Associate Veterinarian | Mentorship Opportunities
Listed compensation
$110k-$180k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Company Description
Full Time Associate Veterinarian | Signing Bonus up to $100K | $110,000 Starting Salary | Mentorship Opportunities
Lakeside Spears Animal Hospital, a well-established 3-doctor practice in Carbondale, IL, is seeking a dedicated Associate Veterinarian to join our mission-driven team. We offer comprehensive hospital care, surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, radiology, ultrasonography, and CT.
Our practice is committed to integrity, service, and excellence, providing the highest level of care through advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. With access to the latest technology, you’ll have everything you need to handle a variety of emergency cases with confidence.
- CT Machine, Ultrasound, and X-ray – Advanced imaging for accurate, timely diagnostics.
- In-House Labs – Chemistry and hematology analyzer, blood gases, and more to support quick decision-making.
- Learn More About Our Hospital!
Carbondale, Illinois offers an ideal setting for a healthy work-life balance, featuring excellent schools and abundant outdoor activities. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or someone who enjoys a tight-knit community, Carbondale provides the perfect balance between rural charm and city convenience.
- 2 hours from St. Louis, MO
- 3 hours from Nashville, TN
- 3.5 hours from Louisville, KY
Job Description
Position Overview
As a General Practice Veterinarian at Lakeside Veterinary Hospital, you will have the opportunity to handle a diverse caseload and work side-by-side with a compassionate team of professionals. We empower our DVMs to practice medicine in a way that aligns with their individual styles, ensuring that you can serve our clients and their pets to the best of your abilities.
We value our team and are looking for a veterinarian who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. If you're a skilled DVM looking for a place to grow professionally in a supportive and collaborative environment, Lakeside Veterinary Hospital is the ideal place for you!
We're Looking For
- Full-Time Veterinarian for day shifts
- Compassionate, team-oriented, and strong communicator
Proficient in General Medicine and Surgery
Experience preferred, but new graduates seeking mentorship are encouraged to apply!
What We Offer
- SIGNING BONUS UP TO $100,000!
- Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities and state-of-the-art equipment including CT, radiology, ultrasonography, and more
- Medical Autonomy to practice medicine your way
- Flexible Scheduling to ensure a great work-life balance
- Full Benefits including PTO, health/dental/vision/life insurance, 401K, and pet care discounts
- Competitive Compensation
- DVM Mentor Network for continuous professional development
- Paid Continuing Education (CE) Allowance & Professional Dues
- Generous Sign-On Bonus, Relocation Assistance, and Student Loan Aid
- A Network of Support: Backed by a powerful network named one of Inc.'s Best Workplaces 2025!
Qualifications
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, or equivalent, from an accredited university
- Current DEA License or obtained upon hire
- Active Veterinary State License
- USDA Accreditation or obtained upon hire
Additional Information
Total compensation is individualized based on experience, schedule (full-time or part-time), location, and production. Compensation may include base salary, production incentives, sign-on bonus, relocation assistance, and other applicable benefits and incentives. Total compensation package for the first year might range from $110,000-$180,000+.
We Are a DRUG-Free & Equal Opportunity Employer.
Company Policy Forbids Discrimination Because of Age, Color, Race, Religion, Sex, Disability, Marital Status, Sexual Orientation or National Origin
For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit allianceanimal.com.
Compensation: from USD 110000 - yearly
Key Responsibilities
Provide general veterinary care and manage a diverse caseload, including medicine and surgery, while working collaboratively with the hospital team. Use advanced diagnostic equipment and exercise medical autonomy to deliver care tailored to patients and clients.
Key Skills
Veterinary Medicine Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$145k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $145k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 40 active Veterinary Medicine listings this role was benchmarked against, 3% are remote, 80% have no call, 63% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $110k–$180k | Veterinary Medicine median $138k (middle half $128k–$150k)17 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$145k in purchasing power | Illinois index 100.0 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Veterinary Medicine listings in Illinois | 156 active | 3,077 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 3% remote · 80% no call · 63% no weekends40 benchmarked listings |
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