Associate Veterinarians (FT and PT)

Join Pawmetto Lifeline and become part of a mission-driven veterinary team transforming access to care for pets and families throughout Columbia and beyond. As an AAHA-accredited, no-kill organization, Pawmetto Lifeline believes no pet should suffer from a treatable condition simply because of financial limitations. Our veterinarians practice high-quality, compassionate medicine in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where every case truly matters.

Compensation & Benefits

Full-Time Veterinarians

• Base salary of $200,000 annually with an option to modify annual salary in lieu of creating an optional benefits package
• Optional Benefits:
  • $7,500 Retention Bonus paid quarterly
  • Relocation assistance up to $5,000
  • $10,000 Annual Debt Relief Payment after each completed 12-month period of employment
  • Annual continuing education stipend
  • IRA with company match
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Additional Company Benefits:
  • Company-paid short-term disability
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick leave
  • Professional development support
  • Experienced veterinary technician support team
  • No production quotas or revenue-based compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Discounted rates on personal pet’s medications and medical services

Part-Time Veterinarians

• Competitive compensation based on desired hours and experience
• Flexible scheduling opportunities
• Continuing education support and additional benefits available

About The Role

This is not a traditional private practice position. Our veterinarians practice access-to-care medicine in a dynamic, high-volume setting that combines general practice, urgent care, surgery, and community outreach. The role is ideal for veterinarians who enjoy variety, independent case management, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.

The Primary Focus Of This Position Includes:

• Wellness and preventive care
• Sick visits and medical case management
• Dentistry
• Diagnostics and treatment planning
• Soft tissue surgery
• Same-day urgent and emergency medical support

Our team prioritizes exceptional patient care while working compassionately with clients facing financial limitations.

Responsibilities

Medical Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive physical examinations and diagnostics
• Develop and implement treatment plans
• Manage wellness and preventive care appointments
• Accommodate urgent walk-in and same-day emergency cases
• Interpret digital radiographs, ultrasound imaging, cytology, and laboratory results
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients regarding treatment options and financial considerations

Surgical Responsibilities

• Perform Surgical Procedures Independently, Including:
  • Canine and feline spay/neuter
  • Mass removals
  • Foreign body surgeries
  • Enucleations
  • Limb amputations
  • Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
  • Dentistry and extractions

Team & Community Support

• Collaborate closely with veterinary technicians and support staff
• Support mobile vaccine clinic initiatives as needed
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records
• Contribute to a positive, mission-focused culture

Requirements

The ideal candidate is compassionate, efficient, adaptable, and confident practicing independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school or equivalent
• 3 – 5 years’ experience in a private practice general care clinic
• Active veterinary license (or ability to obtain prior to start date)
• Current DEA registration
• Controlled Substance License (if applicable)
• USDA Category I Accreditation or completion within two months of hire
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication and clinical decision-making skills
• Ability to remain professional and compassionate during emotional or high-pressure situations
• Valid U.S. driver’s license

About the Location

Located in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia offers an outstanding quality of life with vibrant entertainment, excellent restaurants, museums, theaters, outdoor recreation, easy access to beaches and mountains, and a vibrant growing community.

About Pawmetto Lifeline

Our 27,000-square-foot facility is more than a veterinary clinic—it is a lifesaving community resource providing accessible care, advanced surgical services, outreach programs, and innovative solutions that impact more than 60,000 pets annually. At Pawmetto Lifeline, you will have the opportunity to practice meaningful medicine, save lives daily, and help reshape the future of veterinary access-to-care services.