FULL TIME ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN POSITION

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.

Sign‑on bonus and retention bonus opportunities

Relocation assistance

Flexible scheduling to support work‑life balance

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. Interest or experience in small animal medicine (dogs & cats)

Interest in primary care surgery (spay/neuter, dentistry, soft tissue procedures)

Ability to collaborate across multiple hospital teams

About Hickory Small Animal Hospital

Hickory Small Animal Hospital operates two well‑established, AAHA‑accredited small animal general practices in Ponchatoula and Independence, serving a broad region across Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes. Our hospitals are known for delivering high‑quality veterinary care, building strong client relationships, and maintaining advanced medical standards.

Across both locations, you’ll experience a diverse case mix, including wellness and preventive care, vaccinations, dentistry, diagnostics, soft tissue surgery, grooming, and boarding, allowing you to practice comprehensive medicine at your own pace and comfort level.

Our veterinarians are supported by collaborative, experienced teams and benefit from a culture that emphasizes mentorship, growth, flexibility, and teamwork.

Broad caseload including wellness care, sick visits, surgery, dentistry, and diagnostics

Supportive environment with mentorship opportunities for new graduates

Established, loyal client base across multiple communities

Commitment to high medical standards and continuous improvement

Backing of Thrive Pet Healthcare with access to tools, resources, and career development

Ponchatoula Location: Our Ponchatoula hospital is a high‑performing, team‑driven practice with a tenured staff and a strong reputation across Ponchatoula, Hammond, and Springfield. Since opening in 2009, we’ve continued to grow by investing in our people, technology, and medical protocols while maintaining a collaborative, positive culture.

Independence Location: Our Independence hospital is a Feline‑Friendly certified, AAHA‑accredited practice and the first of its kind in the region. We serve clients across Independence, Tangipahoa Parish, Livingston Parish, Loranger, Montpellier, and Amite City, offering primary care and wellness services in a welcoming, community‑focused environment.

Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Saturday: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members’ emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short‑ and long‑term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:

Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health

Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning

Pet perks and veterinary service discounts

Some benefits shown are only for full‑time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. 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