Equine Surgeon at Northwest Veterinary Clinic of Mount Vernon

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

Northwest Veterinary Clinic of Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, Washington

Build the Surgical Practice You Want—Without the Demands of Emergency Surgery

Northwest Veterinary Clinic of Mount Vernon is looking for an Equine Surgeon to join our growing equine team. If you're looking for a position that combines elective surgery, sports medicine, and lameness with a healthy work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a unique opportunity to focus on the cases you enjoy most while working alongside experienced equine veterinarians in one of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful regions.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• No emergency surgery or surgical on-call
• A balanced caseload of surgery, sports medicine, and lameness
• Ambulatory and in-clinic appointments
• Shared emergency rotation of approximately one evening per week and every fifth weekend
• Collaborative team environment with experienced veterinarians and support staff
• Access to advanced referral imaging, including CT, MRI, and nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan) through nearby specialty facilities

What You'll Be Doing

You'll have the opportunity to develop a rewarding and varied caseload that includes:

• Elective soft tissue and orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine and performance horse evaluations
• Comprehensive lameness diagnostics
• Treatment planning and rehabilitation management
• Collaboration with referring veterinarians and fellow clinicians on complex orthopedic cases
• Building long-term relationships with clients throughout the Pacific Northwest

The Veterinarian We're Looking For

We're seeking a surgeon who enjoys collaborating with colleagues, communicating with clients, and delivering exceptional patient care. Whether your passion lies in surgery, sports medicine, or both, you'll find the support and flexibility to build a fulfilling career here.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree
• Board-certified or residency-trained in Equine Surgery (ACVS), or an experienced equine surgeon with a strong interest in sports medicine
• Eligible for veterinary licensure in Washington

Why Northwest Veterinary Clinic?

For decades, Northwest Veterinary Clinic has been a trusted provider of equine veterinary care throughout western Washington. We pride ourselves on practicing high-quality medicine in a collaborative, supportive environment where veterinarians are encouraged to grow professionally while maintaining a healthy balance outside of work.

Located in Mount Vernon, you'll enjoy easy access to the Cascade Mountains, the San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, Seattle, Vancouver, BC, and endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, boating, and outdoor recreation.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're looking for a position where you can practice excellent medicine, enjoy a collaborative team, and leave emergency surgery behind, we'd love to connect with you.

To Apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to Emily Lunsford at elunsford@petvetcarecenters.com.

What We Offer

We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• 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

Key Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
• Client communication and education
• 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
• 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 horse owners.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with horses 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.