Role
Location
Description
Equine Surgeon- Chicago Equine Medical Center in Wauconda, IL
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 420 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.
Equine Surgeon – Chicago Equine Medical Center
Location: Chicago Equine Medical Center – Wauconda, Illinois
Position Type: Full-Time
Practice: Chicago Equine Medical Center
Chicago Equine Medical Center is seeking a skilled and motivated Equine Surgeon to join our collaborative, progressive referral and ambulatory practice. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a respected team dedicated to providing exceptional surgical and medical care to horses throughout the greater Chicago region and surrounding Midwest.
About Us
Chicago Equine Medical Center is a premier equine veterinary hospital offering comprehensive medical, surgical, diagnostic, emergency, and ambulatory services to a diverse equine population. Our clients include performance horses, sport horses, racehorses, breeding operations, pleasure horses, and companions.
Our hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging, modern surgical facilities, inpatient hospitalization, and a highly experienced team of veterinarians and support staff committed to delivering outstanding patient care. We foster a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth, innovation, and excellence in equine medicine.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a board-certified or residency-trained Equine Surgeon who is committed to providing exceptional surgical and clinical care. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues, values strong client relationships, and is passionate about advancing equine surgery. Our hospital offers a wide range of surgical procedures including arthroscopic procedures, colic surgery, upper respiratory/airway surgery, laparoscopic surgery, wound reconstruction, reproductive/urogenital procedures, and a range of orthopedic surgeries.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with production opportunities
- Signing, retention and relocation packages
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
- 401(k) with discretionary contribution
- Team Member Pet Discounts
- Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
- CE stipends and career development resources
- Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
- Local hospital culture backed by national resources
Join Chicago Equine Medical Center and become part of a team where your expertise is valued, collaboration is encouraged, and your passion for equine surgery can make a lasting impact on patients, clients, and the equine community.
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and cover letter to Emily Lunsford at elunsford@petvetcarecenters.com.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform elective and emergency soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries
- Evaluate and manage surgical referral cases, comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups, maintain accurate medical records
- Collaborate with the hospital's internal medicine, sports medicine, imaging, and ambulatory teams
- Provide consultation and communication with referring veterinarians and clients
- Participate in surgical on call (NO ER on call required)
- Support continuing education, continued growth, and development of the hospital’s surgical services.
- Client communication and education
- Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
- Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
- 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
- 1-year rotational internship (university or large referral practice).
- Completed a 3-year, AVMA approved residency program
- Current State Veterinary License
- DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
- Strong diagnostic and clinical 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)
- Board Certification
- 2-5 years of experience post-residency
- 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.
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 420 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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