Lead Veterinarian - Desert Hills Animal Clinic
Listed compensation
from $150,000
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Lead with Purpose. Practice Great Medicine. Make a Lasting Impact.
Desert Hills Animal Clinic is seeking a Lead
Veterinarian to join our well-established practice in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an exciting opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys mentorship, leadership, and helping shape the future of a successful hospital while continuing to practice high-quality medicine.
About Us
Desert Hills Animal Clinic is a full-service animal hospital with an experienced three-doctor team and an enthusiastic support staff.
We have been operating out of our newly built 7th Ave and Carefree Hwy location since 2024; providing comprehensive veterinary care for dogs & cats, including preventative care, dentistry, & surgical procedures. Our culture is collaborative, supportive, and genuinely fun.
We are committed to a well-trained team, patient care, strong client relationships, and individualized treatment plans that prioritize the well-being of every dog and cat we see.
What We Offer
- Leadership Opportunity: Play a key role in guiding hospital culture, mentoring team members, and helping drive the continued success of an established practice.
- Competitive Compensation: Base salary ranging from $150,000–$170,000 plus production with no negative accrual and a generous sign-on bonus.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA contribution, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match, PTO, CE allowance, paid licensing and dues, and more.
- Clinical Autonomy with Network Support: Enjoy the freedom to practice medicine your way while benefiting from Lakefield's resources and operational support.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a veterinarian who enjoys leadership, collaboration, and mentorship. A strong interest in surgery is highly preferred, as the hospital offers a diverse surgical caseload and opportunities to continue expanding surgical services.
Whether you're currently in a leadership role or ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to connect.
- Life in Phoenix, Arizona
- Enjoy year-round sunshine, incredible hiking, golf, professional sports, amazing restaurants, and easy access to destinations like Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
- Phoenix offers an exceptional balance of career opportunity and lifestyle.
About Lakefield Veterinary Group
Desert Hills Animal Clinic is part of Lakefield Veterinary Group, a family-owned organization that supports hospital autonomy while providing the resources of a larger network. Lakefield prioritizes work-life balance, professional growth, and strong hospital cultures, all while providing WOW service to our clients and patients.
Ready to Learn More?
If you're looking for an opportunity to lead a great team, practice exceptional medicine, and make a meaningful impact, we'd love to connect.
To learn more about the hospital and position please contact Nikki Hanschu at nikki.hanschu@lakefieldvet.com [nikki.hanschu@lakefieldvet.com] or apply at careers.lakefieldvet.com.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the hospital culture and mentor team members while practicing high-quality veterinary medicine. Drive the continued success of the established practice through clinical leadership and operational guidance.
Requirements
Seeking a veterinarian with a passion for leadership, collaboration, and mentorship. A strong interest or proficiency in surgery is highly preferred.
Qualifications
- Experience
- 5+ years of experience
Key Skills
Veterinary Medicine Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Arizona is 100.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$160k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $159k in an average-cost state. 60.3% of Arizona clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 50 active Veterinary Medicine listings this role was benchmarked against, 92% have no call, 98% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $150k–$170k | Veterinary Medicine median $138k (middle half $123k–$155k)472 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$159k in purchasing power | Arizona index 100.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Veterinary Medicine listings in Arizona | 73 active | 3,160 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 92% no call · 98% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Arizona healthcare professional listings: 43% state a sign-on bonus · 12% offer loan repayment107 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Veterinary Medicine listings | 949 in the last 30 days | 550 the 30 days before (+73%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Veterinary Medicine pay trend | +3.7% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
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