VetNI

Veterinary Northern Ireland

Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

By

Cromlyn House is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working veterinary surgeon to join our team of three veterinary surgeons and eight RVNS. Cromlyn House is an extremely progressive, state of the art practice with access to endoscopy, ultrasound, dental radiography, radiography and an extensive in-house laboratory. We are proud to have a collaborative team where you can build long-term client relationships, work up rewarding cases and enjoy a great work-life balance, supported by our experienced OOH inpatient team.

The position is for 25 hours per week, across 3 days with the possibility of (but not mandatory) additional weekend hours. No on call or bank holiday work is required. Competitive salary offered based on experience.

Situated 1.3 miles from the picturesque town of Hillsborough, Cromlyn House is proud to be associated with Hillsborough Veterinary Referrals and CVS 24/7 allowing access to computed tomography, fluoroscopy, echocardiography and electrocardiography from our specialist and advanced practitioner colleagues.

Benefits include:
• RCVS & VDS fees paid in full
• Up to 33 days holiday (with option to buy/sell)
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring
• Continuation of education is encouraged with a generous CPD budget

To apply:
Please send your CV to jim.mcdowell-massar@cvsvets.com or contact 02892683711 and ask for either Aisling or Kathryn for further information.

FT/PT SA Experienced Vet. Cornerstone Vets, Belfast

By

We are seeking an experienced vet to join our fantastic team in a more specialised role, could this be you? We are a Small Animal Practice, based in the heart of East Belfast with a dedicated team and loyal clientele. We want to expand our services with the addition of a vet who brings knowledge and experience in either Internal Medicine or Orthopaedics.
What we offer:
• Since 2023 we are an Employee Ownership Trust, safeguarding our future as an independent practice enabling us to remain autonomous.
• Working in a state-of-the-art clinic with dedicated areas for Theatre, Procedures, Diagnostics and hospital care.
• Support and nurture our team, actively encourage further training and development. Annual allowance to cover RCVS Fees in full, CPD Training and Training days out of clinic.
• A competitive Salary, (DOE) and pension. Paid holidays are 5.6 weeks per annum plus two days.
• Employee Ownership annual bonus, tax exempt.
About the Role:
• Hours of work typically spread over three and a half days a week, plus one in four Saturdays. Full day 8.30am to 7pm or half day, finish at 2pm. Saturdays are 8.30am to 1.30pm
• No On Call cover as externally sourced.
• A mixture of Consultations, Surgery and Procedures.
• Excellent Diary Management, dedicated time for phone calls etc. Paid breaks throughout the day.
• Regular team meetings/one to one meetings to discuss cases, seek innovative ideas for best practice and to support one and other.
• Currently we employ 6 full time Veterinary Surgeons and 16 support staff to include RVN’s, animal care assistants, Students VN’s, Management and Reception staff.
To Apply:
Please send your CV to our Practice Manager Louise at management@belfastvets.com or phone 02890 799977 for further details. You are most welcome to visit the clinic and see in person who we are and what we do.

SA Vet required- Jubilee Vets, Newtownards Co Down

By

Jubilee Veterinary Centre is seeking a compassionate, enthusiastic and motivated veterinary surgeon to join our dedicated small animal team of five veterinary surgeons. We are proud to be independently owned and this allows us to invest in our people, facilities and services while maintaining the personal, community-focused approach that has defined our practice for generations. Alongside our busy first-opinion service, we accept referral cases for orthopaedic surgery, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery and CT imaging, giving our clinicians exposure to a diverse range of routine, complex and advanced cases.
Modern Facilities & Technology
• Comprehensive IDEXX in-house laboratory including Sedivue.
• Modern in-house CT scanner.
• Digital radiography.
• Diagnostic ultrasound.
• Electrocardiography (ECG).
• Modern surgical and dental facilities.
• Advanced anaesthetic monitoring and patient recovery equipment.
• Regenerative medicine including platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
About You
We are ideally looking for an experienced, well-rounded Veterinary Surgeon who is confident in all aspects of first-opinion practice, possesses excellent communication skills and is enthusiastic about helping to move the practice forward.
An interest in internal medicine would be advantageous, although support is available to develop individual clinical interests.
We also welcome applications from less experienced but confident clinicians with excellent communication skills, a positive professional attitude and a genuine commitment to learning and continuous development.
Work Pattern
• Shared evening consultations until 7:00 pm.
• Shared Saturday mornings only, finishing at 1:00 pm.
• No out-of-hours or overnight duties.
• 10-week rota with 4 Saturday mornings and 6 half-days.
Benefits
• Competitive salary.
• Five weeks’ annual leave plus statutory bank holidays.
• Generous CPD allowance.
• RCVS and VDS membership fees paid
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Benenden Healthcare membership.
• Staff pet discount scheme.
• Friends and family veterinary discount scheme.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression.
Contact Us
To apply or arrange an informal, confidential discussion:
Chris Gilmore – Practice Manager
chris@jubileevetcentre.co.uk
Gareth Torney – Small Animal Director
garethtorney@jubileevetcentre.co.uk
Telephone: 028 9181 2226

Cat loving vet required

By

Our wonderful vet is leaving us for an Australian and returning to his home land at the end of the year. Vets for Pets Lisburn Longstone are therefore looking for a caring and confident vet to join our growing team of 2 vets, 3 registered nurses, 3 support staff in Lisburn Northern Ireland. This position can be either full or part-time and days are adjustable to suit your needs.

We are 100% Small animal, no OOH’s purpose built clinic with in house bloods, ultrasound, digital and dental x-ray. We are looking for someone to help grow our practice and are happy to support certificates and CPD, there is also the possibility of partnership for the correct candidate. We are a cat friendly clinic and a love of cats, and a respect for nervous patients is essential!

For more information see
https://www.vets4petscareers.com/job-vacancies/40193-veterinary-surgeon—real-progression–ownership-opportunities/

Or contact anna.moore@vetsforpets.com

Do You Love Surgery?

By

About the Role
Riverside Veterinary Clinic are seeking a passionate and dedicated Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our fully independent 2 branch practice in Ballymoney and Coleraine. We are a busy clinic with a high surgical caseload. As part of our supportive team, you will deliver high-quality care to a diverse range of small animal patients. This is an excellent opportunity for both experienced vets or recent graduates looking for a welcoming environment to further their skills. We advocate patient care over profit and we do not outsource our after-hours care.
Responsibilities
• Provide excellent clinical care to small animals, including consultations, diagnostics, surgery, and emergency treatment.
• Advise and educate pet owners on preventative care and treatment options.
• Work collaboratively with veterinary nurses and support staff to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
• Shared on-call rota.
What We Offer
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Generous CPD allowance and support for further professional development.
• Modern, well-equipped facilities including digital X-ray, ultrasound, 2 dental units, dental X-ray, endoscope and in-house laboratory (biochemistry & haematology).
• Supportive, friendly team atmosphere.
• Employee benefits package including pension scheme and staff discounts.
About You
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic and committed to providing outstanding patient care.
• Willing to study for certification
• Someone who is either already a skilled surgeon or looking to become one
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to vetclinic@riversideballymoney.com. For further information, or for an informal chat please ring Nigel, Kirsty or Conor on 028 2766 6568.

Veterinary Surgeon – Full/Part time, Barry’s Vets Dromore

By

Barry’s Vets are seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, experienced and supportive small animal team in Dromore, County Down.
We are a proud independent veterinary practice with a strong local reputation for providing high-quality, compassionate veterinary care for our patients. Our ethos is simple: we care for our patients as if they were our own, while building trusting, respectful and clear relationships with their owners.
We are looking for a confident small animal vet with strong surgical experience, sound clinical judgement, and the ability to undertake sole charge when required. This role would suit someone who enjoys first opinion practice, is comfortable managing a varied caseload, and values being part of a close-knit, supportive and experienced team.
At Barry’s Vets, we believe that good veterinary care is about more than clinical treatment. It is about trust, communication, compassion and teamwork.
We are proud of the relationships we have built with our clients and their pets, and we are looking for an experienced vet who will share our commitment to providing thoughtful, high-quality care in a friendly and supportive setting.
If you are looking for a role in a practice where your experience, surgical skills and clinical judgement will be valued, we would be delighted to hear from you. Usual benefits with a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. The position can be flexible to suit those interested in either full time or part time hours.
To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover note to barmcnulty@yahoo.com
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Barry on 07710604748 Barry’s Vets
Unit 7, Old Station Business Park
98 Church Street
Dromore
County Down
BT25 1AA

AVSPNI Spring Conference 2026

By

17th & 18th April Europa Hotel, Belfast
CPD in the City for Vets & Vet Nurses
Discounted Registration Fees if you REGISTER BY Tuesday 31st March
Don’t forget the Party Night and NIVC Awards!


To Register CLICK HERE

Lectures for VETS


To Register CLICK HERE

Lectures for VET NURSES





To buy Party Night Tickets CLICK HERE

Accommodation @ The Europa

To see all NI events CLICK HERE

AVSPNI News 2026

By

For the latest AVSPNI news please visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/northofirelandveterinaryassociation

Or follow the VetNI Facebook page for regular updates on all events https://www.facebook.com/veterinary.northernireland/

CPD for SPRING 2026

Registration has opened and places have started filling up for the upcoming meetings

1 Steroid Responsive Meningitis Arteritis webinar with Thomas Mignan 5th March via Zoom

2 Feeding for resilience with Dr Aaron Brown 25th March from 6pm onwards in Glenavon

3 AVSPNI Spring Conference 2026 – CPD in the City! 17th-18th April in Europa Hotel, Belfast Common Surgeries, Neurology and Team-based Veterinary Care,  AVSPNI offers a great line-up of speakers in a city centre location


AVSPNI’S NEW YEAR NEWSLETTER

By

New Year’s Greetings
If you missed Omagh Day and the AVSPNI AGM, you missed a good day out! Well over 100 vets crammed into the PM labs at Omagh for 4 excellent talks:
– Puppy Murmurs with Neil Walmsley
– Equine Emergencies with Orla McGlynn
– Pasture Management with Cormac White
– Unexplained Livestock Deaths with Pauline Sheridan 

We also heard from sponsors MSD and VSSCo and were extremely grateful for their generous support. 

Prof. Tim Parkin, the RCVS President, praised the quality of all four talks. He found it hard to choose a winner but ultimately awarded the Frank Mullan Trophy to Cormac.  Thank you and congratulations to all our speakers.  

During the AGM, 2025 President Melanie Spahn handed over the chain of office and the presidency to Keith Sheridan.  

Robert McCabe was ratified as the new Junior Vice President and Iain Smith as Honorary Secretary.  

Greg Dunlop joined the Council and 2025 Council members, Pat Hart, Mark Allison and Rachel Davies retired with thanks after some years of service. 

Melanie’s last duty as President was one that she particularly enjoyed.  She announced that Lynsey Hamilton and Brian McAuley had been nominated for Honorary Life Membership of AVSPNI in recognition of their notable and substantial contribution to the veterinary profession here.  This nomination was ratified by Council members and endorsed by a show of hands from the members’ present. 

As well a Treasurer’s Report and a round up of the numerous stakeholder meetings at which AVSPNI had been represented over the year, the AGM included discussion on the following topics:
– Animal Medicines – supply and the need for recording
– BVD unknowns – encourage farmers to blood test them
– BTV Vaccination – don’t forget permissions and data feedback
– Consultation n EID for cattle
– The fast-approaching deadline for registration of equine premises
– Renewal of authorisations for export work – CHECK your permissions and keep an eye out for e-mails from DAERA!
– SRG and Dog Breeding Review survey (see below)
– Anticipated changes to the TB Control Programme 
– A full update on TB Contract discussions with DAERA

Full minutes will be sent to full members in due course and TB testing practices will be kept updated on new contract issues via the TB WhatsApp group.  If you are a testing practice decision-maker but are not yet on the WA group, drop VetNI an e-mail to request to join it.  

A fine dinner (thank you to the Silver Birch team!) followed the AGM.

Before the dinner, Keith spoke about the tragic loss of vet colleague Vanessa Whyte and her children James and Sara, in Maguiresbridge in July last year. AVSPNI had instigated a one off collection on behalf of Women’s Aid Fermanagh to support their good work and in the hope of preventing similar atrocities in the future.  
Keith spoke warmly of Vanessa as a smart, funny, capable colleague, warmly remembered by many AVSPNI members.  
A significant cash sum was collected on the night to honour the memory of Vanessa, James and Sara.  

NIVA- a review of 2025

By

NIVA WINTER NEWSLETTER

It has certainly been a busy year, and the last few months have been no exception, with lots going on across a number of fronts – veterinary medicines, TB, agricultural policy, NIVA events and presidential invitations.

COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

Veterinary medicines

We have continued to work closely with BVA colleagues to keep the issue of a secure supply of veterinary medicines for NI in the forefront of the minds of politicians and UK Government with on-going meetings with VMD and the Windsor Framework team and meetings with MPs, MLAs and House of Lords representatives. Mark Little (NIVA’s Honorary Secretary and the main protagonist, over the last few years, in the vet meds arena) and I gave evidence to the House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee along with representatives from UFU and AHDA.

This was followed up by an invitation to address the AERA Committee. We were extremely well received by both.

The support of both Committees and that of the NI agricultural industry who co-signed a public letter, co-ordinated by BVA, and signed by NIVA and BVA-NI, resulted in increased political lobbying and the proposed meeting with the Veterinary Medicines Working Group (VMWG) being brought forward, with a further industry meeting with Baroness Hayman taking place before Christmas.

Links to the technical guidance to the VMHSS and VMIHS, as well as supplementary guidance, can be found at the following link.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/northern-ireland-veterinary-medicines-supplementary-guidance

As the VMIHS has been designed as an extension of the cascade, its guidance should be read in conjunction with that of the cascade.

The cascade: prescribing unauthorised medicines – GOV.UK

In addition, VMD have recently released a webinar “Upcoming Changes to the Supply and Prescribing of Veterinary Medicines for Veterinary Surgeons in Northern Ireland” that can be accessed on the following link.

Changes to veterinary medicine supply in Northern Ireland webinar recordings – GOV.UK

For any questions you may still have please contact VMD directly using this Slido Link

Supply of Veterinary Medicines to Northern Ireland from 1 January 2026

If you encounter any issues with any veterinary medicine availability, or even hear rumours of potential supply problems, please report them directly to windsorframework@vmd.gov.uk or let us know by contacting any NIVA Council member or via info@vetni.co.uk and we will be happy to pass on the details.

TB Partnership Steering Group

There have been at least monthly meetings of the TBPSG recently, with NIVA contributing to additional workshops on the regionalisation project and the biosecurity questionnaire.  While NIVA welcomes many of the proposals being put forward, we continue to press for an evidence-led strategy, for maximised co-design of all elements and for action that will benefit affected herd owners in all parts of NI. ,

Agricultural Policy

With our BVA-NI hats on we continue to press for animal health and welfare to be considered via our representation in DAERA’s Agricultural Policy Stakeholder Group. We are really pleased to see the subject of sheep sector support is now on the agenda, are setting out our priorities for this area to DAERA and welcome the invitation to take part in the new Sheep Sector Support Working Group.

DAERA Expert Advisory Group carrying out a Review of the Dog Breeding Regulations in NI

NIVA also met with the above group again, hearing about and contributing to the survey designed by Susan Cunningham (NIVA past president and current Council member).

Can I please encourage you all to help generate the information so urgently needed, to support future proposals, by completing this survey. Click HERE

NETWORKING

It’s not been all work though! I have thoroughly enjoyed being invited, as President of NIVA, to the BEVA Conference, Vetireland 25 Conference, VCI gala dinner and AVSPNI Autumn Conference.

RECENT EVENTS

“Leading the Way for Horses”, organised by past-president and Council member Esther Skelly-Smith, was a fantastic all-day equine welfare symposium with contributions from exciting speakers on understanding learning in horses, the role of farriery in welfare and performance, equine traceability, sustainable parasite control and behavioural issues. Kindly supported by Summit, this was well supported from across the equine world with attendees, from both north and south of the border, including vets, trainers, farriers, breeders and owners.

“Vets All Areas” was another well attended event, at the excellent Vic-Ryn T3 venue, where those joining enjoyed refreshments and time to network and catch up with friends old and new before hearing from two local vets, Jim Ross and Terence McManus, who have taken a path less trodden and gave us great insights to the world of European veterinary audits and the meat industry. The third speaker, a former veterinary student who decided that a vet’s life was not for her, was unable to attend but was happy to be videoed explaining her work as an ethical taxidermist and showing us some of her amazing lifelike pieces. Our thanks go to Tim Skelly-Smith who produced the excellent video and to the ABP Group for their support.

We also welcomed Tracey and George from the Farming Community Network who updated us on the “Nip it in the Bud Campaign” being undertaken in conjunction with McMillan Cancer Support.

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2026.

Kirsten