Associate Veterinarian

Description Associate Veterinarian | Fairfield, CT Full-Time | On-Site | Small Animal Veterinary Medicine Heartline Staffing, in partnership with Purple Cow Recruiting, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Associate Veterinarian for a full-time opportunity in Fairfield, Connecticut. This position offers the opportunity to practice in a progressive, AAHA-accredited, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital while collaborating with an experienced and supportive clinical team. POSITION OVERVIEW The Associate Veterinarian will provide high-quality medical and surgical care to companion animals, primarily dogs and cats. Responsibilities include diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries, performing surgical and dental procedures, administering preventive care and vaccinations, counseling pet owners, and coordinating care with referring veterinarians and hospital leadership. The practice is open to both experienced veterinarians and new graduates. Candidates with two or more years of veterinary hospital experience are preferred, but recent graduates who demonstrate strong clinical potential, teamwork, and a commitment to continued learning will be considered. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Examine and diagnose diseases and injuries in companion animals Develop and manage appropriate medical treatment plans Perform surgical procedures as clinically appropriate Perform dental procedures Administer core vaccinations Provide preventive and wellness care Counsel pet owners regarding preventive care, treatment options, and ongoing medical needs Interpret diagnostic information and manage patient outcomes Collaborate with veterinary technicians, support staff, and other veterinarians Communicate and coordinate with referring veterinarians Work with hospital and regional leadership to maintain high standards of patient care Participate in continuing education, seminars, and professional training Manage clinical time and prioritize cases effectively Work efficiently in a busy, fast-paced veterinary hospital environment Contribute to a positive and collaborative workplace for staff, clients, and patients CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT The successful veterinarian will practice within a collaborative hospital environment equipped to provide high-quality companion-animal care. Relevant clinical responsibilities may include: Physical Examinations Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Preventive Medicine Vaccinations Soft-Tissue Surgery Dentistry Dental Extractions Anesthesia / Analgesia Management Diagnostic Interpretation Case Management Client Education Referral Coordination NEW GRADUATES New veterinary graduates are encouraged to be considered for this opportunity. Internship training is preferred but not required. Candidates should be prepared to discuss clinical rotations, internships, externships, mentorship experience, surgical exposure, dentistry, and other hands-on small-animal experience. COMPENSATION & INCENTIVES The position offers a competitive compensation structure that may include: Base Salary Starting at $130,000 Production-Based Compensation Opportunities Additional Financial Incentives Sign-On Bonus of Up to $100,000 Relocation Bonus When Applicable BENEFITS Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance 401(k) with Company Match of Up to 4% After 6 Months Generous Paid Time Off Company-Paid or Applicable State Bonding Leave Employer-Assisted Student Loan Repayment Mental Health Resources Veterinary Service and Product Discounts Reference Laboratory Testing Discounts Pet Food Discounts Pet Insurance Discounts Requirements Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree or Equivalent Qualification from an Accredited Institution REQUIRED Eligibility to Obtain a Connecticut State Veterinary License REQUIRED Hands-On Small Animal Clinical Experience REQUIRED Ability to Examine, Diagnose, and Medically Treat Companion Animals REQUIRED Ability to Perform Appropriate Surgical Procedures REQUIRED Dental Procedure Experience / Clinical Training REQUIRED Preventive Care and Vaccination Knowledge REQUIRED Strong Client Communication and Education Skills REQUIRED Ability to Collaborate with Veterinary Teams and Referring Veterinarians REQUIRED Strong Time Management and Prioritization Skills REQUIRED Ability to Thrive in a Fast-Paced Veterinary Hospital Environment REQUIRED Ability to Work On-Site in Fairfield, CT REQUIRED 2+ Years of Veterinary Hospital Practice Experience Preferred Veterinary Internship Training Preferred AAHA-Accredited or High-Volume Veterinary Hospital Experience Preferred EXPERIENCE NOTE: Two or more years of veterinary hospital experience is preferred; however, new graduates will be considered. Do not reject an otherwise qualified recent graduate solely for not having two years of post-graduate practice experience. LICENSE NOTE: Candidates do not need to already hold a Connecticut veterinary license at the time of initial screening, but they must be eligible to obtain one. Candidates currently licensed in another state should be screened for Connecticut licensure eligibility and anticipated timeline. CLINICAL SKILLS: Strong candidates should demonstrate competence or appropriate training in companion-animal physical exams, diagnosis and treatment, preventive medicine, vaccinations, surgery, dentistry, anesthesia/analgesia, diagnostic interpretation, and client communication. #J-18808-Ljbffr