Associate Veterinarian - Plainfield Animal Hospital

Job Description

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 Associate Veterinarian to join our team! 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 Director.

Plainfield Animal Hospital in Plainfield, New Jersey, is a veterinary hospital offering a full range of comprehensive services in order to keep our clients pets in excellent health. From vaccinations and dental care to routine wellness exams and cold laser therapy, our veterinary team aims to offer all the services under one roof. With a strong and growing exotics caseload and a long-standing reputation as a referral center for exotic pet care in the region, this role is ideal for a doctor who is passionate about exotics medicine and interested in continued professional growth.

For experienced veterinarians seeking leadership, we are also offering the opportunity to step into the Medical Director role.

What We Offer

• Base salary: $140,000 - $160,000
• Production bonus - no negative accrual option
• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $75,000
• 4-day work week, flexible schedule, no on-call
• Clinical autonomy
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

About Plainfield Animal Hospital

• AAHA-Accredited: Demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of veterinary care.
• Serving the Community Since 1952: A trusted and respected practice with deep local roots.
• Diverse & Engaging Caseload: Dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles, avian species, and more. Many area hospitals refer exotics patients to us.
• Advanced Diagnostic & Treatment Resources:
  • In-house lab
  • Digital & Dental radiography
  • Ultrasound
  • Collaborative support from an internal medicine specialist

Who We're Looking For:

• Has experience (or a strong interest) in avian, reptile, and small mammal medicine.
• Is comfortable with (or eager to grow in) surgery and dentistry.
• Values teamwork, communication, and a positive, collaborative culture.
• Optional Leadership Path: If you bring several years of experience and are excited about mentoring and guiding a team, we welcome your interest in becoming our Medical Director.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Lindsay Aimar at View email address on ziprecruiter.com or apply at

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) 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. Diagnosis 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.

Pay Range

$140,000—$165,000 USD

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

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