Associate Veterinarian - Mixed Animal

About the Role

West River Veterinary Clinic in Hettinger, North Dakota, offers a progressive, high-quality mixed animal practice where you can solve problems, earn trust, lead with skill, and make a lasting impact. We value hard work, lasting relationships, and a culture rooted in community, teamwork, and legacy. Many of our clients have trusted us for two and three generations, and we provide the support you need to grow professionally and personally.

This is a true mixed animal practice with a state-of-the-art facility built in 2016:

• 50% Cow/Calf (including most area bison herds)
• 45% Small Animal
• 5% Equine & Small Ruminant — with room to expand

We are a 100% haul-in facility for emergencies and individual animal care, equipped with the tools and support needed for serious cases. On-call duties are shared evenly among full-time veterinarians and supported by an assistant when possible. This is hands-on, relationship-driven medicine—not volume-centered or impersonal care.

Team Support

Our team includes experienced veterinarians and dedicated support staff:

• Dr. Bleaux Johnson (Iowa State University; 2008)
• Dr. Jenna Innes (Auburn University; 2014)
• Dr. David Lensing (Kansas State University; 2004)
• Dr. Lindy West (Kansas State University; 2012); part time
• Dr. Dawn Kaiser (University of Wisconsin, 1992); part time/relief

Supported by long-tenured veterinary technicians and assistants, a full-time practice manager, and a dedicated inventory manager. We discuss case strategy, share wins, and step in when backup is needed.

Facilities & Equipment

Small Animal Equipment:

• In-house CBC/Chem + Sedivue
• Digital Radiology
• Double surgical suite
• Dental unit
• Gas anesthesia
• Ultrasound

Large Animal Facilities:

• Hydraulic tilt-table chutes (Silencer & Foremost)
• Temperature-controlled indoor cattle facility
• Electric hoist
• Equine stocks & surgery suite
• Portable hydraulic chutes for field work

Professional Support

West River Veterinary Clinic is part of the Heritage Vet Partners network, providing operational and business support that allows doctors to focus on medicine. You’ll have access to shared expertise, peer collaboration, continuing education resources, and long-term strategic stability while maintaining our local culture and autonomy.

Life in Hettinger, North Dakota

Hettinger is a small community with a big heart, surrounded by fertile grasslands, buttes, and the rugged Badlands. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, camping, sledding, and some of the best hunting and fishing in the nation. Explore nearby iconic destinations such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower. The community offers strong schools, competitive sports teams, excellent healthcare, and a diversified agricultural-industrial economy—ideal for building a meaningful career and life.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary is commensurate with experience
• Stocked practice vehicle (where applicable)
• Cell phone stipend
• Professional Dues: 3 per year
• Professional liability insurance provided
• CE Allowance: $3,000 biennial
• Generous PTO package
• Full Benefits Package (Health, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, Accident, + more)
• 401K with employer match (after 90 days)
• Up to eight weeks PAID parental leave (after 6 months)
• 6 weeks paid medical recovery time for birth mothers + 2 weeks paid bonding time for all parents
• Accelerated ownership opportunity with our Associate Equity Program
• Eligibility for North Dakota Veterinary Student Loan Repayment Program
• Eligibility for Federal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP)

We welcome conversations about long-term leadership development and future growth within both our clinic and the Heritage Vet Partners network.