Founding Partner Veterinarian -West Des Moines - Urgent Care

Livewell Animal Urgent Care of West Des Moines; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Professional liability coverage

Relocation assistance

Generous CE

Job summary

Livewell Animal Urgent Care of West Des Moines is seeking a Founding Partner Veterinarian to build and lead a new urgent care hospital on University Avenue. You’ll shape clinical culture, recruit a high-performing team, and oversee medical standards while driving growth in a central West Des Moines location.

The role offers a base salary and substantial upside, with equity options, a cash incentive plan over $1M, full benefits, relocation assistance, and nationwide professional support within

Qualifications

• DVM degree and license in good standing to practice.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience as a veterinarian.
• Leadership or management experience is a plus.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build a practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead and build a modern urgent care hospital from the ground up.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop associate veterinarians and staff.
• Establish standards of care and a client-first, team-oriented culture.
• Partner with hospital management to drive growth and community presence.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Entrepreneurial spirit

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree

Job description

Livewell Animal Urgent Care of West Des Moines

Date Published

08-21-2026

Pay Class

Full-Time

Working Arrangement

On-site

Base Min.

$ 160000

Base Max.

$ 190000

Job Description

Your Impact as a Founding Partner & Lead Veterinarian

This is more than a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to build and lead an urgent care hospital in one of West Des Moines’ most visible and accessible commercial corridors. Located on University Avenue, a major thoroughfare surrounded by established retail, restaurants, and residential communities, Livewell Animal Urgent Care will be positioned to provide convenient, high-quality care when pets need it most.

As the Founding Partner Veterinarian, you will have the rare opportunity to establish a modern urgent care hospital from the ground up—with the autonomy to shape your hospital and the full backing of an established network. You’ll build your team, establish a gold-standard medical culture, and create an efficient, client-focused experience designed to meet the needs of pets and pet owners throughout the West Des Moines community.

• Build a Thriving Practice Culture: You will be the architect of a collaborative, client-first culture that balances efficiency with compassion. From the moment a client walks through the door, you’ll set the tone for an urgent care experience built around exceptional medicine, clear communication, and teamwork.
• Lead and Mentor Your Medical Team: You will recruit, onboard, and develop your associate veterinarians and paraprofessional staff, building a highly skilled and engaged team prepared to deliver exceptional care in a fast-paced environment. Together, you’ll create a culture where team members are supported, empowered, and aligned around a shared commitment to helping pets when they need care most.
• Drive Medical and Surgical Excellence: You will establish and maintain the hospital’s standard of care, ensuring the delivery of exceptional medicine while helping your team develop the clinical judgment and skills needed to manage a diverse range of urgent cases. You’ll have the opportunity to build a trusted destination for pet owners seeking timely, high-quality care close to home.
• Partner in Business Ownership: You will work directly with your Hospital Manager to build a thriving urgent care hospital in a highly visible location with exceptional access and convenience for pet owners. Together, you’ll make strategic decisions that drive sustainable growth, build strong relationships within the community, and establish Livewell as a trusted resource for pets across West Des Moines and the surrounding area.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a license in good standing to practice.
• A minimum of 3+ years of experience as a veterinarian, with a strong foundation in general medicine, surgery, and dentistry.
• A compassionate and collaborative leadership style with the ability to mentor and develop associate veterinarians and support staff.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and a strong understanding of what it takes to run a successful practice.
• Previous formal leadership or management experience is a significant plus.

Responsibilities and Benefits

This unique role is designed to reward your leadership and drive for growth with significant financial incentives, allowing you to share directly in the success you help create.

$1M+ Potential Cash Incentive

This partnership includes a lucrative cash incentive plan tied directly to hospital growth, with the potential to earn over $1 Million.

Equity Options & Ownership

Gain a true stake in your success with meaningful equity options in the hospital you lead.

Personal & Professional Compensation

Receive a competitive base salary and your personal monthly production bonus with no negative accrual.

Includes full health, dental, and vision insurance, 401k with match, professional liability coverage, generous CE, and relocation assistance.

Leadership Development

Access dedicated mentorship and growth tracks designed to elevate your leadership skills.

The Power of a Network

Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration and support.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com .

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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