Associate Veterinarian - Surgery Only -- No Weekends

SPCA Florida; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 120 hours

CE days

CE allowance $2,000 first year

Six paid holidays

403(b) Retirement Plan

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Pet care discounts

Employer-sponsored benefits

No weekends

Flexible scheduling options

Job summary

SPCA Florida is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to perform high‑volume spay/neuter surgeries for public‑owned animals and community cats. Candidates should be prepared to learn additional specialty procedures and lead the surgery department with strong clinical judgment.

The role emphasizes collaboration with technicians in a fast‑paced, supportive nonprofit environment that values animal welfare, professional growth, and work‑life balance.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited institution.
• Active Florida, unrestricted veterinary license (or ability to obtain)
• DEA license (or ability to obtain)
• Small animal veterinary experience
• Strong surgical skills, specialty surgeries, and ability to maintain a busy surgical schedule
• Positive leadership abilities
• Strong clinical judgment and the ability to lead surgery department operations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Collaborative team‑oriented attitude
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Willingness to assist with occasional emergency surgeries
• Commitment to animal welfare and SPCA Florida's mission

Responsibilities

• Perform high‑volume spay/neuter surgeries for public‑owned animals and community cats.
• Possess experience with or be willing to learn additional specialty surgical procedures (amputations, pyometra, enucleations, soft tissue procedures).
• Lead surgery department operations with strong clinical judgment.
• Collaborate with technicians and staff to ensure quality patient care.
• Assist with occasional emergency surgeries as needed.
• Contribute to program development and animal welfare initiatives.

Skills

Strong surgical skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

DVM / VMD

Job description

Lakeland, Florida

Are you looking for a positive, supportive, and collaborative environment with the schedule, benefits, and work‑life balance you've been searching for? SPCA Florida may be the perfect fit for you. Join our team and help save lives while improving the well‑being of pets and the people who love them.

Why Veterinarians Love Working Here

Our doctors and technicians work a consistent schedule of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with no Saturdays, Sundays, late‑night shifts, or on‑call responsibilities. We believe in work‑life balance and foster a culture that is positive, collaborative, supportive, and fun. We encourage professional growth and provide opportunities to explore additional interests within veterinary medicine.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• No production–based compensation requirements
• Paid Time Off – 120 hours of Paid Time Off
• Paid Continuing Education Days
• Continuing Education allowance
  • $2,000 during the first year
  • Additional annual increases thereafter
• Six paid holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Pet care discounts
• Employer‑sponsored benefits package

We Cover

• State Veterinary License
• DEA Registration
• AVMA Annual Dues
• FVMA Annual Dues
• AVMA PLIT Professional Liability Insurance
• Employer‑paid portion of Medical Insurance
• Basic Life Insurance

Additional Benefits

• No weekends
• No on‑call responsibilities
• No contracts
• No production‑based compensation
• Flexible scheduling options
  • 3‑day work week
  • 4‑day work week
  • 5‑day work week
• Additional individualized training opportunities
• Compassion Funds available for clients facing financial hardship

As a nonprofit organization, employment with SPCA Florida may qualify eligible employees for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Position Summary

SPCA Florida is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon who values exceptional patient care, positive leadership, and teamwork. Primary responsibilities include performing high‑volume spay/neuter surgeries for public‑owned animals and community cats. Candidates should either possess experience with or be willing to learn additional specialty surgical procedures, including:

• Amputations
• Pyometra surgeries
• Eye enucleations
• Minor soft tissue procedures
  • Mass removals
  • Cystotomy
  • Wound reconstruction
  • Drain placement
  • Hernia repairs
• Foreign body surgery and exploratory surgery
• Other routine shelter and community medicine surgeries

Technology & Support

• In‑house laboratory and diagnostic equipment
• Digital radiology
• Dental radiology
• High‑speed dental equipment
• Ultrasound
• Laser therapy

Our technicians assist with diagnostics, radiographs, medications, patient care, and treatment support, allowing doctors to focus on practicing medicine.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited institution
• Active Florida, unrestricted veterinary license (or ability to obtain)
• DEA license (or ability to obtain)
• Small animal veterinary experience
• Strong surgical skills, specialty surgeries, and ability to maintain a busy surgical schedule
• Positive leadership abilities
• Strong clinical judgment and the ability to lead surgery department operations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Collaborative team‑oriented attitude
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Willingness to assist with occasional emergency surgeries
• Commitment to animal welfare and SPCA Florida's mission

Join Our Mission

SPCA Florida is dedicated to creating a workplace that balances professional excellence with a positive and rewarding culture. If you are passionate about surgery, animal welfare, and making a meaningful difference in your community, we would love to hear from you.

SPCA Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug‑Free Workplace. Background checks are conducted as part of the hiring process.