Relief Veterinarian/Surgeon – Wellness Clinic

Pawmetto Lifeline; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

AAHA-accredited Wellness Clinic

Job summary

Pawmetto Lifeline’s Wellness Clinic in Columbia, SC seeks a Relief Veterinarian/Surgeon to join our AAHA-accredited team. This contract role combines outpatient medicine with advanced soft-tissue surgery, offering flexible scheduling and the opportunity to impact pets and families in the Midlands.

The ideal candidate has advanced surgical experience and can independently manage medical and surgical cases, providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD from an accredited veterinary program.
• Active South Carolina veterinary license in good standing.
• DEA registration and other applicable credentials.
• Demonstrated experience performing advanced soft-tissue surgical procedures.
• Ability to independently manage medical, urgent-care, and surgical cases.
• Strong clinical judgment and client communication skills.
• Commitment to compassionate, high-quality veterinary medicine.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, diagnose, and treat sick or injured dogs and cats presented to the Wellness Clinic.
• Develop appropriate diagnostic and treatment plans based on each patient's needs.
• Review laboratory results, diagnostic imaging, and other medical information.
• Provide follow-up care and recheck examinations for medical and surgical patients.
• Determine when referral to an emergency hospital or veterinary specialist is medically appropriate.
• Provide compassionate end-of-life care and euthanasia services when appropriate.
• Independently perform advanced soft-tissue surgical procedures.
• Perform routine wellness examinations and preventive care as needed.
• Collaborate with veterinary staff to ensure efficient, high-quality patient care.

Skills

Veterinary medicine

Surgical expertise

Client communication

Clinical judgment

Team collaboration

Education

DVM or VMD

SC veterinary license

DEA registration

Job description

Relief Veterinarian/Surgeon – Wellness Clinic

Relief Veterinarian/Surgeon – Wellness Clinic

Contract Position | $1,000 per day | 8–9 hour shifts | Flexible Scheduling

Pawmetto Lifeline is seeking an experiencedRelief Veterinarian/Surgeonto join our AAHA-accredited Wellness Clinic in Columbia, South Carolina. This position combines outpatient veterinary medicine with advanced soft-tissue surgical care and is ideal for an experienced veterinarian who is confident managing both medical and surgical cases independently.

Advanced surgical experience is required for this position.Candidates must be comfortable performing a range of soft-tissue and specialty procedures beyond routine spay/neuter surgery.

Our relief veterinarian will work alongside an experienced veterinary support team while providing high-quality, compassionate care in an access-to-care environment. This is a flexible opportunity to practice meaningful medicine, tackle interesting cases, and make a direct difference for pets and the families who love them.

Key Responsibilities

Medical & Sick Pet Care

• Evaluate, diagnose, and treat sick or injured dogs and cats presented to the Wellness Clinic.
• Develop appropriate diagnostic and treatment plans based on each patient's individual needs.
• Review laboratory results, diagnostic imaging, and other medical information and incorporate findings into patient care.
• Provide follow-up care and recheck examinations for medical and surgical patients.
• Determine when referral to an emergency hospital or veterinary specialist is medically appropriate.
• Provide compassionate end-of-life care and euthanasia services when medically appropriate.

Advanced Surgical Care

The ability to independently perform advanced surgical procedures is an essential function of this position.

Candidates should have demonstrated surgical experience and be comfortable performing a variety of procedures that may include:

• Enucleations
• Mass and tumor removals
• Dental cleanings and surgical extractions
• Limb amputations
• Hernia repairs
• Wound repair and reconstruction
• Cherry eye and other appropriate ophthalmic procedures
• Other soft-tissue surgical procedures within the veterinarian's demonstrated training and experience

The veterinarian will evaluate surgical candidates, develop appropriate surgical and post-operative treatment plans, and determine when a patient's needs exceed the capabilities of the Wellness Clinic and referral is warranted.

Wellness & Preventive Medicine

• Perform routine wellness examinations and provide preventive veterinary care as needed.
• Recommend and administer appropriate vaccinations, parasite prevention, diagnostic testing, and health screenings.
• Counsel clients regarding preventive healthcare, treatment options, and strategies to improve their pets' long-term health and quality of life.

Our veterinarian works alongside veterinary technicians, assistants, and experienced clinic staff committed to efficient, high-quality patient care.

The Relief Veterinarian/Surgeon will:

• Provide medical direction and guidance to veterinary support staff.
• Collaborate with the medical team on diagnostic, surgical, and post-operative care.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients regarding diagnoses, treatment options, surgical procedures, prognosis, and follow-up care.
• Support a positive, professional, and collaborative clinical environment.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD from an accredited veterinary program.
• Active South Carolina veterinary license in good standing.
• DEA registration and other applicable credentials.
• Demonstrated experience performing advanced soft-tissue surgical procedures.
• Ability to independently manage medical, urgent-care, and surgical cases.
• Strong clinical judgment and client communication skills.
• Commitment to compassionate, high-quality veterinary medicine.

This position requires surgical competency beyond routine spay/neuter procedures.

Compensation & Schedule

Typical shifts are approximately8–9 hours, with flexible scheduling based on veterinarian availability and clinic needs.

This position is well suited for an experienced veterinarian seeking flexible relief work while maintaining the opportunity to perform challenging and rewarding medical and surgical cases.

Pawmetto Lifeline's Wellness Clinic provides accessible, high-quality veterinary care to pets and families throughout the Midlands. Our work helps pets receive needed medical treatment while supporting our broader mission of keeping animals healthy, with the families who love them, and out of shelters.

As a Relief Veterinarian/Surgeon, you'll have the opportunity to use your clinical and surgical skills where they can make an immediate and meaningful impact.

Bring your experience. Practice great medicine. Make a difference.