Associate Veterinarian Aspiring Leadership in Des Moines

Associate Veterinarian (Aspiring Leadership)

Interest in small-animal general practice as an associate veterinarian with potential aspirations for clinical leadership. Clinical interests may include preventative care, wellness, diagnostics, dentistry, soft-tissue surgery, internal medicine, urgent/same-day care, and client education. Opportunities exist to work across a variety of hospital settings depending on interest and long-term goals within the Des Moines market.

We are seeking an associate veterinarian who has an interest in growing into a medical lead role over time. This is an ideal opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys practicing high-quality medicine and is also motivated to take on increased responsibility in clinical decision-making, team support, and shaping medical standards.

This role is designed for veterinarians who want more than just a traditional associate position. You'll have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, contribute to medical protocols, support team alignment, and partner with hospital leadership creating a natural pathway into a future medical lead position within the Des Moines market.

We welcome both new graduates and experienced veterinarians, with a supportive, team-oriented environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and professional growth. New grads will benefit from mentorship and strong case exposure, while experienced veterinarians will enjoy autonomy and the ability to practice high-quality medicine with a loyal client base. For new graduates, we offer a well-developed, structured one-year mentorship program designed to provide consistent support, hands-on learning, and confidence-building throughout your first year in practice.

Work alongside highly skilled technician teams and experienced support staff who enable efficient workflows, strong patient care, and high-quality medicine allowing you to focus on both clinical excellence and professional growth.

Opportunities may exist to practice in general practice, urgent care, or hybrid environments, with flexibility to align your caseload and schedule with your clinical interests and long-term leadership goals.

Join a hospital that values communication, mentorship, and professional development, where veterinarians are encouraged to share knowledge, build confidence, and grow into leadership roles at their own pace.

A diverse small-animal caseload primarily consisting of dogs and cats, with opportunities for urgent care, advanced procedures, exotics potential, and varied case exposure depending on hospital placement and interest.

If you're a veterinarian who enjoys practicing great medicine and is excited about growing into a leadership role, we'd love to connect.

For confidential consideration, please send your resume to Katie Shaffer at View email address on click.appcast.io. All applications and conversations are upheld with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Des Moines offers a welcoming, affordable lifestyle with a strong sense of community and growing opportunities. Residents enjoy a vibrant downtown, local restaurants and breweries, outdoor recreation including trails and parks, and a calendar full of community events and festivals. With short commute times, a lower cost of living, and a balance of urban amenities and Midwestern charm, Des Moines provides an excellent place to build both your veterinary career and your life outside of work.

What Your Day-to-Day Looks Like

• Build lasting relationships: Connect with clients and their pets, becoming their trusted partner in a pet's lifelong health.
• Practice your best medicine: From diagnosis to treatment, you'll lead patient care with the freedom to uphold the highest standards.
• Educate and empower: Clearly communicate findings and treatment plans, empowering clients to make informed decisions.
• Collaborate and grow: Work alongside a supportive paraprofessional team, contributing to a positive hospital culture.

Who We're Looking For

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
• A valid state license and in good standing to practice.
• A collaborative spirit and a dedication to practicing the highest standard of medicine.
• Excellent communication skills with a positive, friendly attitude.

Responsibilities and Benefits

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the autonomy of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.

Generous Compensation

Competitive base salary and a monthly production bonus with no negative accrual.

Total Wellbeing

Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, and more, plus Maternity Leave and 24/7 TeleDoc access.

Financial Health

Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match, plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance for peace of mind.

Commitment to Growth

Receive a yearly CE allowance with dedicated paid days off. Grow with leadership tracks and structured mentorship.

The Power of a Network

Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration and to explore your unique interests.

Peace of Mind

Company-paid Professional Liability Coverage, so you can focus on what you do best: practicing great medicine.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture.

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.