Veterinarian | up to $50,000 sign-on bonus | Ideal Veterinary Hospital | Oak Ridge, TN
Listed compensation
USD $100K–USD $120K /Yr.
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Practice
At Ideal Veterinary Hospital, we strive to treat you and your pet in the same way we treat our pets: with compassion, understanding, and love. We are lways looking for better ways to treat your furry friend when they need tender love and care.
Position Purpose
Ideal Veterinary Hospital in Oak Ridge, TN, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Associate Veterinarian to join our team. We are a well-established small animal practice dedicated to providing high-quality medical and surgical care to the pets and families in our community. About Ideal Veterinary Hospital:
Our Team
You will join an experienced team that values a collaborative approach to veterinary medicine. Our 3-doctor team brings a wide level of experience to support you, whether you're a seasoned veterinarian or just getting started in your career.
Our clients: We're known for our compassionate approach and for building close relationships with pet owners, offering clear communication and tailored treatment plans.
Our facilities: You won't believe how big and beautiful our surgery suite is! With 2 surgery tables, lots of natural light, and well-trained surgery technicians, you'll be ready for any procedure.
About Oak Ridge
Located just west of Knoxville, Oak Ridge was built under a cloak of secrecy by the US government during World War II as a major site of the Manhattan Project. Today it boasts a safe community with low crime, top-rated schools, parks, greenways and athletic fields, and is in close proximity to national parks. It's the perfect place to call home!
Essential Responsibilities
- Examine and treat companion animals to detect and determine the nature of disease or injuries.
- Operate diagnostic equipment and collect diagnostic samples as well as interpret results.
- Advise pet owners on preventative care and treatment options.
- Perform surgery and prescribe medication as needed.
- Provide counsel around pet end of life care.
- Maintain patients’ medical records.
- Ensures compliance with veterinary ethics and relevant statues, policies, and procedures.
Requirements/Qualifications
- DVM/VMD degree from an accredited AVMA institution.
- Appropriate state licensure.
- Eligibility to obtain DEA/BNDD.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrates professional and courteous presentation consistently with staff and clients.
- Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance.
- Benefits Offered
- Unlimited personal time off (PTO)
- Bonus incentives
- Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
- Retirement benefits (401(k) or Roth(k) with match)
- CE and licensure reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Managing career path development
- Employee Assistance Program
- DVM Referral Program
- Sign-on bonus and Relocation assistance available
Pay Range
USD $100,000.00 - USD $120,000.00 /Yr.
Key Responsibilities
Examine and treat companion animals to diagnose diseases and injuries while performing necessary surgeries and prescribing medications. Provide preventative care advice to pet owners and maintain accurate medical records in compliance with veterinary ethics.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a DVM/VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited institution and possess appropriate state licensure. Eligibility for DEA/BNDD and strong professional communication skills are also required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Certifications
Key Skills
Veterinary Medicine Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Tennessee is 91.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$110k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $120k in an average-cost state. 58.6% of Tennessee 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, 58% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $100k–$120k | Veterinary Medicine median $143k (middle half $125k–$163k)475 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$120k in purchasing power | Tennessee index 91.9 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Veterinary Medicine listings in Tennessee | 42 active | 3,443 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 68% no call · 58% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | US healthcare professional listings (all specialties): 40% state a sign-on bonus (median $50k) · 10% offer loan repayment1,000 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Veterinary Medicine listings | 1,282 in the last 30 days | 483 the 30 days before (+165%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Veterinary Medicine pay trend | +1.8% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
Location & Logistics
Tennessee has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$110k midpoint, that is roughly $4k–$8k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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