2027-2028 Equine Ambulatory Internship- Bluegrass Equine Surgery
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 400 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
- Local autonomy with national support
- Career mobility and development opportunities
- A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first
You care for pets. We care for you.
BLUEGRASS EQUINE SURGERY
Equine Ambulatory Veterinary Internship Job Description
Bluegrass Equine Surgery (BES) is an equine veterinary practice providing exceptional client service and primary medical care in the central Kentucky region. Located minutes from Keeneland Racecourse, Bluegrass Equine Surgery is in the heart of horse country, where employees get to see a large, diverse scope of equine veterinary medicine.
BES is seeking to fill the position of Equine Ambulatory Veterinary Internship.
Hours: 48-50 hours a week/ dependent on the season
Reports to: Medical Director, Head of Ambulatory Veterinarian, Hospital Manager
Department: Ambulatory
Location: Hospital
Compensation: Hourly
The BES Equine Ambulatory Veterinary Internship is an extensive program that covers the ins and outs of being an equine veterinarian in the Central Kentucky area
DUTIES
Training directly with multiple veterinarians on varying aspects of equine medicine, including but not limited to:
- Ultrasound, palping, flushing, and other various aspects of reproductive horse with mares such as learning the mare’s cycle and the central Kentucky breeding industry
- Foal care
- Heard Health Management
- Handling of emergencies
- Client Interactions
Partaking in an On-Call rotation
Learning the PMS system, billing your own tickets
Work closely with doctors daily
Willingness to work out in the field in varying weather
Working independently and confident as a veterinarian
Working out in very client-facing environments such as farms and horse sales
Taking Radiographs
Model professionalism and ethical practices
Restrain horses as needed
Take vital measurements on patients
Take blood for labs, complete health charts and Coggins
Gather medical history
Monitor patients
Handle emergencies with professionalism
Other
Promote cooperative working environment among staff members; understand the value of teamwork; show enthusiasm and willingness to perform as necessary to help the practice function as a unit.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions
Maintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employees
Promotes continuous quality improvement
Performs other duties as assigned
EXPERIENCE
MUST be a graduate of a College/University of Veterinary Medicine
Candidates MUST be licensed or ability to be licensed in the state of Kentucky/ Has passed NAVLE
Candidates must be eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the United States
Ability to gain USDA Accreditation
Has a US Driver’s License
An understanding of the Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Industry is helpful though not required
Ability to read horse body language and perform advanced handling of horses.
Self-motivated lifelong learner
Work well independently and as part of a team
PERSONAL
Enthusiasm for Equine Veterinary Medicine
Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and for working in an animal-care environment
Work under the broad general administrative supervision of the owners and doctors, and use sound personal judgment in selecting methods, establishing priorities, and arriving at conclusions
May be required to work uncommon hours
Be flexible in attitude and work habits
Key Responsibilities
- Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
- Client communication and education
- Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
- Maintaining accurate medical records
- Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
- Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
- Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
- Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
- Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
- Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
- Performs other duties as assigned by Management.
Qualifications (Required)
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
- Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
- Current State Veterinary License
- DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
- 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
- Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
- Excellent surgical and dental skills.
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
- Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
- Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
- Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
- May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
- Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
- Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
- Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
- Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
- Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
- Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
- Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
- Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.
Pay Range
$55,000—$56,000 USD
At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
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