About this opportunity
Dmvet lists this Associate Veterinarian opportunity in des moines, Iowa. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide , we offer:
Local autonomy with national support
Career mobility and development opportunities
A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first
You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled part-time or full time Veterinarian to join our small, tight-knit, dedicated team of doctors and staff! The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.
Des Moines Veterinary Hospital has been a trusted part of the community for decades. Our well‑equipped facility includes digital radiography, an in‑house lab, ultrasound, and a full surgical suite. We offer high‑quality medicine in a supportive and collaborative environment, focusing on both patient and client care.
Located just 20 minutes south of Seattle and minutes from the Puget Sound waterfront, our clinic offers the best of both worlds—a tight‑knit community feel with easy access to the culture, dining, and recreation of a major metro area. Enjoy weekend farmers markets, scenic parks, and waterfront trails all within walking distance of the clinic. Whether you love kayaking on the sound, hiking in the Cascades, or exploring Seattle’s vibrant arts and food scene, Des Moines is perfectly located to enjoy it all. With waterfront living, a welcoming small‑town vibe, and no state income tax, it’s a fantastic place to live, work and thrive.
What We Offer
Competitive base salary with production bonuses: $120,000 - $160,000 base with a high earning potential
Sign‑on and retention bonuses
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster)
401(k) with employer match and discretionary contribution
Generous PTO and CE allowance
Supportive mentorship and career development opportunities
Access to a network of 400+ veterinary professionals across PetVet Care Centers
Team member pet discounts
Emotional wellbeing support (Calm app access & 24/7 EAP)
CE stipends and career development resources
Grant Circle relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
Local hospital culture backed by national resources
Pay Range
$120,000 — $160,000 USD
Key Responsibilities
Comprehensive patient exams and medical work‑ups
Client communication and education
Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
Maintaining accurate medical records
Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
Performs other duties as assigned by Management
Qualifications (Required)
Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
Current State Veterinary License
DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
Strong diagnostic and clinical skills
Excellent surgical and dental skills
Ability to work well in a team‑oriented environment
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
Commitment to providing compassionate and high‑quality veterinary care
Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff
Client communication skills; must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners
Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain
May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work
Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals; perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations; diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment
Problem‑Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high‑quality veterinary hospital
Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients; display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff
Professionalism: Work as part of a high‑quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback
Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice
Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients
Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others
At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals , including 1700+ veterinarians , we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy , empowering each hospital to deliver high‑quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.
At Des Moines Veterinary Hospital, our team members all share the same passion for making and keeping animals healthy.
Our hospital truly is an excellent place to work, with a highly skilled team focused on 'best in practice' veterinary care.
We are very supportive of individuals looking to grow their veterinary careers and look forward to hearing from you.
We invite you to explore your veterinary career options with Des Moines Veterinary Hospital, where you'll be a respected member of a team that loves animals and values the contributions from every individual on the team.
Des Moines Veterinary Hospital welcomes cats, dogs and their owners to our clinic! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Des Moines companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's appointment.
Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Heather Williams at or apply at
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
des moines, IA, 50319, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.