Relief Veterinarian - Swartz Creek, MI

Pet Services of Washington, P.S.; Swartz Creek (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid vacation/sick days

401(k)

Pet discounts

Job summary

VCA Swartz Creek Animal Hospital seeks a versatile Relief Veterinarian to support our medical team during peak periods and vacations. You will lead medical care on scheduled shifts, manage caseloads with autonomy, and collaborate with experienced staff to maintain high-quality patient care.

The role focuses on wellness exams, urgent care triage, and dental/soft-tissue procedures as needed, with pain management and client communication at the forefront.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an AVMA-accredited school.
• Active veterinary license in the practicing state or eligible for licensure in Michigan.
• DEA registration for controlled substances.

Responsibilities

• Lead medical care during scheduled shifts, with autonomy over caseloads.
• Conduct wellness exams, diagnose conditions, and create treatment plans.
• Perform routine surgeries and dental procedures as applicable.
• Evaluate urgent cases and triage during clinic hours.
• Prescribe medications and manage pain relief per safety protocols.
• Explain diagnoses and home care to pet owners.
• Maintain accurate electronic medical records in the PMS.

Skills

DVM/VMD

Communication

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Clinical judgment

Education

AVMA-accredited DVM/VMD

Job description

VCA Swartz Creek Animal Hospital is seeking an adaptable, compassionate, and skilled Relief Veterinarian (DVM) to support our medical team during peak periods and staff vacations . The ideal candidate can step into a fast-paced environment, deliver high-quality preventative and urgent care, and work collaboratively with our experienced support staff

As a Relief Veterinarian, you will act as the lead medical professional on your scheduled shifts, managing caseloads with autonomy and care. Your duties will include:

• Clinical Care: Conduct routine wellness exams, diagnose medical conditions, and formulate treatment plans for companion animals .
• Surgery & Dentistry (Optional - customize as needed): Perform routine soft-tissue surgeries (e.g., spays, neuters, mass removals) and dental extractions .
• Urgent Care: Evaluate and stabilize walk-in urgent care or triage cases during clinic hours .
• Prescription Management: Prescribe and administer medications, including anesthetics and pain management, following safety protocols .
• Client Communication: Clearly explain diagnoses, treatment options, and home-care instructions to pet owners .
• Medical Records: Complete comprehensive, accurate electronic medical records in a timely manner (using our PMS system)

Our facility is fully equipped to allow you to practice high-quality medicine seamlessly

• Diagnostic Equipment: In-house Heska laboratory, Digital X-ray, Dental X-ray, Ultrasound
• Support Staff: You will be supported on every shift by 1- 2 Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) and 1 Veterinary Assistant.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an AVMA-accredited institution .
• Licensing: Active and unrestricted Veterinary License in the state of [Insert State].
• Certifications: Active DEA registration for controlled substances.
• Experience: Minimum [e.g., 1-2 years] of clinical experience in general practice or emergency medicine preferred (new grads with strong internship experience welcome to apply).
• Skills: Exceptional communication, a collaborative team spirit, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment .

Benefits

• Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.