Associate Veterinarian

Associate Veterinarian – Ponchatoula & Independence, LA

Hickory Small Animal Hospital seeks an Associate Veterinarian to support our two AAHA-accredited small animal hospitals in Ponchatoula and Independence, Louisiana. We welcome experienced veterinarians and new graduates interested in small animal general practice, preventive care, and primary care surgery who want to grow in a supportive team‑oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide general medical and surgical care for small animals (dogs & cats).
• Conduct wellness, preventive care, sick/urgent, and primary care surgical cases.
• Collaborate across hospital teams and contribute to a team‑first patient care approach.
• Maintain AAHA standards of care.
• Assist in mentorship and skill development for newer graduates.
• Participate in practice activities such as diagnostics, dentistry, grooming, and boarding.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary + production‑based compensation (paid quarterly, no long‑term negative accrual).
• Sign‑on bonus and retention bonus opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.
• Flexible scheduling to support work‑life balance.

Key Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) or equivalent degree.
• State Veterinary Board license in good standing in the state where hired.
• Active DEA license or DEA licensure eligibility.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Interest or experience in small animal medicine (dogs & cats).
• Comfort with or willingness to learn wellness exams, preventive care, and sick visits.
• Interest in primary care surgery (spay/neuter, dentistry, soft tissue procedures).
• Strong communication skills and willingness to build client trust.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple hospital teams.
• Commitment to maintaining AAHA standards of care.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Mental health resources, including access to therapy through Lyra Health.
• Paid parental leave.
• Purr‑ental leave for when you adopt a pet.
• Subsidized backup childcare and elder care.
• Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning.
• FREE CE courses.
• Pet perks and veterinary service discounts.
• Student loan support tools and assistance.
• Some benefits shown are only for full‑time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.

Locations

Both the Ponchatoula and Independence locations offer consistent scheduling: Monday‑Friday 7:30 AM‑5:30 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM‑12:00 PM.