Associate Veterinarian

Introduction

A brand-new, independently owned small animal hospital in Seattle, Washington is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join its founding veterinary team, with the practice scheduled to open in January 2027. The hospital has been developed within a completely refurbished veterinary facility, featuring new equipment and modern clinical technology. The practice will focus on general medicine, surgery and preventative care, with the capacity to accommodate urgent care cases. This is an excellent opportunity for a veterinarian who wants to be involved in establishing a new hospital, contribute to its clinical development and enjoy considerable flexibility in how they practise medicine. Veterinarians of all experience levels are welcome, including new graduates, with dedicated mentorship available from an experienced Medical Director. The hospital primarily treats cats and dogs, with the option to incorporate pocket pets for those interested.

Working Hours / Rota

The hospital will initially operate Monday through Friday, with veterinarians working a four-day week between 8:00am and 6:00pm. There are no weekend requirements under the initial schedule, although Saturday opening may be considered as the hospital grows. Both full-time and part-time arrangements are available, with flexibility to accommodate individual preferences. Doctors will have the freedom to organise their clinical schedules around their interests, typically incorporating surgical procedures during the morning on selected days, followed by scheduled consultations. Appointments are generally allocated 20 minutes, with a 30-minute lunch break incorporated into the working day. The hospital will also be closed on federal holidays.

Role Description and Responsibilities

As an Associate Veterinarian, you'll help establish and develop the clinical services of a newly opening small animal hospital, providing comprehensive care across preventative medicine, general practice, diagnostics, dentistry and surgery. You'll manage consultations, investigate medical conditions, develop treatment plans and build lasting relationships with clients as the hospital establishes its presence within the local community. The practice offers considerable clinical flexibility, welcoming veterinarians who enjoy surgery as well as those who prefer to focus exclusively on consultations and medical cases. A visiting orthopaedic surgeon will provide additional surgical capabilities, while incoming veterinarians are encouraged to introduce their own clinical interests and expertise where appropriate. You'll work alongside an experienced Medical Director who can provide mentorship and surgical guidance, making the opportunity suitable for both experienced veterinarians and recent graduates. With the hospital opening in January 2027, you'll also have the opportunity to influence clinical workflows, contribute ideas and play a meaningful role in shaping the practice as it grows.

Practice Details

The hospital is an independently owned, family-run practice and forms part of a growing veterinary group with an established sister hospital in Renton, Washington. Its newly refurbished facility will feature four examination rooms, ultrasound, digital radiography, digital dental radiography, IDEXX in-house laboratory equipment and a paperless electronic medical records system using ezyVet, supported by AI-assisted note-taking technology. The hospital will offer comprehensive general practice services, alongside surgery and the capacity to accommodate urgent care cases. The owners place particular importance on transparency, client satisfaction and creating an environment where veterinarians have a genuine voice in clinical decisions. As the wider organisation continues to expand, there will be opportunities for professional growth and involvement in the development of its hospitals. With modern facilities, flexible clinical responsibilities and a collaborative approach to veterinary medicine, the practice offers an opportunity to help build a hospital from its earliest stages.

The Package:

• Base salary of $150k-$180k plus production

• Signing/Relocation bonus

• 401k with 6% match

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 4 weeks of PTO

• Annual CE allowance

• Coverage for licenses, dues, and memberships

• Disability coverage

• Uniform allowance

• Liability insurance

• Personal pet discounts

• No negative accrual