Associate Veterinarian

VeterinarianIncludes callFull-Time

Compensation

Pay not listed

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 3mo ago

Job Description

Full-Time Associate Veterinarian | Uptown Animal Hospital | Gig Harbor, WA Join a compassionate, collaborative team where high-quality medicine, mentorship, and work life balance come first.

Uptown Animal Hospital in beautiful Gig Harbor, Washington is excited to welcome a Full Time Associate Veterinarian to our growing practice.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys building client relationships, practicing thoughtful medicine, and working alongside a supportive and experienced team.

About Us We are an AAHA accredited small animal hospital known for our warm, educational approach and commitment to preventative care. Our veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and support staff work closely together in a positive, low drama environment where teamwork and patient care are always the priority.

Our modern facility includes digital radiography, in house diagnostics, and a full surgical suite, allowing our doctors to practice a wide variety of medical and surgical cases with confidence and support.

What We Offer Highly competitive compensation with production opportunities and no negative accrual Generous sign on bonus depending on experience Health, dental, and vision insurance with company HSA contribution 401(k) with employer match Paid time off and CE allowance Licensing and professional dues reimbursement Supportive mentorship and ongoing professional development Collaborative culture with experienced LVTs and support staff Life in Gig Harbor, Washington Gig Harbor offers the perfect balance of scenic Pacific Northwest beauty and small-town charm. Enjoy waterfront views, hiking, kayaking, local markets, and a welcoming community, all while staying within easy reach of Tacoma and Seattle for dining, entertainment, and city amenities.

About Lakefield Veterinary Group Uptown Animal Hospital is part of Lakefield Veterinary Group, a family-owned organization that supports each hospital’s individual culture while providing the resources and stability of a larger network.

Lakefield is committed to supporting veterinarians through mentorship, flexibility, collaboration, and long-term career growth.

Why You’ll Love Working Here Supportive and collaborative team culture Strong mentorship and professional growth opportunities Diverse medical and surgical caseload Modern equipment and high-quality medicine Beautiful location with endless outdoor activities Excellent work life balance and flexibility Ready to Join Us?

If you are passionate about veterinary medicine and looking for a supportive hospital where you can grow and thrive, we would love to connect with you. Contact Nikki Hanschu at nikki.hanschu@lakefieldvet.com or apply directly through Lakefield Careers.

Key Responsibilities

Provide high-quality medical and surgical care to small animals in an AAHA accredited hospital. Build strong client relationships and collaborate with a team of technicians and support staff to prioritize patient care.

Requirements

Must be a qualified veterinarian capable of practicing thoughtful medicine and performing various surgical cases. A passion for veterinary medicine and a collaborative mindset are essential.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure

Key Skills

Client Relationship ManagementSurgical Procedures

Veterinary Medicine Career Context

The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Of the 50 active Veterinary Medicine listings this role was benchmarked against, 68% have no call, 68% require no weekends.

What does the Veterinary Medicine market look like in Washington?
MeasureThis jobMarket
Listed paynot listedVeterinary Medicine median $145k (middle half $135k–$150k)43 comparable listings, Nov 2026
Cost of livingWashington index 107.0US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Veterinary Medicine listings in Washington112 active3,407 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Work settingon-sitepeers: 68% no call · 68% no weekends50 benchmarked listings
Sign-on & loan repaymentsign-on bonusWashington healthcare professional listings (all specialties): 42% state a sign-on bonus · 5% offer loan repayment156 active listings, Nov 2026
New Veterinary Medicine listings1,234 in the last 30 days503 the 30 days before (+145%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Veterinary Medicine pay trend+3.7% vs prior quarter—through Oct 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index, BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Nov 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Location & Logistics

Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states.

Top Veterinarian Jobs

31 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

28 jobs · 19 employers
16
<$155k
1
$160k
8
$170k
2
$185k-200k
1
$200k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

29 jobs · 19 employers
CME allowance
93% this job
Sign-on bonus
90% this job
401k / retirement match
79% this job
Relocation assistance
76%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Veterinarian - Madera, CA

Vet Cor · Madera, California

$150k-$200k
#2

Hospital Medical Leader - Veterinarian

PETCO Animal Supplies Stores · Vancouver, Washington

$122k-$196k
#3

Veterinarian - Gloversville, NY

$130k-$185k
#4

Veterinarian - Sherman Oaks, CA

$130k-$170k
+ 29 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 5.7this job 1.5
Below most Veterinary Medicine listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 3,392 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes call

Benefits & Perks

Health, dental, and vision with HSA contribution
401(k) with employer match
Paid time off
CE allowance
License and professional dues reimbursement
Sign-on bonus
Mentorship and professional development

Living in Gig Harbor

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$750k
Typical market rent
$2,632/mo
Residents’ average commute
32 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
111.1
State income tax
None
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Sep 2026), Zillow market rents (Sep 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.