Veterinarian Job Description
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Clinic Overview
We are a fast-growing, well-established small animal veterinary clinic committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care for dogs and cats. Our team is proud to serve the local community with a full range of services including wellness exams, diagnostics, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, orthopedic procedures, and urgent care. As demand for our services grows, we are looking for a dedicated Veterinarian who thrives in a collaborative, high-touch environment and is passionate about both clinical excellence and building long-term client relationships.
Role Summary
As a Veterinarian, you will play a key role in providing exceptional medical and surgical care to our patients while supporting the continued growth and reputation of the clinic. You’ll work closely with a skilled support team and a loyal client base, with opportunities to take on more advanced surgical cases or leadership responsibilities as desired. This is an ideal role for someone who values autonomy, mentorship, and practicing high-standard medicine in a supportive, community-focused setting.
Key Responsibilities
Medical & Surgical Care
Diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions and perform routine and advanced surgical procedures with a focus on quality, safety, and outcomes.
Client Communication
Provide clear, compassionate education and treatment recommendations to pet owners; build trust and lasting relationships with clients.
Team Collaboration
Work closely with veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff to deliver efficient, coordinated care.
Preventive Health & Wellness
Promote wellness protocols including vaccinations, nutrition, parasite prevention, and age-specific screenings.
Case Management & Records
Maintain accurate medical records, treatment plans, and follow-ups using the clinic’s practice management system.
Clinical Standards
Uphold the highest standards of veterinary ethics, medicine, and customer service; support compliance with local and state regulations.
Practice Growth (Optional)
Contribute to the development of clinical protocols, staff training, or community outreach as the clinic expands.
Candidate Profile
Experience
X years of experience in small animal general practice or surgery. New graduates welcome with mentorship available.
Veterinary License
DVM or VMD degree required; must be licensed (or license-eligible) to practice in the state.
Surgical Competency
Comfortable with or eager to expand skills in general surgery (spay/neuter, mass removals, laceration repair). Orthopedic surgery experience is a plus but not required.
Client-Focused
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to client education and empathy.
Team-Oriented
Collaborative, reliable, and enthusiastic about contributing to a positive workplace culture.
Clinic Culture & Values
We believe in clinical integrity, continuous learning, and treating every patient like our own pet. Our culture is supportive, non-corporate, and built on mutual respect. Whether you’re a seasoned veterinarian or early in your career, you’ll find a team that values your input and a schedule that allows for true work-life balance.
Compensation & Benefits
| Base Salary Range | $140,000 – $180,000 (based on experience and skillset) |
| Production Bonus | Competitive ProSal or straight production options available |
| Benefits Package | Full medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid licensure and CE; professional liability insurance; 401(k) with match |
| Continuing Education | Annual CE stipend and paid CE time |
| Work-Life Balance | Generous PTO, flexible scheduling |
| Relocation Support | Available for out-of-area candidates |
| Location | [Insert clinic location, e.g., Chicago, IL or Miami, FL] |
FAQ
Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries in animals. Their core responsibilities include:
Performing physical exams and health checks
Diagnosing illnesses using lab tests, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound), and observation
Prescribing medications, administering vaccines, and offering preventive care
Performing surgical procedures, from spays/neuters to complex soft-tissue or orthopedic surgeries
Euthanizing animals humanely when necessary
Providing dental care, wound care, and emergency interventions
Offering client education on nutrition, wellness, and long-term care
Maintaining detailed patient records and ensuring compliance with laws and ethical codes
In food and livestock sectors: monitoring public health and food safety
In research and public sectors: contributing to epidemiology, biosecurity, and vaccine development
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), ethical responsibilities and public health protection are also central to a veterinarian’s mission.
Day to day, veterinarians:
See scheduled appointments for checkups, vaccinations, or chronic condition monitoring
Respond to emergency cases like trauma, poisoning, or acute illness
Interpret diagnostic data: blood panels, imaging, urinalysis
Perform surgeries, from routine procedures to emergency interventions
Provide post-operative care and pain management
Educate owners on behavioral issues, diet, hygiene, and preventive care
In large-animal or equine practice, they may travel for on-site farm visits
In non-clinical roles, they may lead regulatory inspections, research trials, or animal welfare audits
A veterinarian holds legal and ethical responsibility for:
The medical care of animals under their supervision
Making diagnostic and treatment decisions
Ensuring the safety of prescribed medications and procedures
Communicating clearly and honestly with pet owners or animal handlers
Upholding animal welfare laws, public safety, and client confidentiality
Supervising support staff, including vet techs and assistants
In some jurisdictions, reporting notifiable diseases to public authorities
In essence, the vet is the final decision-maker in all clinical scenarios and holds full accountability for animal outcomes.
A veterinary technician (vet tech) supports the veterinarian and handles much of the hands-on animal care. Typical responsibilities include:
Collecting patient histories and vital signs
Drawing blood, collecting urine/fecal samples, and preparing lab tests
Monitoring anesthesia and vital signs during surgery
Assisting in dental cleanings, wound care, and minor procedures
Handling, restraining, and comforting animals during exams
Sterilizing surgical tools and prepping the exam room
Administering medications and vaccines (under veterinary supervision)
Client communication and explaining post-care instructions
Updating medical records and managing inventory
Vet techs are not allowed to diagnose, perform surgery, or prescribe medications—but they are indispensable in ensuring a smooth, safe, and efficient clinic operation.