Associate Veterinarian

Associate Veterinarian – Ponchatoula & Independence, LA Hickory Small Animal Hospital is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to support our two AAHA-accredited small animal hospitals in Ponchatoula and Independence, Louisiana. We welcome both experienced veterinarians and new graduates with an interest in small animal general practice, preventive care, and primary care surgery who are excited to grow in a supportive, team-oriented environment. What We Offer Competitive base salary + production-based compensation (paid quarterly, no long-term negative accrual) Sign-on bonus and retention bonus opportunities Relocation assistance Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance About You You’re a dedicated small animal veterinarian (or upcoming graduate) who enjoys building lasting relationships with clients while delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Whether you’re early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’re motivated to continue learning, growing, and contributing to a collaborative team. You’re comfortable (or eager to become comfortable) managing wellness, preventive care, and sick/urgent cases, and you bring a thoughtful, team-first approach to patient care. You value mentorship, communication, and a positive work environment where you can develop your skills and confidence. What You Bring Interest or experience in small animal medicine (dogs & cats) Comfort with or desire to learn wellness exams, preventive care, and sick visits Interest in primary care surgery (spay/neuter, dentistry, soft tissue procedures) Strong communication skills and a willingness to build client trust Ability to collaborate across multiple hospital teams Commitment to maintaining AAHA standards of care Your Experience & Skills Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM / VMD) or equivalent degree required State Veterinary Board License and must be in good standing for the state in which they intend to be hired, prior to their start date Active DEA license or DEA licensure eligible Benefits – Our Care In Action Competitive pay 401(k) with employer match Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health Paid parental leave Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet Subsidized backup childcare and elder care Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning FREE CE courses Pet perks and veterinary service discounts Student loan support tools and assistance Schedule Both locations offer consistent scheduling: Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM #J-18808-Ljbffr