Associate Veterinarian – Lakeland, Tennessee

Supreme Search Specialists; Lakeland (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

Retention Bonus

401(k) Match

Healthcare

Paid Parental Leave

Student Loan Support

Continuing Education

Veterinary Mentorship

Mental Health Resources

Employee Pet Care Discounts

Job summary

Supreme Search Specialists is seeking an Associate Veterinarian in Lakeland, TN. This permanent, full-time role offers a competitive base salary plus production bonus, with no negative accrual and attractive sign-on/retention incentives.

You will provide high-quality care for companion animals and play a key role in preventive medicine, diagnostics, dentistry, and general surgery. The position includes healthcare coverage, a 401(k) match, paid parental leave, student loan support, and

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from AVMA-accredited school or equivalent.
• Active Tennessee veterinary license in good standing or eligible for licensure.
• Minimum of 2 years clinical veterinary experience.
• Current DEA registration or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive veterinary care for companion animals.
• Perform preventive medicine, diagnostics, dentistry and surgery as needed.
• Educate clients on preventive healthcare and treatment options.
• Maintain accurate medical records and coordinate care with staff.
• Monitor hospitalized patients and manage discharge plans.

Skills

Clinical Knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

Education

DVM / VMD

Tennessee license

DEA registration

Job description

Associate Veterinarian – Lakeland, TN | Competitive Salary + Production Bonus

Location: Lakeland, Tennessee
Position: Associate Veterinarian (DVM/VMD)
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Schedule: Full-Time | Weekday and Weekend Operating Hours
Salary: Competitive Base Salary + Production Bonus
Additional Benefits: Sign-On Bonus, Retention Bonus, 401(k) Match, Healthcare, Paid Parental Leave, Continuing Education & Student Loan Support

About the Role

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Associate Veterinarian to join an established small animal veterinary practice in Lakeland, Tennessee, conveniently located near Memphis.

Offering a competitive base salary plus production bonuses with no negative accrual, attractive sign-on and retention incentives, and comprehensive employee benefits, this position provides an excellent opportunity for veterinarians seeking strong earning potential alongside continued professional development.

Additional benefits include healthcare coverage, a 401(k) employer match, paid parental leave, student loan support, and access to structured veterinary mentorship and continuing education.

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive veterinary care for companion animals, managing a varied caseload involving preventive medicine, diagnostics, dentistry, general surgery, and urgent medical care.

Working alongside experienced veterinary colleagues and dedicated support staff, the Associate Veterinarian will have the opportunity to practice high-quality medicine while building lasting relationships with clients and their pets.

The practice offers a collaborative environment where veterinarians are encouraged to exercise clinical autonomy, develop their professional interests, and contribute to the continued improvement of patient care.

This opportunity is particularly suited to an Associate Veterinarian with at least two years of clinical experience who enjoys general practice medicine and values working within a supportive, team-oriented environment.

About the Practice

The practice is an established small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, dental, and surgical services to companion animals throughout Lakeland and the greater Memphis area.

Their veterinary team is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care while maintaining strong relationships with clients and their pets.

The hospital provides a broad range of veterinary services, including wellness examinations, preventive healthcare, diagnostic testing, dentistry, general surgery, and emergency medical assessments.

Veterinarians manage a varied caseload involving routine preventive care, medical investigations, surgical procedures, and urgent medical presentations.

The practice benefits from experienced veterinary colleagues and dedicated clinical support staff who work collaboratively to maintain excellent standards of patient care.

A supportive workplace culture encourages teamwork, continuing education, and professional development, with opportunities to expand clinical skills and pursue long-term career goals.

Veterinarians also have access to structured mentorship, clinical education, and professional development resources, supporting continued growth throughout their careers.

The hospital operates throughout the week, with weekday and weekend opening hours to accommodate the needs of the local community.

Located in Lakeland, Tennessee, the area offers an attractive suburban setting with convenient access to Memphis, outdoor recreation, local amenities, and surrounding communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive veterinary care for companion animals, including preventive medicine, diagnostics, and treatment.

• Conduct thorough physical examinations and develop individualized healthcare plans.

• Diagnose and manage a wide range of medical conditions affecting dogs and cats.

• Perform routine surgical and dental procedures within clinical competency.

• Assess and manage urgent medical cases as appropriate.

• Utilize diagnostic equipment and laboratory testing to support clinical decision-making.

• Administer vaccinations and recommend suitable preventive healthcare treatments.

• Prescribe medications and maintain appropriate pharmacy protocols.

• Provide preventive healthcare guidance for puppies, kittens, adult pets, and senior animals.

• Develop effective treatment plans based on patient needs and clinical findings.

• Educate pet owners on preventive healthcare, nutrition, parasite control, and animal wellbeing.

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and prognoses.

• Maintain accurate and detailed patient medical records.

• Monitor hospitalized patients and coordinate appropriate treatment and discharge plans.

• Collaborate with veterinary technicians and colleagues to ensure excellent patient outcomes.

• Support efficient clinical operations and maintain high standards of patient care.

• Participate in clinical discussions, continuing education, and professional development opportunities.

• Promote a positive, collaborative working environment across the veterinary team.

• Uphold professional veterinary standards, ethical guidelines, and related regulations.

Candidate Profile

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school or recognized equivalent.

• Active Tennessee veterinary license in good standing or eligibility to obtain licensure before commencing employment.

• Minimum of 2 years of clinical veterinary experience.

• Current DEA registration or eligibility to obtain registration.

• Strong clinical knowledge in companion animal medicine and preventive healthcare.

• Confidence in performing comprehensive examinations, diagnostics, and treatment planning.

• Good surgical and dental skills, with the ability to perform routine procedures independently.

• Experience managing urgent medical cases is advantageous.

• Strong clinical decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to develop lasting relationships with clients through compassionate communication and education.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a varied clinical caseload.

• A compassionate, patient-focused approach to veterinary medicine.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with veterinary colleagues and support staff.

• Commitment to maintaining high clinical standards and continued professional development.

• Experienced Associate Veterinarians and early-career veterinarians meeting the experience requirements are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support their financial wellbeing, professional development, and work-life balance.

Key benefits include:

• Competitive Base Salary: Annual salary based on experience and qualifications (ranging from $140,000 to $160,000).

• Production Bonus: Additional earning potential through a competitive production incentive structure.

• No Negative Accrual: Production compensation without negative accrual.

• Sign-On Bonus: Attractive signing incentives available.

• Retention Bonus: Additional retention incentives available.

• Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive medical insurance options.

• Additional Insurance: Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• Paid Parental Leave: Support for eligible employees following birth or adoption.

• Additional Family Leave: Paid leave options to support eligible employees following pet adoption.

• Family Support Benefits: Access to childcare, elder care, and family-planning support resources.

• Student Loan Support: Access to student loan management tools and assistance programs.

• Continuing Education: Access to veterinary education courses and professional development resources.

• Veterinary Mentorship: Structured mentorship opportunities supporting clinical confidence and professional growth.

• Clinical Education: Opportunities for additional training in dentistry and general practice medicine.

• Career Development: Opportunities for clinical advancement and long-term career progression.

• Employee Pet Care Discounts: Discounts on eligible veterinary services and pet care benefits.

• Mental Health Support: Access to mental wellbeing resources and confidential support services.

• Collaborative Team Environment: Experienced veterinary colleagues, technicians, and dedicated clinical support staff.

• Clinical Autonomy: Freedom to practice high-quality veterinary medicine within a supportive environment.

Some benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements, minimum working hours, or qualifying periods.