Veterinarian - Tacoma, WA
Listed compensation
$140k-$160k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Who We Are
Associate Veterinarian — Soundview Veterinary Hospital in Tacoma, WA
Are you a veterinarian looking for a supportive, team-oriented practice where you can grow your career—and even explore future leadership opportunities? Soundview Veterinary Hospital is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join our experienced team in beautiful Tacoma.
We are a well-established small animal GP practice with urgent care capabilities, known for our positive culture, exceptional communication, and commitment to both patient care and team wellbeing. If you value mentorship, teamwork, and a hospital where people genuinely enjoy working together, we’d love to meet you.
Why Join Soundview Veterinary Hospital?
- Experienced staff with outstanding retention — many team members have been with us for 3+ years
- Inclusive, welcoming environment that proudly supports diversity and the LGBTQ+ community
- Team members jump in to help without being asked — true teamwork is part of our culture
- Work-life balance is encouraged and respected
- Team celebrations and time to connect, including our Thanksgiving potluck and holiday party
- Friendly staff pets are welcome at work
- Skilled CSRs and assistants who confidently advocate for gold-standard care
- Fear-Free certified team members and many staff trained through AAFP/FelineVMA programs
- Opportunity to work alongside a doctor with urgent care interests and a manager experienced in reproduction and show dogs
What We’re Looking For
Interest in future leadership is a plus. This position begins as an Associate Veterinarian role, with the opportunity to be considered for a Chief of Staff role. Doctors interested in leadership will have access to our leadership training program and will partner closely with our highly experienced Hospital Manager as they develop their leadership skills.
Full-time availability with a preferred schedule of 4 weekdays, 8:00am–6:00pm, including 1 dedicated surgery day per week.
Comfortable seeing appointments and performing routine surgery with the support of our experienced technicians and assistants.
About Our Hospital
Cozy, efficient layout with 4 exam rooms, a surgical suite, and separate dental area—affectionately described by the team as "one big donut"
- Enclosed radiology room adjacent to our spacious treatment area designed for efficiency
- Doctors typically see 11–15 patients per day
Strong Technician and Assistant Support
- 2 assistants assigned per DVM for appointments
- Additional floating tech support
- Dedicated surgery support with 1 LVT and 1 experienced assistant
Advanced Equipment Includes
- Companion therapeutic laser
- Ultrasound unit
- Digital radiography
- Nomad dental x-ray system
- Dentalaire dental machine
- Cautery unit
- Community Involvement
- We are passionate about supporting local rescue organizations and community partners, including:
- Saving Great Animals
- Northwest Boxer Rescue
- Support for patients connected with Tacoma Humane, Old Dog Haven, and Auburn Valley Humane Society
- Why Veterinarians Love Tacoma, WA
- Living and working in Tacoma offers the perfect blend of outdoor beauty, city convenience, and Pacific Northwest charm. Just minutes from the hospital, you’ll find:
- Easy access to the waterfront — a great spot to enjoy your lunch break and relax by the water
- Point Defiance Park — miles of trails, gardens, beaches, and peaceful waterfront views
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium — one of the region’s favorite attractions
- Restaurants, cafes, and convenient amenities within walking distance
- Stunning nearby views of the Olympic Mountains and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge
- What We Are Offering You
- A pro-sal compensation model with a salary of $140,000 - $160,000 (based on experience & schedule)
- Production bonus with no negative accrual
- Signing and/or relocation bonus available
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid parental leave
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- CE allowance + CE PTO
- Professional dues + liability coverage
Paid Vacation + Sick Time
Employee assistance program (EAP), growth opportunities, and so much more!
If you’re looking for a role where your voice matters, your team supports one another, and your work makes a meaningful impact every day, we’d love to connect with you!
Key Responsibilities
The veterinarian will provide high-quality medical care to small animals, including routine appointments and surgical procedures. They will also collaborate with a supportive team and have the opportunity to pursue future leadership roles within the hospital.
Requirements
Candidates must be licensed veterinarians comfortable performing routine surgeries and managing general practice appointments. A strong interest in teamwork, mentorship, and potential leadership development is highly valued.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Veterinary Medicine Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$150k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $140k in an average-cost state. 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 42 active Veterinary Medicine listings this role was benchmarked against, 2% are remote, 74% have no call, 52% require no weekends.
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Veterinarian - Tacoma, WA at Soundview Veterinary Hospital a 6.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Veterinary Medicine — ranked against 3,047 active Veterinary Medicine listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$150k midpoint, that is roughly $6k–$11k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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