Associate Veterinarian (DVM), Small Animal
Compensation
Pay not listed
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting, call expectations and time off.
Job Description
Toptails Vet is an owner-led small animal clinic focused on caring for cats and dogs with a thoughtful, compassionate approach. Founded by Dr. Abhishek Trikha, DVM, M.S., the clinic provides primary care, same-day urgent care, surgery, dentistry, and telehealth in a welcoming, low-stress environment. Honest recommendations, unhurried appointments, and strong relationships with pet owners are central to how the team practices medicine.
This is an opportunity to join a growing clinic as it adds a second veterinarian and to play a meaningful role in both patient care and the day-to-day life of the practice. As an Associate Veterinarian, you will work closely with the owner, support a broad range of canine and feline cases, and help deliver the kind of clear, empathetic care that builds trust with clients and supports a collaborative team culture.
Responsibilities
- Provide full-scope general veterinary medicine alongside the owner and contribute to how the clinic operates.
- See wellness, sick, and same-day urgent care appointments for dogs and cats.
- Perform routine surgeries and dentistry, including spays, neuters, mass removals, and dental procedures.
- Diagnose and manage chronic conditions, including internal medicine and geriatric cases.
- Provide pain management and compassionate end-of-life care.
- Conduct telehealth consultations when appropriate.
- Clearly explain findings and treatment options to pet owners.
- Mentor and collaborate closely with the support team.
- DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited school, or an ECFVG/PAVE equivalent.
- Washington veterinary license in good standing, or eligibility to obtain one, and eligibility to work in the United States.
- Experience with same-day urgent care, including discussing urgent-care decisions clearly with pet owners.
- Experience managing internal medicine and geriatric cases, with a compassionate approach to pain management and end-of-life care.
- Comfort with general-practice surgery and dentistry.
- Uses low-stress or Fear Free-style handling.
- Strong client communication skills, including explaining findings and treatment options to pet owners.
- Experience mentoring support staff and working collaboratively with a team-first mindset.
- Fear Free certification is a plus.
Requirements
Requires a DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited school and a valid Washington veterinary license. Candidates must have experience in general practice, surgery, and internal medicine with strong communication skills.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- 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)). 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, 80% have no call, 84% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | not listed | Veterinary Medicine median $145k (middle half $132k–$150k)29 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost of living | Washington index 107.0 | US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Veterinary Medicine listings in Washington | 95 active | 3,180 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 80% no call · 84% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Washington healthcare professional listings: 46% state a sign-on bonus · 6% offer loan repayment162 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Veterinary Medicine listings | 983 in the last 30 days | 518 the 30 days before (+90%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Veterinary Medicine pay trend | +1.9% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states.
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