Associate Veterinarian - Surgery & GP - Lower Columbia Veterinary Clinic, Longview, WA

About the role

Lower Columbia Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA‑accredited small animal hospital in Longview, WA, situated between the Columbia River and the forests of Southwest Washington. The area offers outdoor recreation, affordability, and a small‑town community while remaining within driving distance of Portland, OR. The clinic provides a broad range of services including wellness and preventive care, urgent care during regular business hours, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, digital radiography, internal medicine, dermatology, senior pet care, regenerative medicine, nutritional counseling, canine reproduction services, ultrasound diagnostics, and in‑house laboratory diagnostics. The practice operates Monday‑Friday with a four‑day work week (typically 8:00 am‑5:00 pm) and emphasizes a collaborative culture, mentorship, and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive small animal veterinary care, including wellness, preventive care, and urgent care.
• Perform routine and advanced soft tissue surgeries.
• Provide dental care and oral surgery.
• Manage internal medicine, dermatology, senior pet care, regenerative medicine, and canine reproduction cases.
• Utilize ultrasound, digital radiography, and in‑house laboratory diagnostics.
• Collaborate with a multi‑doctor team, share knowledge, and discuss cases.
• Mentor technicians and support staff, and contribute to a positive hospital culture.
• Help expand clinical services and hospital capabilities.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or VMD degree from an AVMA‑accredited college (or equivalent for international graduates).
• Active Washington veterinary license in good standing, or ability to obtain licensure prior to start date.
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and surgery.
• Strong commitment to practicing high‑quality, evidence‑based veterinary medicine.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi‑doctor practice environment.
• Passion for patient care, client education, and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in small animal general practice and urgent care.
• Proficiency in soft tissue surgery and dentistry.
• Experience utilizing ultrasound, digital radiography, and in‑house laboratory diagnostics.
• Interest in helping expand clinical services and hospital capabilities.
• Desire to mentor others and contribute to a positive hospital culture.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary + production.
• Sign‑on bonus available.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Continuing education allowance.
• Professional dues and licensing support.
• 401(k) plan.
• Employee pet care benefits.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Professional development opportunities.

Pay

Competitive base salary plus production, with a sign‑on bonus and relocation assistance available. The Washington pay range for this position is $100,000–$150,000 USD, and the starting salary is $120,000+ annually.

Schedule

Four‑day work week, typically 8:00 am‑5:00 pm, Monday‑Friday. No on‑call responsibilities and no after‑hours emergency duties. Dedicated surgery days are offered, including both one‑doctor and two‑doctor surgery schedules.