland care. They also play a key role in supporting our vets with surgeries, which are typically routine, with advanced orthopedic or imaging cases referred as needed.
At Millburn Vets, we’re passionate about giving back to the community. We regularly collaborate with local charities, including Air Ambulance and the Doddie Aid Challenge, as part of our commitment to making a positive impact.
About us
Our close-knit team is made up of 5 dedicated vets, 4 skilled RVNs, and 4 committed support staff members. We are passionate about fostering professional growth and actively encourage our team to pursue CPD opportunities. If you’re interested in furthering your expertise, we’re proud to support those looking to undertake certificates and develop their careers in areas they’re passionate about.
Fix or flex – work life balance that works for you
38 hours a week including 1 in 5 Saturday mornings. Day shifts with 1 in 11 on-call, and 1 in 10 weekends on-call. Salary up to £28,000 DOE
To apply contact [email protected]
RVN – Maternity Cover
Foyleview Veterinary Clinic are looking for an RVN to join us in our independent small animal practice, located in Newbuildings, Co Londonderry, for maternity cover starting May 2025.
We are a 1st opinion practice seeing a wide and varied caseload of both surgical and medical cases. We have excellent, modern facilities including X-ray, dental machine, ultrasound scanner and blood machines.
We strive to provide the best patient care possible, so we need someone who is motivated, caring and enthusiastic. We are a very close-knit team, and the practice has a lovely, friendly atmosphere.
There is opportunity to develop and expand a nurse led clinic which we fully encourage.
This post is for 3 days a week and 2 Saturday mornings in 6.
If you are interested in this position, please contact Barbara on 02871 346399 or send us your CV to [email protected]
Veterinary Surgeon (Full-Time or Part-Time, Maternity Cover)
Braemar Veterinary Clinic, South Belfast
We are an independent, RCVS-accredited practice looking for a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Surgeon to join our close-knit team for a maternity cover position.
At Braemar Veterinary Clinic, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional patient and client care while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for our staff. Our stable and experienced team includes:
• 5 vets
• 5 qualified nurses
• Friendly and skilled receptionists and management staff
With no sole charge, you’ll have all the support you need to provide the best possible care. We have a loyal client base that values case continuity, and our well-equipped practice allows for thorough case workups and excellent patient outcomes.
We are:
• RCVS-accredited practice located in South Belfast
• Approved Nurse Training Practice
• Modern equipment to support high standards of veterinary care
• Emphasis on teamwork and job satisfaction
We are looking for:
• A caring and motivated Veterinary Surgeon (full-time or part-time)
• Someone who enjoys building strong client relationships
• A commitment to maintaining high clinical standards
Would you like to join a practice where your skills are valued, and you’ll have the time and resources to provide outstanding care in a well-supported team environment?
We’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our Practice Manager to apply or learn more about this exciting opportunity starting May 2025. Phone 02890 309300 or email [email protected]
Contagious Equine Metritis
A case of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in a non-thoroughbred stallion has been confirmed on a premises in Fife, Scotland, Friday 3 April 2020. The affected horse was imported in November 2019 from Europe and has had no clinical signs of infection.
The diagnosis was made during routine pre-breeding testing, as per the International HBLB Codes of Practice, with positive PCR results. The affected stallion has been isolated and is undergoing treatment. Freedom from disease will be confirmed in line with the International HBLB Codes of Practice requirements and breeding will not commence on this premises until freedom from infection is confirmed.
International trade does not require country freedom, only individual or premises freedom. There are no other stallions on the premises. There is one mare at a separate premises with epidemiological links to the positive case, and this mare has been isolated and is also undergoing treatment.
The outbreak will be subject to further investigations, including tracings to determine if there are any epidemiological links to Northern Ireland. Further information on CEM is available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/contagious-equine-metritis
Contagious Equine Metritis
A case of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in a non-thoroughbred stallion has been confirmed on a premises in Fife, Scotland, Friday 3 April 2020. The affected horse was imported in November 2019 from Europe and has had no clinical signs of infection.
The diagnosis was made during routine pre-breeding testing, as per the International HBLB Codes of Practice, with positive PCR results. The affected stallion has been isolated and is undergoing treatment. Freedom from disease will be confirmed in line with the International HBLB Codes of Practice requirements and breeding will not commence on this premises until freedom from infection is confirmed.
International trade does not require country freedom, only individual or premises freedom. There are no other stallions on the premises. There is one mare at a separate premises with epidemiological links to the positive case, and this mare has been isolated and is also undergoing treatment.
The outbreak will be subject to further investigations, including tracings to determine if there are any epidemiological links to Northern Ireland. Further information on CEM is available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/contagious-equine-metritis
Cafre – European Innovation Partnerships (EIP)
Cafre have launched a new scheme called European Innovation Partnerships designed to help farmers work collaboratively with experts to address the practical issues or opportunities they are facing on their farms.
This scheme is offering 100% funding in two stages (£5,000 and up to £120,000). Projects will not commence until the Autumn, provided the current Covid-19 situation has passed.
For further information, please visit the CAFRE website: CAFRE Invites Applications for New European Innovation Partnership Scheme, which includes links to further information on the scheme and how to apply.
NB. Closing Date for Stage 1 applications will close at 4pm on Monday 27 April
Your new BVNA Regional Representative
Dear Member,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your new BVNA Regional Representative for Northern Ireland region.
I have worked in the veterinary profession since 2000. I qualified as an RVN in 2006, working as a Senior Nurse in a busy small animal clinic. I have always enjoyed the training and development of student nurses, which lead me to complete a certificate in teaching. I am currently employed as a VN Lecturer, and am part of the quality assurance team on the L3DVN course, along with carrying out TP approvals, student support and clinical coach training.
I also enjoy locum nursing, having worked in an out of hours role, worked with referral cases, and in clinical research. I recently completed my Advanced Certificate in the Veterinary Nursing of Avian patients, and I am currently working on my Advanced Certs in Reptile, Wildlife and Small Mammal Nursing too. I believe that in this career, we must continue to learn and develop ourselves, and I hope that as the Regional Representative for our area I can be part of the provision of worthwhile CPD for both student and qualified Veterinary Nurses, along with other members of the practice team. I will be led by your requests for CPD subjects.
I am also one of the founding members of the Vet Support Northern Ireland team, we are a group of Vets and Veterinary Nurses who have been specifically trained to provide mental health support to the veterinary community http://www.vetsupportni.co.uk/
I currently live in Newtownards, Co.Down, and outside of work, I keep a small herd of sheep, some pedigree Blonde d’Aquitaine cows – which I breed and show, two very naughty horses, some goats, three cats, a dog and a tortoise! I also have two lovely children and a very supportive partner.
I am looking forward to this new challenge and to meeting you all in the near future at our first meeting.
Kind regards
Louise Patterson RVN

AVSPNI Endocrine Meeting – 7th February 2019
“A brilliant night’s CPD” was one of the comments received about the February meeting on Endocrinology. There was a full house to hear Barbara Gallagher deliver an excellent talk on common conundrums in Endocrine disease. Addison’s disease, feline hypothyroidism and feline diabetes were among the topics discussed. Barbara discussed a diabetes case where the patient achieved remission and shared the factors which influenced this outcome. Barbara also shared other useful tips with the delegates. The evening was made all the more enjoyable with an excellent supper provided by Alex Berry. The desserts certainly seemed to hit the spot!!
Our grateful thanks go to Barbara who had a long drive home after the event.
Why not join the Committee for the next meeting on Thursday 7th March when Laura MacFarlane will be delivering a presentation on anaemia.
For further details click here
BVA NI Branch vacancies – here’s why you might want to volunteer!
Joining Northern Ireland Branch Council is a great way to help shape the future of the veterinary profession in Northern Ireland and to ensure the voices of your peers are heard. These voluntary positions provide a fantastic opportunity for networking, a chance to attend the annual political dinner with Assembly Members at Stormont, and the work carried out can count towards CPD.
The role description is attached and the application form is here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BVAComAp
Applications close 9am on Monday 20 August.