Donaldson's Vets

17/07/2025

📢📢YORKSHIRE INDEPENDENT REFERRALS ARE HIRING!!📢📢

Are you a RVN with a passion for advanced surgery and high-level in-patient care? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your contribution truly matters? If you enjoy being part of a dynamic, forward-thinking and efficient team with high clinical standards, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Join our growing team at Yorkshire Independent Referrals (YIR), a newly launched independent referral centre with a strong legacy in orthopaedics and spinal surgery. We have ambitions to expand into a multidisciplinary referral service with a mission to deliver exceptional, accessible care in a supportive environment.

We are hiring!

Are you an RVN with a passion for advanced surgery and high-level in-patient care? Want to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team with exceptional clinical standards?

Join us here at Yorkshire Independent Referrals. A growing independent referral centre with a strong legacy in orthopaedics and spinal surgery.

🩺 Work alongside experienced surgeons & nursing team
🧠 Use your skills across anaesthesia, imaging, surgery & complex in-patient care

🕓 38-hour week
💰 £31,000–£36,000 DOE
🎓 £500 CPD + 2 CPD days
🛏 31 days holiday pro-rata (rising with service)
✅ RCVS + VDS covered

Whether you’re experienced in referral or ready for the next step, we’d love to hear from you!

📧 Apply now: [email protected]

https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=ce7da9f53348a035&from=shareddesktop_copy

17/07/2025

📢📢Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse – Full time 📢📢

Job Description

Donaldson’s Vets are looking for a full-time Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our fantastic team at our Pen*stone branch. Your role would be to coordinate and
supervise the day-to-day activities of the team of nurses and auxiliary at Pen*stone, ensuring efficient working and maintenance of professional standards whilst offering a supportive working environment. You would play an active role in the clinical work of the practice as well as line managing your team and liaising with the Head Nurse.
You will be part of a larger team of 6 Directors, 41 Vets, 51 RVN’s, 5 SVN’s and 19
Auxiliary Nurses across the wider Donaldson’s Group.

Salary

The salary for this role is in the region of £39,000 DOE based on a 37.5-hour week
Plus, an equal share of weekend cover on a rota basis.

About us

We are an independent veterinary company based in the lovely area of West
Yorkshire. Our main purpose-built hospital is based in Huddersfield, and we have 6
branch practices located in the surrounding areas.
We work alongside our sister company, Donaldson’s Farm and Equine, who treat
many of the farms and horses in the area, who often feature on “The Yorkshire
Vet”.
Our main hospital in Huddersfield provides our Out -of- Hours service to our clients,
staffed by our dedicated emergency team and has a comprehensive range of equipment including CT scanner, visiting MRI truck, digital x-ray, endoscopy,
laparoscopy, diathermy, dental suite with dental x-ray, fully equipped lab, ultrasound
as well as dedicated high sterility theatres for orthopaedics and soft tissue
procedures, and dedicated wards for the various animals seen, with a separate ICU,
cat, dog, exotic and isolation ward.
We have many additionally qualified people within the company who we gain
knowledge and experience from, including ARC, our fully equipped animal
rehabilitation centre based at our Birchencliffe practice, and our behaviour team
based at our hospital.
We are a proud member of the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme and have
achieved hospital status at our hospital in Huddersfield and GP status at our branch
practices.

Benefits – (subject to Pro Rata)

● 31 holiday days (including bank holidays)
● Increased holiday days based on length of service
● CPD allowance
● Further study encouraged
● RCVS and VDS cover included
● Staff discount scheme
● Company sick pay
● Salary sacrifice scheme

Donaldson’s vets are dedicated to diversity and inclusion and support mental health
awareness.
We would like any applicants to come and work with us for a trial day to get to know you better and for you to meet our amazing team.

How to Apply

Please send a covering letter and your CV to
[email protected]
Closing Date 11.8.25

16/07/2025

Did you know that there are over 3,500 species of snakes around the globe? 🐍🐍🐍

Whether you're just starting to explore the fascinating world of snakes or you're a seasoned enthusiast, there's surely a species that will capture your interest

Did you know the Barbados thread snake holds the title of the smallest snake in the world, measuring in at a mere four inches long!

While the reticulated python, found in Southeast Asia, holds the title as the world’s longest snake, reaching lengths over 30 feet (9 meters)

And, when it comes to heavyweight champions, the title goes to the green anaconda, the heaviest snake on the planet, weighing in at around 40 stone (255 kilograms).

For more intriguing snake facts and information, check out the links below:🐍🐍🐍

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/snakes-1

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/article/super-snakes

https://www.arc-trust.org/pages/category/snakes

14/07/2025

After more than 28 years of dedicated service to Donaldson's Vets, Janet Donaldson will be retiring at the end of July. 🥲

Janet, who will be a very familiar face to many of our Thongsbridge clients, joined us as a receptionist at the Thongsbridge branch on 3rd February 1997, just a few months after it first opened in 1996. Over nearly three decades, Janet has been a calm, friendly, and caring presence to so many of our clients and their pets.🥰

From answering calls and comforting nervous owners, and always having a smile for everyone who walked through the door. Janet has truly been at the heart of the Thongsbridge branch.😃🥰

As she steps into her well-earned retirement, we know she will be missed enormously by both staff and clients alike. 💕🥲

We wish you a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.😁🥂😁

We will miss you! 💕🥲

14/07/2025

Get ready for an amazing day at the Emley Show on Saturday, 2nd August, under the iconic Emley Mast! 🐶🐴🦜☕🍰🎼

Experience the thrill of equestrian competitions, and bring your furry friends to join the fun in our dog shows. 🐴🐶

Shop from over 100 vendors offering everything from country ware and artisan jewellery to pick-n-mix treats.👜🛒

Petrolheads will love the display of vintage tractors, classic cars, and motorbikes, while foodies can explore the latest in cookery, crafts, and beekeeping.🚜🏎🐝

As the sun sets, the fun continues with live bands at The Emley Stomp! (tickets to be purchased separately)🎵🎤

Early bird tickets are available now at great discounts. Don’t miss out—purchase yours today at https://emleyshow.co.uk/visitor-information/tickets/

12/07/2025

Flystrike is a life-threatening risk for rabbits and guinea pigs during the warmer months.🐰🐹🪰

Check their bottoms twice daily to ensure they are clean and to identify any early signs of fly eggs or maggots.

A 'sticky bottom' not only increases the risk of flystrike but may also indicate issues with your rabbit's teeth or digestion.

Flystrike is an emergency that can worsen rapidly, so if in doubt, contact your vet immediately.

11/07/2025

CATS & DOGS 🐱

Always have plenty of fresh water on hand, place various bowls around the house, and you could also provide a running water source, either a tap or a water fountain.

Provide a cool, shady place for them to relax; this can involve closing blinds and curtains. If you have air conditioning or a fan, turn it on to help keep them cool.

Avoid letting your cat or dog out in the heat of the day – aim for early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler. Check the temperature of the pavement with the back of your hand. If it is uncomfortable to hold for 7 seconds, it's too hot for your pet to walk on

Provide cool mats

Keep your pet groomed

Give your dog a tepid/cool bath or shower, or wipe them down with cool wet towels over their back, neck, tummy and groin. It is very unlikely your cat will want to be bathed. You could stroke them with wet hands or with a wet cloth

Provide a paddling pool for your dog to cool off in (don’t leave them unattended)

Double-check greenhouses, sheds, outhouses, or garages to make sure there are no stray cats lurking– if any get trapped in the heat it will potentially be fatal

RABBITS & GUINEA PIGS 🐰🐹

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep pets and their cages, runs, or hutches out of direct sunlight.

Provide Shaded Enclosures. Provide shade in their enclosures. Remember, the sun moves across the sky during the day, so areas that are shaded in the morning may be in full sun in the afternoon.

Regular Grooming: Groom your pets regularly to remove loose hair, which helps keep them cool

Use Frozen Bottles for Cooling: Freeze a half-full plastic bottle of water, then wrap it in a towel so your pets can lie against it

Water Intake for Rabbits Your rabbit or guinea pig may drink more water than usual during the summer. Ensure there are plenty of fresh water sources available, including both bottles and bowls. You can also add ice cubes to water dishes to keep the water cool and offer vegetables soaked in water to help keep your pet hydrated.

09/07/2025

Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but not for cheeky little Dora! 💍🐶

This spirited pup turned a routine day into a nail-biting adventure when she cheekily stole her owner’s engagement ring.

Our nurses, Laura and Clair, were quickly on hand to help induce vomiting 🤢 (Sorry Dora!) and the precious ring was successfully retrieved and returned to its rightful place on Dora’s owner's finger! 💍😁

If you suspect your dog or cat may have ingested something they shouldn’t, please, contact your vet straight away.
Remember, time is crucial, as we only have a small window of opportunity to induce vomiting to safely retrieve foreign bodies

07/07/2025

🌟 Get ready for an unforgettable day at the Emley Show on Saturday, 2nd August 2025! 🌟

Join us at Factory Farm, right under the iconic Emley mast, for a fantastic family adventure! 🎉

Experience stunning displays of livestock, exciting dog shows, and showcases of vintage and modern cars! Indulge in the delicious food and drinks from various outlets. 🍕☕

Don't miss the range of awesome stalls featuring homemade jewellery, gin, soaps, and more!
Come say hi and snap some selfies with the Donaldson's team and tag us on Instagram & Facebook at ! 📸

For tickets and more info, visit: https://emleyshow.co.uk/visitor-information/tickets/.

Let’s have a great day together! ✨

30/06/2025

WE ARE HIRING - VETERINARY RECEPTIONIST 📣

Veterinary Receptionist – Pen*stone Surgery
Location: Pen*stone

Salary: £12.21–£13.52 per hour (depending on experience)
Hours: 18 hours per week (3 shifts/week: 7:30am–1:30pm or 12:30pm–6:30pm)
Donaldson’s Vets is looking for a friendly and dedicated Receptionist to join our
team, at the Pen*stone surgery. You'll be the first point of contact for our clients,
playing a vital role in delivering exceptional customer service.

What We Offer:
• CPD allowance and support
• Internal and external training (including via Colourful CPD)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

About You:
We’re seeking a motivated individual with:
• A bright, positive attitude and commitment to customer care
• Good IT and communication skills
• Flexibility and a willingness to learn

Veterinary reception experience is preferred but not essential – full training will be
provided.

To Apply:
Please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected]

Closing Date: Monday, 7th July 2025

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

30/06/2025

⚠️Blue-Green Algae ⚠️ Danger to animal life ⚠️

When algae bloom occurs, the water takes on a striking appearance, often transforming into shades of green, blue-green, or even a murky greenish-brown.

You might spot scums along the shore, resembling paint splatters, fluffy mousse, or small clumps.

These algae blooms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the conditions in the water body, until the algae eventually die and break down.

⚠️ Do not allow your pet near the water!! ⚠️ Exposure to these algae blooms can be fatal.⚠️

Animals can be exposed to these toxins when they drink or swim in contaminated water, or if they lick their fur after coming into contact with harmful algae, which can lead to rapid poisoning or sudden death.

As these blooms become more prevalent during the warmer months, being able to identify them quickly and take action is essential for keeping our pets safe.

Always report any sightings of these blooms to the Environment Agency for safety.

28/06/2025

Rabbit Awareness Week 🐰🐇🐰

Rabbits are playful creatures; they need a variety of safe and engaging toys to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.

Here are some options you might consider:

🐰Willow Balls: Natural chew toys made from woven willow branches. provide entertainment but also promote dental health by satisfying their instinct to gnaw.

🐰Cardboard Tubes: From toilet paper or paper towel rolls, cardboard tubes can be an imaginative plaything for rabbits. You can stuff them with hay or treats to encourage exploration and foraging behaviour.

🐰Plastic Tubes: Durable plastic tubes serve as tunnels for rabbits to hop through and offer a safe place to hide or explore, especially when they’re paired with a fun obstacle course.

🐰 Cardboard Boxes: Simple cardboard boxes can be transformed into cosy hideouts or play structures. You can cut doorways and windows into the box to create an environment that encourages your rabbit to hop in and out freely.

🐰Variety of Toys and Hiding Spots: It's critical to have an assortment of toys and hiding spots to keep your rabbits engaged. Items like treat dispensing balls, sea grass mats, and baby toys such as rattles can add a range of fun to their play. (Be sure to check that there are no small parts that could be swallowed and supervise use)

🐰Rotate and Rearrange Items: To maintain your rabbit’s interest over time, rotate and move the toys around their environment. Changing the layout can create a fresh experience, stimulating their curiosity and encouraging active play.

🐰Outdoor Run Adventures for Your Rabbits!
Bigger really is better when it comes to your rabbits' outdoor run!
Rabbits absolutely adore hopping, rummaging, and playing in the grass. To keep them safe and sound, be sure to bury the wire frame at least 40cm deep into the ground—this way, they won’t be able to dig their way out!

🐰Rabbits are natural diggers,
Transform a seed tray or a litter tray by filling it with one of the following:
Potting compost, Shredded paper or child-friendly sand to provide a digging experience, while keeping your garden intact.

🐰🐰🐰