Associate Veterinarian

C

CareVet Health

Posted 2 months ago

Full Time

Rockford, Illinois

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The associate veterinarian will examine, diagnose, and treat animals, including performing surgeries and administering vaccinations. They will also advise pet owners on medical conditions and collaborate with the hospital team to provide high-quality care.

Qualifications

You have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) or equivalent degree and are licensed to practice. You possess strong dexterity for animal handling and precise tasks, with the ability to react quickly and make decisions under pressure. Your background includes a fondness for animals, knowledge of animal behavior, and the ability to use medical technologies for diagnosis and treatment.

Must Have Skills for ATS

surgery

dentistry

Ultrasound

Digital dental radiography

Surgical laser

Operate medical equipment

x-ray machines

Job Description

Overview

Looking for a stable, well-supported practice where relationships matter and your day feels manageable?

CareVet of Rockford is a well-established small animal hospital that has been serving the community since 1986. We’re seeking a full-time veterinarian to join our collaborative two-doctor team and experienced support staff in a practice built on consistency, teamwork, and long-term client relationships.

Our hospital emphasizes thoughtful medicine and continuity of care. Clients know us well, trust our recommendations, and value long-term relationships — allowing doctors to practice thoroughly rather than rush appointments.

Your experience can be tailored to you:

Quick Snapshot

  • 2 DVM collaborative team
  • Strong, experienced technician support
  • Mix of wellness, sick visits, surgery, and dentistry
  • Rotating Saturdays only — closed Sundays
  • Predictable scheduling and strong work-life balance
  • Established, loyal client base

Compensation

  • Base salary: $100,000–$130,000 (depending on experience)
  • $125,000 signing bonus package

Compensation is competitive, flexible, and designed to reflect your experience and goals.

What It’s Like to Practice Here

Our hospital emphasizes thoughtful medicine and continuity of care. Clients know us well, trust our recommendations, and value long-term relationships — allowing doctors to practice thoroughly rather than rush appointments.

This is not a high-volume, high-pressure environment — you’ll have the time and support to practice medicine the way you were trained.

Your experience can be tailored to you:

  • New graduates receive mentorship and case guidance
  • Experienced DVMs enjoy autonomy and consistent workflow

We prioritize:

  • Reasonable appointment pacing
  • Collaborative case discussion
  • Reliable technician support
  • Predictable scheduling and work-life balance
  • A respectful, team-focused culture

Medical Capabilities & Equipment

You’ll have the tools needed to practice efficiently:

  • Ultrasound
  • Digital dental radiography
  • Surgical laser
  • Modern surgical suite
  • Experienced support staff

There is flexibility to pursue interests within general practice, including surgery and dentistry.

Life in Rockford

Rockford offers affordability and recreation while staying within reach of major cities.

You’ll enjoy:

  • Lower cost of living and affordable housing
  • Outdoor recreation at Rock Cut State Park
  • Anderson Japanese Gardens and local attractions
  • Growing dining and arts scene
  • Easy access to Chicago and Madison

CareVet Offers You: 

  • Six figure starting salary plus production with no negative accrual
  • Generous signing bonus, student loan support, relocation stipend and no upfront non-compete.
  • Custom compensation packages, tailored to the needs of the Veterinarian 
  • Robust benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k with match, company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
  • Parental support including paid parental leave and adoption assistance 
  • Veterinarian-focused culture, schedule flexibility promoting work/life balance and paid time off with free access to Carebnb, CareVet’s vacation properties 
  • Mentorship-driven experience with strong focus on skill development and CE opportunities 
  • Employee Assistance Program with a focus on compassion fatigue and stress support, including access to CareVet’s on-staff licensed social worker 
  • For our full list of Veterinarian benefits, check out CareVet’s Ultimate CarePackage!  

Responsibilities

  • Examine animals to assess their health and diagnose problems
  • Treat and dress wounds
  • Perform surgery on animals
  • Test for and vaccinate against diseases
  • Operate medical equipment, such as x-ray machines
  • Advise animal owners about general care, medical conditions, and treatments
  • Prescribe medication
  • Work closely in collaboration with team members to provide high quality care

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) or equivalent degree required
  • Licensure in the state/s candidate will be working
  • Ability to show compassion to both pets and their owners
  • Outstanding dexterity in handling animals while performing precise tasks
  • Ability to react quickly and make decisions under pressure about the wellbeing of an animal
  • Strong fondness and understanding of animals
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of animal behavior
  • Ability to use medical technologies during diagnosis, research and surgery of animals

To learn more, contact:
Skyler Lair
📞 (214) 616-8873
slair@carevethealth.com

Apply in just a few minutes — no lengthy application required.

About the Network 

CareVet is a network of veterinary hospitals that focuses on managing best-in-class hospitals with a mission to provide the very best care for our pets and our Team Members. Our approach to veterinary medicine focuses on practice legacy, team, Veterinarians, patients and community.  

Watch this video to learn more!

C

CareVet Health

We are a network of veterinary hospitals anchored by a deep commitment to the teams who serve our clients and patients. As one CareVet team, we’re united by a single focus: better clinical outcomes. As a CareVet Team Member, you’ll receive the same quality of care and support you provide every day through our Whole Person Approach. Together, we’re raising the standard of care—for pets, professionals and the people that love them.
Runway Icon
Boost Your Interview Chances

With Runway

See Your Fit for This Role

1-5 min

Your Score

?

Top Applicants

90%

Your Job Search Advantage

Key Gaps & Next Steps:

Address these in your resume & Interview

Top Strengths For This Role

Highlight these in your cover letter & interview

Your Interview Guide

A Personalized Interview Strategy

Freshest Opportunities

Never Miss a Good Fit

Get notified when jobs mach your criteria