2027-2028 Equine Ambulatory Internship- Bluegrass Equine Surgery

PetVet Care Centers; Versailles (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Bluegrass Equine Surgery (BES) is seeking an Equine Ambulatory Veterinary Internship in central Kentucky. The role includes 48-50 hour weeks depending on season, reporting to Medical Director and Ambulatory leadership, and compensation listed as hourly.

The program trains across equine medicine with multiple veterinarians, field work, and on-call rotation, offering hands-on experience in mare cycles, foal care, emergency handling, and PMS/billing processes.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of a College/University of Veterinary Medicine.
• Candidates MUST be licensed or able to be licensed in Kentucky/has passed NAVLE.
• Eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.
• Ability to gain USDA Accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
• Client communication and education
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
• Maintaining accurate medical records
• Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications and following controlled substance protocols
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
• Work with Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
• Evaluate and monitor protocols for daily hospital operations
• Monitor cases in hospital and participate in daily rounds when possible
• Participate in practice management updates and training
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education

Veterinary degree (DVM or VMD)

Current State Veterinary License

DEA registration

1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Excellent surgical and dental skills

Team-oriented environment

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Job description

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 400 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

BLUEGRASS EQUINE SURGERY

Equine Ambulatory Veterinary Internship
Job Description

Bluegrass Equine Surgery (BES) is an equine veterinary practice providing exceptional client service and primary medical care in the central Kentucky region. Located minutes from Keeneland Racecourse, Bluegrass Equine Surgery is in the heart of horse country, where employees get to see a large, diverse scope of equine veterinary medicine.

BES is seeking to fill the position of Equine Ambulatory Veterinary Internship.

Hours: 48-50 hours a week/ dependent on the season

Reports to: Medical Director, Head of Ambulatory Veterinarian, Hospital Manager

Department: Ambulatory

Location: Hospital

Compensation: Hourly

The BES Equine Ambulatory Veterinary Internship is an extensive program that covers the ins and outs of being an equine veterinarian in the Central Kentucky area

DUTIES

Training directly with multiple veterinarians on varying aspects of equine medicine, including but not limited to:

• Ultrasound, palping, flushing, and other various aspects of reproductive horse with mares such as learning the mare’s cycle and the central Kentucky breeding industry
• Foal care
• Heard Health Management
• Handling of emergencies
• Client Interactions

Partaking in an On-Call rotation

Learning the PMS system, billing your own tickets

Work closely with doctors daily

Willingness to work out in the field in varying weather

Working independently and confident as a veterinarian

Working out in very client-facing environments such as farms and horse sales

Taking Radiographs

Model professionalism and ethical practices

Restrain horses as needed

Take vital measurements on patients

Take blood for labs, complete health charts and Coggins

Gather medical history

Monitor patients

Handle emergencies with professionalism

Other

Promote cooperative working environment among staff members; understand the value of teamwork; show enthusiasm and willingness to perform as necessary to help the practice function as a unit.

Understand and carry out oral and written directions

Maintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employees

Promotes continuous quality improvement

Performs other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE

MUST be a graduate of a College/University of Veterinary Medicine

Candidates MUST be licensed or ability to be licensed in the state of Kentucky/ Has passed NAVLE

Candidates must be eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the United States

Ability to gain USDA Accreditation

Has a US Driver’s License

An understanding of the Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Industry is helpful though not required

Ability to read horse body language and perform advanced handling of horses.

Self-motivated lifelong learner

Work well independently and as part of a team

PERSONAL

Enthusiasm for Equine Veterinary Medicine

Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and for working in an animal-care environment

Work under the broad general administrative supervision of the owners and doctors, and use sound personal judgment in selecting methods, establishing priorities, and arriving at conclusions

May be required to work uncommon hours

Be flexible in attitude and work habits

Key Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
• Client communication and education
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
• Maintaining accurate medical records
• Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
• Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
• Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
• Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
• Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Qualifications (Required)

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
• Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
• Excellent surgical and dental skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
• Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
• Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
• Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
• Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
• Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
• Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
• Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.

Pay Range

$55,000 — $56,000 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to aCulture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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