Associate Veterinarian - R516

Associate Veterinarian Position

Route 516 Animal Hospital is hiring an Associate Veterinarian in Old Bridge, NJ - and we are looking for someone who wants to work somewhere that actually feels good. We lead with calm, we laugh together, and we believe great veterinary medicine happens when everyone feels like they belong. No egos. No drama. Just authentic communication, top-notch care, and a team that shows up for each other every single day.

We are an AAHA-accredited small animal hospital - and if you know, you know. That accreditation is not handed out. It means we hold ourselves to the highest standards in veterinary medicine, and we are proud of it.

Whether you are an experienced veterinarian ready for a fresh start or a new graduate veterinarian ready to grow, we want to hear from you.

Route 516 Animal Hospital is a busy, AAHA-accredited small animal veterinary hospital proudly serving Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Matawan, Spotswood, Monroe, Marlboro, and the surrounding communities of central New Jersey. We offer comprehensive wellness care, state-of-the-art diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, microchipping, an online pharmacy, and compassionate end-of-life care - because we believe in being there for pets and their people at every stage of life.

We are also part of Encore Vet Group, a supportive network of 55 veterinarian-led practices. That means you get the resources and backing of a larger organization while keeping the feel of a local practice where clients know you by name.

Our culture - the real stuff:

• We lead with calm - stressful days happen in vet medicine, and we handle them together
• We laugh - a lot. The team has fun and that energy shows in how we care for our clients and patients
• Everyone is part of the team - from the front desk to the treatment room, every person matters here
• No egos - we communicate openly and support each other
• Top-notch care is non-negotiable - AAHA accreditation is our baseline, not our ceiling

Schedule and work-life balance:

• Flexible scheduling - we will work with you to build something that actually fits your life
• Never open Sundays - that day is yours, guaranteed
• Full-time and part-time options both considered
• Weekday flexibility available for personal appointments
• Stable, predictable hours so you can make plans and keep them

Mentorship and support:

• Dedicated in-practice mentorship from our experienced lead veterinarian
• Support from a senior mentor for case guidance - any case, no judgment
• Regular check-ins and a structured onboarding experience so you never feel dropped in the deep end
• Access to Encore's MentorCore program, purpose-built to help new grads build confidence and clinical skill
• Access to Encore Performance Academy trainings and CE support
• A team that genuinely wants to see you succeed - and will tell you so

What you will be working with:

• AAHA-accredited facility - we meet rigorous standards across every area of the practice
• Recently remodeled, clean, and fully equipped clinic
• Advanced equipment including surgical laser, cautery unit, endoscope, and ultrasound
• Full-service capabilities: wellness exams, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, microchipping, pharmacy, and end-of-life care
• Robust in-house lab and online pharmacy for efficient care
• A growing surgery case load - with room to build a formal surgery schedule as the team expands
• A practice where your ideas are actually heard and acted on

The area - New Jersey has a lot going on:

Old Bridge is a great place to land. You are about 20 minutes from the Jersey Shore with beaches, boardwalks, and waterfront restaurants stretching from Point Pleasant down to Cape May. Cheesquake State Park is right here in town, and Six Flags Great Adventure, the Delaware Water Gap, and Mountain Creek are all within easy reach for weekends off.

If the city is more your speed, there are two ferry options nearby that get you into Manhattan in about 45 to 60 minutes - without the commute stress. Philadelphia, DC, and Boston are all within a few hours. Basically, you can be anywhere you want to be on your days off, and Old Bridge is a comfortable, affordable place to come home to.

You are:

• US licensed DVM (or DVM equivalent) driven to make a difference in animal healthcare.
• Confident in diagnostics, treatment planning, and performing routine surgeries and dental procedures.
• Enthusiastic about building client relationships and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Eager to be part of a community-focused hospital that values your contributions and professional growth.
• Passionate not only about animal care, but also building up others, mentoring and continuing education.

What's in it for you:

• Generous CE allowance + access to Encore Performance Academy trainings
• Free virtual mental health for your household (ages 13+)
• Health, dental, vision, PTO, pet benefits, 401(k) with up to a 5% match
• Paid parental leave and holiday pay
• Professional dues coverage + student loan assistance
• Encore's mentorship and Performance Academy will set you up for success as a leader.
• Access to exceptional mentorship for new graduates through our Mentorcore programdesigned to support your growth and confidence as you start your career.
• Local leadership, medical autonomy, and the backing of Encore Vet Group, a supportive network of 55 veterinarian-led practices who keeps it real and supports practices achieve their own unique goals.

Our base salary range is from $110k-$140k (or higher) based on experience and production capabilities. We have pro-sal and salary options and we're open to offering a sign-on bonus or relocation package. We can be creative with your total compensation package so that you get the things you need to be able to come join us!

Ready to stop scrolling?

If this sounds like the kind of veterinary practice you have been looking for, we want to hear from you. Tell us a little about yourself - what kind of schedule works for your life, what you love about veterinary medicine, and what would make you excited to pull into our parking lot on a Monday morning.

We promise the team will make it worth it.