Overnight Emergency Veterinarian - Animal Emergency Clinic

Careerwebsite; Kirkwood (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus up to $75,000

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Parental leave

401(k) with company match

Pet discounts

Wellbeing support (Calm app, EAP)

CE stipends & career development

Relief fund for team members

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers seeks an Overnight Emergency Veterinarian for Animal Emergency Clinic-Kirkwood, a 24/7 emergency hospital near St. Louis. You will join a team of veterinarians, technicians, and support staff, delivering high-quality emergency medicine at night, weekends, and holidays.

The role offers mentorship, access to a Board-Certified Surgeon, a fast-paced diversified caseload, and a welcoming, resource-rich hospital environment with opportunities for growth and development.

Qualifications

• 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 emergency 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 with all Medical and Hospital staff.
• Client communication skills to elicit information and establish rapport with pet owners.
• Display confidence and reassurance with stressed/ill pets.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Surgical skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Compassionate care

Education

DVM or VMD degree

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 Overnight Emergency Veterinarianto join our team at Animal Emergency Clinic- Kirkwood. 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 Director.

Animal Emergency Clinic-Kirkwood is a 24/7 emergency hospital located just minutes from downtown St. Louis. Our veterinarians and support staff are equipped to handle urgent cases ranging from sudden illness to trauma, providing skilled, compassionate care when pets need it most. We are committed to delivering high-quality emergency medicine on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Why Join Us:

• Our team is made up of experienced professionals who are passionate about mentorship and fostering growth.
• Whether you're a newer doctor or looking to refine your clinical skills, you'll find a supportive environment with access to a Board-Certified Surgeon who enjoys teaching and advancing surgical proficiency.
• Our caseload is diverse and fast-paced, offering exposure to a wide variety of cases that keep each day engaging and rewarding.
• With its welcoming atmosphere, top-tier amenities, and proximity to St. Louis, Kirkwood is a great place to live and work for both individuals and families.

This charming and established suburb of St. Louis is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and vibrant local culture. With a walkable downtown, parks, restaurants, and easy access to the city, Kirkwood offers an ideal balance of suburban comfort and urban convenience.

What We Offer

• Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75,000
• 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

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 emergency 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.

Pay Range

$150,000-$180,000 USD

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

PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.