Emergency Veterinarian – Chattanooga, TN | Competitive Salary & Comprehensive Benefits
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Position: Emergency Veterinarian (DVM/VMD)
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Schedule: Full-Time | 24-Hour Emergency Hospital
Salary: Competitive Salary Based on Experience
Additional Benefits: 401(k) Match, Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, Continuing Education Allowance & Professional Development
About the Role
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Emergency Veterinarian to join an established 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Offering a competitive salary, comprehensive employee benefits, continuing education support, and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technology, this position provides an outstanding opportunity for veterinarians seeking a rewarding career in emergency and critical care medicine.
The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of small animal emergencies, providing urgent assessment, stabilization, diagnostics, and treatment for critically ill and injured companion animals.
Working alongside experienced emergency veterinarians, veterinary specialists, and dedicated clinical support staff, the Emergency Veterinarian will benefit from a collaborative multidisciplinary environment focused on delivering exceptional patient care.
The hospital offers access to advanced diagnostic imaging, modern surgical facilities, and specialist medical resources, supporting the investigation and management of complex emergency cases.
The successful candidate will also have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across critical care, surgery, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation, ensuring patients receive coordinated treatment when specialist intervention is required.
This opportunity is particularly suited to an Emergency Veterinarian with a passion for emergency medicine, strong clinical decision-making skills, and a commitment to compassionate patient care.
Veterinarians with relevant emergency experience, as well as motivated clinicians seeking to further develop their emergency medicine skills, are encouraged to apply.
About the Practice
The practice is an established 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital providing advanced medical and surgical care to companion animals throughout Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee communities.
Their veterinary team is committed to delivering high-quality emergency medicine while maintaining a compassionate, patient-focused approach.
The hospital provides comprehensive emergency and specialty services, including emergency medicine, critical care, advanced surgery, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation.
Veterinarians manage a diverse caseload involving acute illness, traumatic injuries, complex medical conditions, and patients requiring hospitalization and intensive monitoring.
The practice benefits from modern diagnostic and treatment resources, including advanced imaging, endoscopic equipment, and dedicated surgical facilities, supporting efficient clinical investigations and treatment planning.
Experienced veterinary technicians and clinical support staff work alongside veterinarians to maintain high standards of emergency nursing care, patient monitoring, and clinical efficiency.
A collaborative workplace culture encourages teamwork, shared clinical knowledge, and multidisciplinary case management.
Veterinarians also benefit from access to continuing education, professional development resources, and clinical research opportunities, supporting ongoing advancement in emergency and critical care medicine.
Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the area offers an attractive combination of city amenities, outdoor recreation, and access to the surrounding mountains and natural landscapes.
With opportunities for hiking, cycling, climbing, kayaking, and exploring nearby parks and waterways, Chattanooga provides an appealing setting for veterinarians seeking a rewarding career and an active lifestyle.
Responsibilities
- Provide emergency veterinary care for companion animals presenting with acute illness, injury, and life-threatening conditions.
- Perform rapid patient assessments, triage, and stabilization of emergency cases.
- Diagnose and manage a wide range of urgent medical and surgical conditions affecting dogs and cats.
- Develop comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plans based on patient needs and clinical findings.
- Perform emergency procedures appropriate to experience and clinical competency.
- Utilize diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, and other clinical resources to support emergency decision‑making.
- Manage patients requiring hospitalization, intensive monitoring, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Administer emergency medications, fluid therapy, pain management, and supportive treatments.
- Assess and manage traumatic injuries, respiratory emergencies, gastrointestinal conditions, and other urgent presentations.
- Coordinate appropriate surgical intervention and specialist referral when required.
- Collaborate with critical care specialists, surgeons, internists, and other veterinary colleagues.
- Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans in response to changing clinical conditions.
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with pet owners regarding diagnoses, treatment options, prognoses, and emergency care recommendations.
- Maintain accurate and detailed patient medical records.
- Coordinate patient transfers, discharge instructions, and follow‑up care recommendations.
- Work closely with veterinary technicians and support staff to maintain efficient emergency workflows.
- Participate in clinical discussions, case reviews, and continuing education activities.
- Support the development and implementation of evidence‑based emergency medicine protocols.
- Maintain high standards of patient safety, infection control, and clinical governance.
- Uphold professional veterinary standards, ethical guidelines, and relevant 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.
- Strong interest in small animal emergency medicine and critical care.
- Clinical experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, or a related veterinary setting is advantageous.
- Confidence in assessing, stabilizing, and managing patients presenting with urgent medical conditions.
- Strong clinical decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities.
- Ability to remain calm and organized in a fast‑paced emergency hospital environment.
- Understanding of emergency diagnostics, treatment planning, and hospitalized patient management.
- Practical medical and surgical skills appropriate to experience level.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate compassionately with pet owners during stressful and emotionally challenging situations.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple emergency cases.
- A compassionate, patient‑focused approach to veterinary medicine.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with veterinary specialists and support staff.
- Commitment to maintaining high clinical standards and evidence‑based veterinary medicine.
- Willingness to participate in a full‑time emergency hospital schedule.
- Enthusiasm for continuing education and professional development in emergency and critical care medicine.
- Experienced Emergency Veterinarians and motivated Associate Veterinarians seeking to develop their emergency medicine careers 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 Salary: Negotiable compensation based on experience, qualifications, and clinical expertise (ranging from $170,000 to $190,000).
- Additional Earning Opportunities: Potential eligibility for variable compensation programs.
- Full‑Time Employment: Permanent position within an established emergency and specialty veterinary hospital.
- Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Additional Health Benefits: Access to family‑planning and other healthcare support programs.
- Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
- Paid Time Off: Paid vacation and sick leave.
- Paid Parental Leave: Support for eligible employees following birth or adoption.
- Continuing Education Allowance: Financial support for veterinary education and professional development.
- Paid Continuing Education Days: Dedicated time to attend eligible educational events and training.
- Professional Development: Access to veterinary education programs, clinical learning resources, and ongoing training.
- Clinical Research Opportunities: Opportunities to participate in veterinary clinical studies and research initiatives.
- Advanced Veterinary Technology: Access to modern diagnostic imaging, surgical equipment, and specialist treatment resources.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Opportunities to work alongside experienced emergency veterinarians and veterinary specialists.
- Employee Pet Care Discounts: Discounts on eligible veterinary services and pet care benefits.
- Mental Health Support: Access to wellbeing resources, confidential support services, and mental health programs.
- Financial Wellbeing Resources: Access to tools and resources supporting financial planning and wellbeing.
- Career Development: Opportunities for continued professional growth within emergency and critical care veterinary medicine.
- Supportive Clinical Environment: Dedicated veterinary technicians and experienced clinical colleagues.
Some benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements, minimum working hours, or qualifying periods.