Associate Veterinarian

Thrive Pet Healthcare; Independence (LA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Mental health resources

FREE CE courses

Pet perks and veterinary service discounts

Job summary

Thrive Pet Healthcare is seeking an Associate Veterinarian for its small animal hospitals in Ponchatoula and Independence, Louisiana. The role involves providing general medical and surgical care for dogs and cats, conducting wellness exams, and collaborating with a dedicated team. We offer competitive salaries, sign-on bonuses, flexible schedules, and a comprehensive benefits package, including student loan support and mental health resources. Join us to thrive in a supportive environment with opportunities for mentorship and skill development.

Qualifications

• Active DEA license or eligibility required.
• State Veterinary Board license in good standing necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide general medical and surgical care for small animals (dogs & cats).
• Conduct wellness, preventive care, and primary care surgical cases.
• Collaborate across hospital teams for patient care.

Skills

Interest in small animal medicine

Strong communication skills

Ability to collaborate across teams

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD)

Job description

Associate Veterinarian – Ponchatoula & Independence, LA

Hickory Small Animal Hospital seeks an Associate Veterinarian to support our two AAHA-accredited small animal hospitals in Ponchatoula and Independence, Louisiana. We welcome experienced veterinarians and new graduates interested in small animal general practice, preventive care, and primary care surgery who want to grow in a supportive team‑oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide general medical and surgical care for small animals (dogs & cats).
• Conduct wellness, preventive care, sick/urgent, and primary care surgical cases.
• Collaborate across hospital teams and contribute to a team‑first patient care approach.
• Maintain AAHA standards of care.
• Assist in mentorship and skill development for newer graduates.
• Participate in practice activities such as diagnostics, dentistry, grooming, and boarding.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary + production‑based compensation (paid quarterly, no long‑term negative accrual).
• Sign‑on bonus and retention bonus opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.
• Flexible scheduling to support work‑life balance.

Key Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) or equivalent degree.
• State Veterinary Board license in good standing in the state where hired.
• Active DEA license or DEA licensure eligibility.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Interest or experience in small animal medicine (dogs & cats).
• Comfort with or willingness to learn wellness exams, preventive care, and sick visits.
• Interest in primary care surgery (spay/neuter, dentistry, soft tissue procedures).
• Strong communication skills and willingness to build client trust.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple hospital teams.
• Commitment to maintaining AAHA standards of care.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Mental health resources, including access to therapy through Lyra Health.
• Paid parental leave.
• Purr‑ental leave for when you adopt a pet.
• Subsidized backup childcare and elder care.
• Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning.
• FREE CE courses.
• Pet perks and veterinary service discounts.
• Student loan support tools and assistance.
• Some benefits shown are only for full‑time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.

Locations

Both the Ponchatoula and Independence locations offer consistent scheduling: Monday‑Friday 7:30 AM‑5:30 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM‑12:00 PM.