Associate Veterinarian

Purple Cow Recruiting; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Purple Cow Recruiting is seeking an Associate Veterinarian for a full-time, on-site role in Fairfield, CT. You will provide medical and surgical care for dogs and cats, develop treatment plans, and work closely with a supportive clinical team in an AAHA-accredited hospital.

Recent graduates are considered; two or more years preferred. Compensation includes base salary with production-based incentives, sign-on up to $100,000, and relocation assistance where applicable.

Qualifications

• DVM degree from an accredited institution is required.
• Eligibility to obtain Connecticut veterinary license is required.
• Hands-on small animal clinical experience is required.
• Strong client communication and education skills are required.
• Ability to work on-site in Fairfield, CT is required.
• Experience in AAHA-accredited or high-volume hospitals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Examine and diagnose diseases and injuries in dogs and cats.
• Develop and manage medical treatment plans.
• Perform surgical and dental procedures as appropriate.
• Provide preventive care and vaccinations.
• Counsel pet owners on care and treatment options.
• Collaborate with staff and referring veterinarians.
• Maintain high standards of patient care with leadership input.

Skills

Client communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Surgical skills

Preventive care

Dentistry

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Job description

Description

Associate Veterinarian | Fairfield, CT

Full-Time | On-Site | Small Animal Veterinary Medicine

Heartline Staffing, in partnership with Purple Cow Recruiting, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Associate Veterinarian for a full-time opportunity in Fairfield, Connecticut. This position offers the opportunity to practice in a progressive, AAHA-accredited, state-of-the‑art veterinary hospital while collaborating with an experienced and supportive clinical team.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Associate Veterinarian will provide high-quality medical and surgical care to companion animals, primarily dogs and cats. Responsibilities include diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries, performing surgical and dental procedures, administering preventive care and vaccinations, counseling pet owners, and coordinating care with referring veterinarians and hospital leadership.

The practice is open to both experienced veterinarians and new graduates. Candidates with two or more years of veterinary hospital experience are preferred, but recent graduates who demonstrate strong clinical potential, teamwork, and a commitment to continued learning will be considered.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Examine and diagnose diseases and injuries in companion animals
• Develop and manage appropriate medical treatment plans
• Perform surgical procedures as clinically appropriate
• Perform dental procedures
• Administer core vaccinations
• Provide preventive and wellness care
• Counsel pet owners regarding preventive care, treatment options, and ongoing medical needs
• Interpret diagnostic information and manage patient outcomes
• Collaborate with veterinary technicians, support staff, and other veterinarians
• Communicate and coordinate with referring veterinarians
• Work with hospital and regional leadership to maintain high standards of patient care
• Participate in continuing education, seminars, and professional training
• Manage clinical time and prioritize cases effectively
• Work efficiently in a busy, fast‑paced veterinary hospital environment
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative workplace for staff, clients, and patients

CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT

• Physical Examinations
• Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
• Preventive Medicine
• Vaccinations
• Soft‑Tissue Surgery
• Dentistry
• Dental Extractions
• Anesthesia / Analgesia Management
• Diagnostic Interpretation
• Case Management
• Client Education
• Referral Coordination

NEW GRADUATES

New veterinary graduates are encouraged to be considered for this opportunity. Internship training is preferred but not required. Candidates should be prepared to discuss clinical rotations, internships, externships, mentorship experience, surgical exposure, dentistry, and other hands‑on small‑animal experience.

COMPENSATION & INCENTIVES

• Base Salary Starting at $130,000
• Production‑Based Compensation Opportunities
• Additional Financial Incentives
• Sign‑On Bonus of Up to $100,000
• Relocation Bonus When Applicable

BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match of Up to 4% After 6 Months
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Company‑Paid or Applicable State Bonding Leave
• Employer‑Assisted Student Loan Repayment
• Mental Health Resources
• Veterinary Service and Product Discounts
• Reference Laboratory Testing Discounts
• Pet Food Discounts
• Pet Insurance Discounts

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree or Equivalent Qualification from an Accredited Institution REQUIRED
• Eligibility to Obtain a Connecticut State Veterinary License REQUIRED
• Hands‑On Small Animal Clinical Experience REQUIRED
• Ability to Examine, Diagnose, and Medically Treat Companion Animals REQUIRED
• Ability to Perform Appropriate Surgical Procedures REQUIRED
• Dental Procedure Experience / Clinical Training REQUIRED
• Preventive Care and Vaccination Knowledge REQUIRED
• Strong Client Communication and Education Skills REQUIRED
• Ability to Collaborate with Veterinary Teams and Referring Veterinarians REQUIRED
• Strong Time Management and Prioritization Skills REQUIRED
• Ability to Thrive in a Fast‑Paced Veterinary Hospital Environment REQUIRED
• Ability to Work On‑Site in Fairfield, CT REQUIRED
• 2+ Years of Veterinary Hospital Practice Experience Preferred
• Veterinary Internship Training Preferred
• AAHA-Accredited or High‑Volume Veterinary Hospital Experience Preferred

EXPERIENCE NOTE:

Two or more years of veterinary hospital experience is preferred; however, new graduates will be considered. Do not reject an otherwise qualified recent graduate solely for not having two years of post‑graduate practice experience.

LICENSE NOTE:

Candidates do not need to already hold a Connecticut veterinary license at the time of initial screening, but they must be eligible to obtain one. Candidates currently licensed in another state should be screened for Connecticut licensure eligibility and anticipated timeline.

CLINICAL SKILLS:

Strong candidates should demonstrate competence or appropriate training in companion‑animal physical exams, diagnosis and treatment, preventive medicine, vaccinations, surgery, dentistry, anesthesia/analgesia, diagnostic interpretation, and client communication.