Lead Veterinarian - Desert Hills Animal Clinic
Listed compensation
from $150,000
Listing transparency3 of 6 stated
Ask the employer about the work setting, weekend coverage and nights and shift pattern.
- Employment & setting
- Full-Time
- Call expectations
- Includes call
- Weekends
- Not specified
Job Description
Lead with Purpose. Practice Great Medicine. Make a Lasting Impact.
Desert Hills Animal Clinic [https://dhanimalclinic.com/] 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 [https://careers.lakefieldvet.com/jobs/].
#LI-NH1
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
Of the 50 active Veterinary Medicine listings this role was benchmarked against, 76% have no call, 64% require no weekends.
Veterinary Medicine pay on WeekdayDoc is down 2.0% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).
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).
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