Associate Veterinarian - Smith Animal Hospital

PetVet Care Centers; Perry (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Relocation package

Production bonuses

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) plan

Team member discounts

Wellbeing support

CE stipends

Relief fund

Local autonomy

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers in Perry, Georgia seeks an Associate Veterinarian to join a busy, well-equipped hospital with a strong client base and a collaborative medical team.

The role covers comprehensive exams, diagnostics, surgery, client education, and practice management updates, with a supportive culture of care and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD degree from an accredited college or university.
• Current State Veterinary License.
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained.
• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice.
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
• Excellent surgical and dental skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
• Excellent communication skills with all staff.
• Client communication skills and building rapport with pet owners.
• Ability to handle pets in stress, illness, or pain.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups.
• Client communication and education.
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery.
• Maintaining accurate medical records.
• Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications and following controlled substance protocols.
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency.
• Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations.
• Evaluate and monitor protocols for daily hospital operations.
• Monitor cases and participate in daily rounds.
• Participate in practice management updates and training.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Skills

Diagnostic & clinical skills

Surgical & dental skills

Client communication

Teamwork / collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Physical stamina (lift 50 lb)

Education

DVM or VMD degree

DEA registration

Job description

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people - providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage - for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience - every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Associate Veterinarian to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.

Smith Animal Hospital in Perry, Georgia has been a fixture in the community and serving the surrounding area since 1950. We pride ourselves on the strong and trusting partnerships we build with our clients while also having a zero tolerance policy for verbal abuse or mistreatment of our staff. We have worked hard to develop a culture where providing the best care and service to our patients is an everyday priority.

Expert veterinary care with a well-equipped hospital including but not limited to

• Well-established client base
• Modern, up to date facility
• 2.5 support staff to DVM ratio
• Full time RVT with multiple other assistants eligible for their boards
• Digital radiography and ability to send studies out for specialist review
• Dental radiology. Our technicians have taken additional outside training to obtain images accurately and efficiently
• Ultrasound
• Full Idexx laboratory suite including Procyte, Catalyst, Sedivue, and Coags
• On-Site Pharmacy
• Well Equipped Surgery Suite
  • Multiparameter monitoring including capnography
• No after-hours on call! We have a local ER for patients who need after hours care
• Top-notch staff in a collaborative team. Multiple staff members have been tenured at the practice for over 5 years

Key Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
• Client communication and education
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
• Maintaining accurate medical records
• Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
• Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
• Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
• Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
• Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Qualifications (Required)

• Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
• Excellent surgical and dental skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
• Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
• Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
• Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
• Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
• Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
• Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
• Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.

What We Offer

• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $75,000
• Competitive Salary and Production Bonuses - no negative accrual option available
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care - for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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