For veterinary employers
Veterinary Recruitment in Ireland
Recruiting a veterinary surgeon means finding someone whose clinical experience, preferred working pattern and practice expectations fit the service you’re running.
Medica supports veterinary employers across Ireland through targeted recruitment conversations.
Define the work at your practice
For a small animal appointment, outline the balance of consultations, surgery and emergencies, plus the clinical and nursing support available. For mixed or farm work, describe the split between species, the area covered on calls and any seasonal changes to the rota.
For equine roles, explain how much work is ambulatory, which cases stay at the clinic and who shares emergency cover.
Permanent roles, locums and relocation
For a permanent appointment, set out the regular hours, weekend and out-of-hours rota, and the induction or mentoring you can provide. For locum cover, give us the dates, shift times, sole-charge expectations and who is available for clinical backup.
If a vet is moving to take up the role, discuss accommodation, travel between sites or farms, and how much flexibility you have on the start date.
Registration and work permission
Veterinary surgeons must be registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) before practising in Ireland. For vets who qualified overseas, confirm how the VCI will assess recognition of their qualifications and which registration route applies.
Permission to work is a separate requirement. Depending on the candidate’s circumstances, international recruitment may involve an employment permit or immigration permission that allows them to work.
Frequently asked questions
Can you approach vets who qualified outside Ireland?
Yes. Tell us whether you can consider a vet who needs time to register or relocate. The Veterinary Council of Ireland assesses the qualification and registration route. The candidate’s permission to work in Ireland needs a separate check before you agree a start date.
Can you help us find locum cover?
Yes, subject to availability. Send the exact dates and shifts, the species and caseload, and any sole-charge, weekend or out-of-hours duties. Let us know whether dates are flexible and whether accommodation is available.
What information do you need from our practice?
Start with the practice location, species mix, typical caseload, desired start date, hours and pay range. Include the weekend or on-call rota, clinical and nursing support, and the experience you need from day one.