Relief Veterinarian - Swartz Creek, MI

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; Swartz Creek (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Paid vacation/sick days

401(k)

Employee pet discounts

Job summary

VCA Swartz Creek Animal Hospital is seeking a 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 the lead medical professional on scheduled shifts, you will manage caseloads with autonomy and care, performing wellness exams, routine surgeries, urgent care, and prescribing

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited institution.
• Active and unrestricted veterinary license in the state of employment.
• Active DEA registration for controlled substances.
• 1–2 years of clinical experience in general practice or emergency medicine preferred; new grads with strong internship experience welcome.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine wellness exams, diagnose medical conditions, and formulate treatment plans for companion animals.
• Perform routine soft-tissue surgeries and dental procedures as applicable.
• Evaluate and triage urgent care and walk-in cases during clinic hours.
• Prescribe and administer medications following safety protocols.
• Clearly communicate diagnoses, treatment options, and home-care instructions to clients.
• Maintain comprehensive electronic medical records in the PMS.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

DVM/VMD from AVMA-accredited school

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: 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 - Veterans / Disabled.

For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com