Veterinarian

Pay

Market related

Type

Permanent

Experience

Between 3 - 5 Years

Level

Skilled

Sector

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing

Closes

in 115 days

Recruiter

Optivet · All jobs at Optivet

About the role

For a veterinarian who believes that quality animal care should never be determined by circumstance, this is an opportunity to put clinical expertise, compassion and leadership into meaningful action.

An established animal welfare organisation in beautiful Hermanus is seeking an experienced and dedicated Companion Animal Veterinarian to take the lead in a busy welfare clinic serving vulnerable communities throughout the surrounding area. This is a role for a mature, resilient professional who is passionate about animal welfare, confident in clinical decision-making and ready to make a tangible difference where it matters most.

A Role with Purpose and Responsibility

Unlike a conventional private practice, this welfare clinic faces complex and often emotionally challenging cases daily. From treating Parvovirus and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) to managing severe vehicle-related injuries, the veterinarian will encounter a wide variety of medical and surgical cases, alongside routine consultations and treatments.

With a high patient turnover, scheduled appointments and frequent walk-in emergencies, the successful candidate will need to remain calm under pressure, prioritise effectively and make sound clinical decisions. The role also includes responsibility for the organisation's shelter animals, which typically comprise approximately 50 dogs and 40 cats.

As the senior veterinarian, the successful candidate will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the clinic, maintaining high clinical standards while providing guidance, support and direction to the team.

The Team and Working Environment

The veterinarian will work alongside a committed team that includes a junior veterinarian, veterinary nurse, veterinary technology student, two full-time receptionists, administrative support and cleaning staff. The wider organisation employs 21 full-time staff members, operates two charity shops and is supported by a General Manager.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys being hands-on while also taking ownership of clinical operations, supporting colleagues and ensuring accountability across the team.

Who Should Apply?

The ideal candidate will be an experienced companion animal veterinarian who combines strong clinical skills with the maturity and resilience required for welfare medicine.

The organisation is looking for someone who can demonstrate:

Experience in companion animal consultations, medical treatments and surgical procedures.

Confidence in managing complex cases and making independent clinical decisions.

The ability to prioritise effectively in a busy, unpredictable environment.

Leadership skills, with previous team management experience being advantageous.

Emotional resilience and the ability to navigate difficult welfare cases with compassion and professionalism.

A genuine commitment to accessible veterinary care and improving the lives of animals in underserved communities.

Although animal welfare can offer valuable opportunities for newly qualified veterinarians to develop their skills, this particular position is suited to a more experienced veterinarian who can take responsibility for the clinic and provide clinical leadership.

The successful candidate will understand that welfare work requires both a compassionate heart and a practical mindset, balancing the needs of individual animals with the realities of a high-demand clinic.

Working Hours and Benefits

Monday to Thursday: 08:00–17:00, with the clinic closing between 13:00 and 14:00.

Friday: 08:00–16:00, with no lunch break.

Every second Saturday: 08:00–12:00.

After-hours

duties: Exceptionally rare, generally only one or two call-outs per year. Most after-hours emergencies are referred to a 24-hour animal hospital.

Remuneration: A competitive salary, together with leave benefits.

A Career That Gives Back

Hermanus offers an enviable lifestyle, surrounded by coastal beauty and the natural splendour of the Overberg. More importantly, this position offers the chance to build a career around work that has a lasting impact on animals and the communities that depend on accessible veterinary services.

For an experienced veterinarian who is ready to lead with purpose, embrace the challenges of welfare medicine and help make quality veterinary care accessible to those who need it most, this could be a deeply rewarding next chapter.

Interested candidates are invited to apply online or contact Amanda at [email protected] for more information.

• Conduct thorough assessments, examinations, and diagnoses of patients’ medical conditions.
• Perform surgical procedures, wound care, and treatments.
• Carry out diagnostic laboratory work, imaging, and ultrasound where required.
• Prescribe and manage appropriate medical treatments.
• Promote preventative health through vaccinations and wellness care.
• Educate and guide clients on optimal pet care and lifestyle choices.
• Perform humane euthanasia when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with veterinary ethics, policies, and legislation.
• Maintain accurate and detailed medical records.

What they're looking for

• Has approximately 3 years’ post-graduate veterinary experience
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to patient care and client service
• Thrives in a team-oriented environment with open communication
• Is dedicated to continuous learning and professional development
• Is registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)