Associate Veterinarian - Animal Care Center
Listed compensation
$120k-$140k
The week · per this posting · Monday – FridayWeekdays only
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and time off.
Job Description
- Associate Veterinarian | Baxter, MN (Brainerd Lakes Area)
- Up to $140,000 Base Salary with No Negative Accrual + $50,000 Sign-On/Relocation Bonus
- No Regular Weekends | Monday-Friday Schedule | Full & Part-Time Available
Love veterinary medicine. Love where you live, too.
Animal Care Center is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join our established three-doctor small animal practice in beautiful Baxter, Minnesota.
Whether you're an experienced DVM looking for a long-term home or a new graduate seeking exceptional mentorship, you'll find a collaborative team, experienced support staff, loyal clients, and a culture that truly values its people.
With a predictable Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM schedule, you'll have the time to enjoy everything the Brainerd Lakes Area has to offer, from boating and fishing to hiking, golf, snowmobiling, and skiing.
Why Veterinarians Choose Animal Care Center
Supportive Team Environment
Our high technician-to-doctor ratio and long-tenured support staff allow our veterinarians to focus on practicing great medicine. Many team members have been with us for 5, 10, and even 20+ years.
Collaborative Culture
You'll work alongside experienced doctors who genuinely enjoy helping each other. Challenging cases are approached as a team, not alone.
Meaningful Mentorship
New graduates receive hands-on mentorship and guidance to build confidence and clinical skills. Experienced veterinarians will find opportunities for continued growth and development.
- Loyal, Engaged Clients
- Build lasting relationships with pet owners who trust your recommendations and value quality veterinary care.
- Work-Life Balance
- Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM
- No regular weekends
- Full-time and part-time opportunities available
Compensation & Benefits
- Up to $140,000 base salary
- $50,000 sign-on/relocation bonus
- Production bonuses with no negative accrual
Benefits
- Up to 5 weeks PTO
- $2,500 CE allowance plus CE PTO
- 401(k) with company match
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-funded HSA contribution
- Paid parental leave
- Employer-paid life, STD, and LTD insurance
- AVMA membership and PLIT coverage
- Employee pet discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Additional voluntary benefit options
- Fun team events!
- Why Baxter & the Brainerd Lakes Area?
Imagine finishing work at 5 PM and heading straight to the lake, golf course, hiking trail, or snowmobile trail. The Brainerd Lakes Area offers an exceptional quality of life, affordable living, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community where you can build both a successful veterinary career and a fulfilling personal life.
Ready to Find Your Veterinary Home?
If you're looking for experienced teammates, strong mentorship, quality medicine, loyal clients, and a schedule that gives you your evenings and weekends back, we'd love to connect with you.
For more information or to apply, contact Megan Cross, Talent Acquisition Partner, at megan.cross@lakefieldvet.com or apply through careers.lakefieldvet.com.
Keywords: Veterinarian, Associate Veterinarian, DVM, Minnesota Veterinaria,
Compensation Range
$120,000—$140,000 USD
Key Responsibilities
The Associate Veterinarian will provide high-quality medical care to small animals within an established practice. They will collaborate with a supportive team of doctors and staff to manage cases and build lasting relationships with clients.
Requirements
The role is open to both experienced veterinarians and new graduates seeking mentorship. Candidates must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Minnesota.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
Key Skills
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Associate Veterinarian - Animal Care Center at Lakefield Veterinary Group a 6.7 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% of all healthcare professional listings evaluated on our platform. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements, no night shifts.
Healthcare Professional Career Context
Of the 40 active Veterinarian listings this role was benchmarked against, 90% have no call, 75% require no weekends.
Veterinarian pay on WeekdayDoc is down 6.7% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$132k in purchasing power | Minnesota index 98.6 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Veterinarian listings in Minnesota | 68 active | 4,660 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 90% no call · 75% no weekends40 benchmarked listings |
| Veterinarian pay trend | −6.7% vs prior quarter | —through Sep 2026 |
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