Description

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian, DVM at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital in Des Moines, IA and you’ll quickly discover that you’re well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team.  You’ll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on.  At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.

Why Join the Team?

• At VCA Avondale Animal Hospital, you can truly practice medicine your way. We’re an AAHA-accredited, Fear Free Certified, and Gold-Level Cat Friendly practice located in Des Moines, IA. Our hospital is home to a dedicated, close-knit team of patient advocates who care deeply about great medicine and client communication.
• Students and new graduates are encouraged to apply and will receive dedicated mentorship
• When fully staffed, we’re a 5–6 doctor hospital supported by a caring team that’s actively growing. While we primarily serve dogs and cats, we welcome veterinarians with interest in exotics or pocket pets. You’ll also enjoy access to special services and equipment including a full rehab room, echocardiogram and ultrasound, laparoscopic surgery, orthopedic capabilities, and a separate cat hospital.
• Our culture blends the personal, relationship-driven feel of a community practice with the resources and professional network of VCA. Whether you’re a seasoned veterinarian or a recent graduate, you’ll benefit from mentorship, CE opportunities through WOOF University, and a network of over 4,500 VCA doctors—including 600+ specialists.
• Beyond the hospital, you’ll be part of the South Des Moines community, where we build lasting client relationships and partner closely with the Animal Lifeline of Iowa, a rescue for special needs animals. Located just minutes from downtown, Altoona, and Indianola, you’ll have easy access to all that Des Moines has to offer.

Schedule

• Full-time Associate Veterinarian
• Flexible scheduling designed to support work-life balance
• Collaborative culture with 4–6 doctor coverage when fully staffed

Cases
At Avondale, you’ll see a wide variety of cases, from routine wellness and preventive care to advanced diagnostics and procedures. Our doctors have opportunities to focus on their interests, with support for areas such as:

• Dentistry
  Ultrasound and echocardiography
• Orthopedics and laparoscopic surgery
• Rehabilitation medicine
• Potential to expand into exotics or pocket pets
• Our clients value the time we take to explain conditions and treatment plans, and our Fear Free approach ensures a positive experience for pets and their families. With a separate cat hospital, you’ll have the ability to provide feline patients with a calm, dedicated space.

Who we look for

• People obsessed with pets and their care
• Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine
• Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team
• Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career
• Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust

Total Rewards

As a VCA Associate, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including: 

Compensation

• Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities and other relevant credentials. The salary range listed is based on a 40-hour work week.  This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs. 

Health & Well-being 

• Innovative Associate health and well-being resources (Headspace app, Fidelity financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources including Lyra Health) 
• 401k retirement savings plan with companymatch
• Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility and gender affirmation benefits
• Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Professional Development 

• Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days 
• WOOF University – offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
• Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program 
• Discover Additional Benefits Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com) (open link in new window)

Qualifications

• A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
• Licensure in good standing to practice in (IA), or the ability to obtain
• A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics
   

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