Associate Veterinarian NOT corporate

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement match

CE stipend

Paid licensing/DEA

Job summary

South Des Moines Veterinary Center in Des Moines, IA, is seeking an associate veterinarian to join our independent, doctor-led practice. We offer autonomy to practice high-quality medicine with a supportive team and modern equipment.

We provide a four-day work week with no weekends or on-call, a competitive salary with production bonuses, CE stipend, health insurance, dental insurance, retirement plan with company match, and paid licensing/DEA.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited college is required.
• Iowa veterinary license or eligibility to obtain one before employment.
• Ability to maintain DEA registration and state licenses.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients and team members.
• Commitment to high-quality, evidence-based medicine.
• Strong surgical and medical skills for small animals.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Passion for building long-term relationships with clients and their pets.
• Professional, compassionate, and positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Perform wellness and preventive care examinations.
• Diagnose and treat medical conditions in companion animals.
• Perform routine and advanced soft tissue surgeries.
• Interpret laboratory results and diagnostic imaging.
• Develop treatment plans and communicate recommendations with clients.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records.
• Collaborate with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to provide exceptional patient care.
• Educate clients on preventive healthcare and treatment options.
• Participate in continuing education and contribute to a positive hospital culture.

Skills

Small animal practice

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Evidence-based medicine

Surgical skills

Client relationship building

Positive attitude

Education

AVMA-accredited veterinary college (DVM/VMD)

Job description

Veterinarian- associate

South Des Moines Veterinary Center | Des Moines, Iowa

Practice Great Medicine. Love Where You Work. Leave Corporate Behind.

If you're tired of practicing veterinary medicine with one eye on a corporate spreadsheet, keep reading.

At South Des Moines Veterinary Center, we've been caring for pets and the people who love them for more than 60 years. We're proudly independently owned and committed to practicing medicine the way it should be—focused on patients, clients, and the veterinarians who care for them.

Even better? We're moving into a beautiful new state-of-the-art hospital designed to give our team the space, technology, and resources they deserve.

No corporate mandates.
No private equity.
No one in another state telling you how to practice medicine.

Just great medicine, a supportive team, and happy clients who trust us with generations of their pets.

What You'll Love

Brand-new, modern veterinary hospital

4 day work week with NO weekends and NO on-call

Excellent work-life balance

Competitive salary plus generous production bonuses

CE stipend

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Paid licensing, DEA, professional dues, and liability insurance

Fear-free, collaborative culture where your opinions matter.

Practice Medicine—Not Metrics

We believe veterinarians should have the freedom to make medical decisions based on what's best for the patient—not what's best for shareholders.

You'll have the autonomy to practice high-quality medicine with modern equipment, experienced support staff, and leadership that actually listens.

Need to spend an extra 15 minutes with a client? Do it.

Want to work through a challenging case with your colleagues? We're all in.

Have an idea to improve the hospital? Let's hear it.

Who We Are

South Des Moines Veterinary Center has been a trusted part of the Des Moines community since 1964. Today, we provide comprehensive care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets, including wellness care, surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, urgent care, boarding, grooming, and more.

More importantly, we've built something that's getting harder to find in veterinary medicine:

A clinic where doctors enjoy coming to work.

Who We're Looking For

Whether you're an experienced veterinarian or a new graduate looking for mentorship, we're looking for someone who:

• Loves practicing quality medicine
• Enjoys building lasting client relationships
• Works well with an incredible team
• Wants to have a life outside of work

If You're Ready To Escape Corporate...

...come see what veterinary medicine feels like when it's built around doctors instead of investors.

Come help us write the next chapter of South Des Moines Veterinary Center.

Exceptional medicine. Incredible team. Brand-new hospital. No corporate nonsense.

We'd love to meet you.

Want to know more...

• check out our website at www.welovethemtoo.com

Required Qualifications:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine
• Current Iowa veterinary license or eligibility to obtain an Iowa veterinary license before employment
• Ability to maintain DEA registration and any required state licenses
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients and team members
• Commitment to practicing high-quality, evidence-based medicine
• Strong surgical and medical skills appropriate for a small animal general practice
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Passion for building long‑term relationships with clients and their pets
• Professional, compassionate, and positive attitude

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in small animal general practice (new graduates are encouraged to apply)
• Interest in surgery, dentistry, internal medicine
• Fear Free or Low‑Stress Handling experience is welcomed but not required
• Desire to mentor others and continue professional growth through continuing education

Responsibilities

• Perform wellness and preventive care examinations
• Diagnose and treat medical conditions in companion animals
• Perform routine and advanced soft tissue surgeries
• Interpret laboratory results and diagnostic imaging
• Develop treatment plans and communicate recommendations with clients
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records
• Collaborate with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to provide exceptional patient care
• Educate clients on preventive healthcare and treatment options
• Participate in continuing education and contribute to a positive hospital culture

Licensure Requirements

• Candidates must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Iowa or be eligible for licensure prior to their start date. Iowa licensure requires graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college, successful completion of the NAVLE, and licensure through the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine.