Per Diem/Relief Veterinarian

Stay connected to the medicine you love, with a team that values your experience.

Position Overview

Join PetVet Care Centers as a Per Diem/Relief Veterinarian at Animal Emergency Clinic - Kirkwood in Kirkwood, Missouri. You'll join a locally led hospital where the team supports one another and shares a commitment to high-quality, compassionate care, backed by the resources of the PetVet Care Centers network.

Animal Emergency Clinic - Kirkwood is an emergency hospital near St. Louis. Its veterinarians and support staff care for urgent cases ranging from sudden illness to trauma, providing skilled, compassionate emergency medicine.

You care for pets. We care for you.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Experienced professionals who value mentorship and clinical growth
• Access to a Board-Certified Surgeon who enjoys teaching and advancing surgical proficiency
• A diverse, fast-paced emergency caseload
• A supportive team environment
• Kirkwood’s walkable downtown, parks, restaurants, and proximity to St. Louis

Why Per Diem/Relief Work at Animal Emergency Clinic - Kirkwood

Bring your experience to patients, clients, and a team that values your contribution. Per Diem/Relief work offers an opportunity to stay connected to veterinary medicine while supporting continuity of care.

• Keep your clinical knowledge and skills active through patient care
• Stay connected to the profession during a career or life transition
• Experience Animal Emergency Clinic - Kirkwood's team, culture, and approach to medicine firsthand

Ready to take the next step? Apply today. For questions or a confidential career conversation, contact Julia Stephens at [email protected].

Compensation for Per Diem/Relief roles is based on a shift rate, taking into account experience and hours/shifts worked. Salary ranges listed in this posting reflect full-time roles.

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)

• 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 emergency 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 150000 - 180000 USD