Associate Veterinarian - Des Moines Veterinary Hospital
Description
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
We offer:
- Local autonomy with national support
- Career mobility and development opportunities
- A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first
Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Associate Veterinarian to join our team at Des Moines Veterinary Hospital. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Director.
- Located just 20 minutes south of Seattle and minutes from the Puget Sound waterfront, our clinic offers the best of both worlds—a tight-knit community feel with easy access to the culture, dining, and recreation of a major metro area.
- With waterfront living, a welcoming small-town vibe, and no state income tax, it’s a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
- Client communication and education
- Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
- Maintaining accurate medical records
- Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
- Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
- Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
- Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
- Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
- Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
- Performs other duties as assigned by Management.
Qualifications (Required)
- Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
- Current State Veterinary License
- DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
- 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
- Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
- Excellent surgical and dental skills.
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
- Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
- Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
- Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
- Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
- Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
- Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
- Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
- Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
- Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilizing available resources of continuing education and to facilitating learning of others.
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary with production bonuses: $150,000- $170,000 base with a high earning potential
- No negative accrual options available, no non-compete
- Signed, retention, and relocation packages up to $125,000
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
- 401(k) with discretionary contribution
- Team Member Pet Discounts
- Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
- CE stipends and career development resources
- Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
- Local hospital culture backed by national resources