Associate Veterinarian

Tempus Recruitment; Puyallup (WA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus/relocation

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

80 hours PTO

Paid sick leave

License & membership coverage

Job summary

Tempus Recruitment is seeking an Associate Veterinarian for an AAHA‑accredited small animal hospital in Puyallup, WA. The role provides medical, surgical, and preventive care for dogs and cats, with four 10‑hour shifts per week and rotating weekend coverage.

New graduates are welcomed with a structured mentorship, access to advanced diagnostics, and a collaborative team focused on professional growth and Fear Free patient care.

Qualifications

• The role focuses on clinical excellence and mentorship within a small animal hospital setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical, surgical, and preventive care for dogs and cats, including wellness exams, diagnostics, dentistry, and surgery.
• Manage urgent care services and communicate effectively with clients.
• Work four 10-hour shifts per week with rotating weekend coverage and dedicated surgery days.
• Participate in a mentorship programme for new graduates with ongoing clinical support.
• Collaborate with a team to expand patient care capabilities and pursue clinical interests.

Job description

This AAHA-accredited animal hospital in Puyallup, Washington is hiring for an Associate Veterinarian to join its established and collaborative team. Serving the local community for more than 60 years, the practice has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality medicine, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate patient care. As part of a veterinarian-owned group with no outside investors or corporate ownership, the hospital offers genuine clinical autonomy, strong mentorship, and the opportunity for veterinarians to develop their own areas of interest. This opportunity is open to both experienced veterinarians and new graduates seeking a supportive environment with excellent professional development and long-term career growth.

Role Description and Responsibilities

The Associate Veterinarian will provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and preventative care for canine and feline patients, including wellness examinations, diagnostics, dentistry, surgery, urgent care services, and client communication. Full-time veterinarians typically work four 10-hour shifts per week with rotating weekend coverage and dedicated surgery days built into the schedule. The practice actively encourages veterinarians to introduce additional services and clinical interests, helping expand patient care capabilities while reducing the need for referrals. New graduates benefit from a structured mentorship programme tailored to their experience level, including dedicated mentoring, gradual onboarding, continuing education opportunities, and ongoing clinical support. Veterinarians with an interest in surgery, orthopaedics, or advanced diagnostics will have access to experienced colleagues who perform orthopaedic procedures and advanced ultrasound work within the hospital.

This progressive small animal hospital provides care exclusively for dogs and cats and offers a broad range of general practice and urgent care services. The facility is equipped with digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, Class IV laser therapy, in-house laboratory equipment, EzyVet practice management software, and fully integrated electronic medical records. The hospital features two surgical suites and supports advanced medical and surgical procedures that many general practices would otherwise refer. Appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes, allowing veterinarians adequate time to practise thorough medicine and build strong client relationships. The practice is open seven days a week and places a strong emphasis on continuing education, clinical excellence, and maintaining Fear Free principles for both patients and team members.

Team

The hospital currently has a team of three veterinarians supported by experienced licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and support staff who are committed to delivering exceptional patient care. The culture is collaborative, transparent, and people-focused, with a strong emphasis on mentorship, teamwork, and professional growth. As part of a locally owned veterinary group, the hospital prioritises supporting its doctors through open communication, shared learning, and a positive working environment free from unnecessary corporate pressures. Veterinarians are encouraged to practise high-quality medicine with autonomy while benefiting from the support of an experienced and approachable clinical team.

The Package:

• Up to $160k base salary
• Signing bonus/relocation assistance
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 80 hours of PTO
• Paid sick leave
• Coverage for licenses, dues, and memberships