Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW The purpose of this position is to maintain and promote pets’ health by diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries as well as counseling pet owners on maintaining the general wellness of their pets. The Associate Veterinarian works under the direct guidance and supervision of the DVM Advisory Board, COO and CEO/Founder. Associate Veterinarians are expected to adopt and actively promote Urban Animal’s practice philosophy of providing clients option-based care for their pets.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Interpersonal Qualities
Documented stress tolerance and attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Good bedside manner
Treats support staff with respect and dignity
Cooperative work style
Reliable with strong work ethic
Compassionate and animal-friendly
Able to multi-task and work under pressure in a high-traffic, high-stress service environment
Experience
Internship or two (2) years of experience in emergency/critical care medicine
Education and Licenses
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medicine Doctor (VMD) degree from accredited veterinary college
Valid Washington state veterinary license
General Requirements
Must be very competent in general practice as well as emergency medicine.
Must be able to effectively see a large case volume executing high-quality medicine while bonding clients to the practice.
Must demonstrate a good “team” mentality, which means picking up extra shifts on occasion when needed and changing schedules to accommodate the greater good.
Physical Effort:
Work requires lifting and carrying items weighing up to 40 lbs.; requires standing for extended periods of time.
Working Conditions:
May be exposed and required to clean up animal feces, urine, blood, etc. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and contagious diseases.
General Duties
Client Management and Relations
Must adopt and promote Urban Animal's practice philosophy of providing clients option-based treatments for their pets.
Provide all clients with “gold standard medicine” while effectively communicating the range of options available, as well as expected outcomes of particular treatment paths.
Clients should always feel they are in charge, without judgment, of how they manage their pet’s healthcare.
Have good bedside manner, bonding clients to the practice while remaining polite and respectful to all support staff as well.
Associates are to see cases as they come through the door in a timely manner understanding the workload may not always be evenly distributed and medical records management may need to wait until end of day.
Provide, direct, and oversee patient medical care. This includes:
Determine client concerns and obtain complete medical histories.
Receive, assess, and perform complete physical examinations on patients.
Develop a problem list, differential diagnostic list, and treatment or diagnostic plan.
Perform, order, and supervise medical and surgical procedures.
Provide accurate case summaries and discharge instructions for cases seen on shift.
Must be proficient and expeditious in routine soft tissue surgeries such as spays, neuters, cystotomy, mass removals, and GI surgery. A willingness to learn basic orthopedic surgeries such as FHO or amputation is desirable.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Administrative Duties
Must attend at least 75% of all doctor and staff meetings. Staff meetings are typically held semi-annually and doctor meetings quarterly to every other month if possible.
Participate in review process when needed.
Interpersonal Relationships / Cooperation / Commitment
Demonstrates the ability to work and communicate with clients, coworkers, supervisors, subordinates and/or outside contacts effectively.
Accepts and responds to change in a positive manner. Accepts job assignments and additional duties willingly, takes responsibility for own performance and job assignments.
Attendance – is punctual, observes prescribed work break/meal periods and has an acceptable overall attendance record. Willing to work overtime as required.
Demonstrates proper judgment and decision-making skills when directing others.
Compensation and Benefits
Associate Veterinarians are paid salary and full-time positions are 36-40* scheduled hours per week depending on practice needs. Salary range is $115,000 - $175,000. Benefits are outlined below and are separate from compensation and are available for employees classified as three-quarter or full-time.
Medical insurance, including vision and dental insurance, a portion of the monthly premium is paid by Urban Animal.
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays (applicable only if falls on your normally scheduled shift):
New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
Memorial Day
Juneteenth (June 19)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Day (December 25)
Medical services/products for up to 4 personal pets provided at cost + 10% depending on job classification.
Friend/Family discount of 25% for up to 4 pets depending on job classification.
(DVM_v112024)
Full-time