Veterinarian - Community Medicine

Veterinarian – Community Medicine (General Practice Focus)

Full‑time, FLSA exempt opportunity at The Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW). Spend your day providing compassionate, high‑quality general practice veterinary care to a diverse community of patients, with a focus on wellness, preventative medicine, and the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and injuries.

As a community‑medicine veterinarian, you will lead medical care during clinic days, support access to care for income‑qualified families, and help keep pets with the people who love them.

Medical Care

• Perform comprehensive physical examinations for canine and feline patients.
• Diagnose and treat common medical conditions, including sick and injured animals within scope of care.
• Develop and implement treatment plans, including diagnostics, medications, and follow‑up care.
• Provide preventative care services including vaccines, parasite control, and client education.
• Perform and oversee minor outpatient procedures as appropriate.
• Participate in spay/neuter and surgical services as needed, based on clinic needs and individual skillset.
• Triage and refer cases outside scope of care to appropriate specialty or emergency providers.
• Perform humane euthanasia in accordance with HSSW protocols.
• Maintain a safe and low‑stress environment for patients, clients, and staff.

Client Service

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients in a non‑judgmental manner.
• Educate pet owners on preventative care, treatment options, and long‑term health planning.
• Support clients in making informed, realistic decisions based on their circumstances.
• Provide clear discharge instructions and ensure continuity of care.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Collaborate closely with veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to clinic team members.
• Contribute to a positive, solutions‑oriented team culture.
• Assist in refining medical protocols and service delivery models based on patient and community needs.

Administrative

• Maintain accurate and timely medical records.
• Document exam findings, diagnostics, and treatment plans.
• Support efficient clinic flow and scheduling.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent).
• Current Washington State veterinary license (or ability to obtain within 60 days).
• Strong clinical skills in general small animal medicine.
• Excellent communication and client education skills.
• Commitment to low‑stress handling and patient‑centered care.
• Sound clinical judgment and ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Alignment with mission‑driven, access‑to‑care veterinary services.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of general practice experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with high‑volume or community medicine settings a plus.
• Surgical experience (spay/neuter or outpatient procedures) helpful but not required.
• Experience working with underserved populations or access‑to‑care models a plus.
• Leadership or mentorship experience a plus.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $115,000 - $125,000. Starting pay within that range is dependent upon experience.

Employee Benefits and Perks

• Health insurance effective the first of the month following hire (full‑time employees).
• Dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following hire.
• Matching percentage 401(k) retirement plan beginning the first month after hire, with a 3‑year graded vesting schedule and ROTH contribution option.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all employees and household members.
• Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out‑of‑pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.
• Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.
• Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer. To learn more about this Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, visit

Paid Time Off (PTO)

3 weeks per year.

Additional Paid Time Includes

• Floating holidays.
• Bereavement leave.
• Pet bereavement leave.

Culture

• Vision: A community where everyone loves and cares for animals.
• Mission: Rescue. Return. Restore. Rehome. Reconnect. One animal at a time.
• Values: Compassion, Collaboration, Excellence, Service, Integrity.

The Ultimate Team Player

• Displays interest, enthusiasm, and an affinity for working with people.
• Demonstrates an attitude of being of‑service, using good judgment, maintaining a positive outlook, and ideally, a sense of humor.
• Works well in teams and demonstrates an attitude and commitment to collaboration with a sincere interest in helping others succeed.
• Is committed to achieving excellence individually and as a part of the team.
• Exhibits adaptability, curiosity, flexibility to change, open to new ideas, and encourages others to recognize changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as an opportunity for transformation.
• Is committed to personal and professional development through life‑long learning.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions

• Work requires standing for long periods and performing repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and handle cats of varying temperaments.
• Exposure to allergens, anesthetic agents, zoonotic diseases, and cleaning agents.
• 3 or 4‑day workweek with no weekend, evening, or holiday shifts.

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations during the hiring process for qualified applicants with disabilities. HSSW participates in E‑Verify.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

For more information visit