Relief Veterinarian - Mixed Animal

About the Role

You didn’t become a veterinarian to play small. You chose this profession to solve problems, earn trust, lead with skill, and make an impact that matters. At West River Veterinary Clinic in Hettinger, North Dakota, that’s exactly what you’ll do. We practice progressive, high-quality medicine in a culture that values hard work and lasting relationships — with support that allows you to grow professionally and personally. We believe great veterinary medicine is rooted in community, teamwork, and legacy. Many of our clients have trusted us for two and three generations — that kind of loyalty is built through respect, consistency, and passion.

Whether you’re launching your career, expanding advanced skills, seeking leadership influence, exploring vet med in various geographical areas, or looking for a long-term professional home, there is space for you here — under the big North Dakota sky. Come where there’s room to practice at the top of your abilities.

Practice Overview

A true mixed animal practice with:

• 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, giving you the equipment, support, and backup you need when cases get serious. On call is shared evenly among full-time veterinarians and supported by an assistant when possible. This is hands-on, relationship-driven medicine — not volume-centered, impersonal care.

Team

Veterinarians:

• 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

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 someone needs backup.

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

Support & Growth

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 hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, camping, sledding, and some of the best hunting and fishing in the nation. Explore iconic destinations like Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower. This is a safe, supportive community with strong schools, competitive sports teams, excellent healthcare, and a diversified agricultural-industrial economy. It’s a place where you can build a meaningful career — and a meaningful life.

Benefits

• 401K with employer match (after 90 days)
• Eligibility to join the practice full-time

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