Associate Veterinarian |Ownership Opportunities
Listed compensation
$100k-$140k
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
Associate Veterinarian | Crete, Illinois | Up to $100K Sign-On Bonus | Ownership Opportunities
All About Our Practice
Since 1987, Plum Creek Animal Medical Center’s iconic “Big Red Barn” has been a trusted landmark where generations of pet owners have relied on our veterinary team for exceptional care. As a proud AAHA-certified veterinary hospital for more than 25 years, we are a well-established, progressive 3-doctor small animal veterinary practice with a nearby outpatient Express Clinic that offers additional variety while sharing clients and records across both locations.
Our veterinarians provide comprehensive veterinary care including wellness and preventive medicine, urgent care, surgery, dentistry, therapeutic laser therapy, acupuncture, in-house diagnostics, digital full-body and dental radiology, ultrasonography, and medical and vacation boarding. Our state-of-the-art veterinary facility is equipped with advanced technology that allows every veterinarian to deliver high-quality medicine with confidence.
- In-house Diagnostics & Laboratory
- Digital & Dental Radiology
- Ultrasound
- Oxygen Therapy
Orthopedic Surgical Equipment
Located in Crete, Illinois, our charming red barn setting offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and easy access to Chicago.
Enjoy scenic outdoor spaces, welcoming neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a relaxed pace of life, all while remaining just a short drive from world-class dining, entertainment, and culture.
We highly value work-life balance and offer scheduling flexibility that allows every veterinarian to enjoy a fulfilling veterinary career without sacrificing personal time.
Plus, our Partner Track program offers veterinarians ownership opportunities and flexibility to invest in their medical interests. Join our team and experience the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners while building a successful and fulfilling career.
Learn More About Our Hospital!
Job Description
- You’re here for pets, we’re here for veterinarians.
- Up to 100k sign on bonus
- Flexible scheduling for work-life balance
- Medical autonomy to practice medicine your way
- Future ownership opportunities
- Just a short distance from Chicago
Extremely Generous Signing Bonuses
- Full benefits – PTO, health/dental/vision/life insurance, 401K, pet care discounts, etc.
- Competitive compensation
- DVM mentor network
- Paid CE allowance & professional dues
- Also offering relocation assistance and student loan aid
- Commuter stipend for tolls/gas
- We’re Looking For
- Full time veterinarian
- Compassionate, team player and strong communicator
Proficient in General Medicine and Surgery
Experience preferred but new graduates seeking mentorship are encouraged to apply!
#IND5
Qualifications
- Doctor of Veterinary degree, or equivalent, from an accredited university
- Current DEA License or obtained upon hire
- Active Veterinary State License
USDA Accreditation or Obtained Upon Hire
Salary Range can vary from $100,000 to $140,000. Determining factor is solely based off experience, qualifications, schedule, compensation structure, and is subjected to change per applicable candidate.
Additional Information
Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.
Join a network proud to be named one of Inc.'s Best Workplaces 2025!
We Are a DRUG-Free, Smoke-Free, Equal Opportunity Employer.
Company Policy & Federal & State Laws Forbid Discrimination Because of Age, Color, Race, Religion, Sex, Disability, Sexual Orientation or National Origin
Key Responsibilities
The veterinarian will provide comprehensive medical care including wellness exams, surgery, and urgent care for small animals. They will also utilize advanced diagnostic equipment and collaborate with the team to maintain high standards of veterinary practice.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
Key Skills
General Practice/Small Animal Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$120k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $120k 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 Veterinarian listings this role was benchmarked against, 60% have no call, 48% require no weekends.
Veterinarian pay on WeekdayDoc is down 4.4% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
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$140k-$170kWork-life snapshot
Listing-based score, 0–10, across 4,404 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.
Living in Crete
- Typical 3-bedroom home value
- $286k≈ 2.9× annual pay
- Median resident rent
- $1,309/mo≈ 16% of gross pay
- Residents’ average commute
- 38 min
- State income tax
- Up to 5%
Sources & methodology
Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.
Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.