Description
Privately Owned | Small Animal & Exotics | Minnesota Lakes Country
Are you ready to practice real medicine without corporate quotas, weekend shifts, or burnout baked into the job description?
We are a family-owned, independently operated veterinary practice in beautiful Minnesota lakes country, looking to welcome a full-time or part-time Associate Veterinarian to our close-knit, long-standing team. We proudly serve companion animals and exotics, and we believe great medicine happens when doctors are supported, mentored, and trusted.
Whether you’re a new graduate looking for hands-on mentorship or an experienced DVM ready to leave corporate medicine behind, we’d love to talk.
About Our Practice
- Privately owned & doctor-led (no corporate ownership, no quotas)
- 4 DVMs with 70+ years of combined experience
- Small animals and exotics (birds, reptiles, small mammals, etc.)
- Highly skilled CVTs, VAs, and CSRs—many with 20+ years on our team
- Strong culture of collaboration, kindness, and continuity of care
- Medicine driven by patients and clients, not production targets
- The Medicine You’ll Practice
- We are committed to teaching and supporting veterinarians at every stage of their career.
New Graduate Friendly:
- Structured mentorship with experienced DVMs
- Gradual onboarding into:
- Wellness & preventive care
- Diagnostic work-ups
- Surgery & dentistry
- Exotic medicine
Encouragement to ask questions and grow with confidence
For Experienced or Corporate-Weary Vets:
- Autonomy in your medical decision-making
- No production pressure or scripted medicine
- Time to work up cases properly
- A team that values your experience and voice
Compensation & Perks:
- Base salary: $115,000–$165,000+, depending on experience
- Production opportunities available (no negative accrual)
- Relocation assistance available for the right candidate
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Minnesota Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)
- Earned Safe & Sick Time (ESST) in addition to paid time off
- CE allowance + paid CE time
- Scrub allowance
- Pet care stipend
- Paid professional licenses & dues
Schedule & Work-Life Balance (We Mean It)
- 3–4 day workweeks
- No on-call
- No weekends
- No holidays
- Family-centered schedule in a family-owned business
- Time blocked for records, callbacks, and thoughtful care
Why Minnesota Lakes Country?
Incredible outdoor lifestyle: lakes, trails, seasons that actually exist
Slower pace without sacrificing quality medicine
Affordable living compared to metro markets
A place to build both a career and a life
Who This Role Is Perfect For?
New grads seeking real mentorship, not sink-or-swim
Associates burned out by corporate quotas and metrics
Vets who enjoy variety, teamwork, and exotics exposure
Humans who value community, longevity, and balance
Requirements
Required Qualifications
DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school
Licensed (or eligible for licensure) in the State of Minnesota
DEA license (or willingness to obtain)
Commitment to practicing high-quality, ethical veterinary medicine
Strong communication skills with clients and team members
Ability to work collaboratively within a team-based practice
Clinical Expectations
Provide compassionate care for small animal patients; interest in exotic medicine encouraged (training provided)
Perform thorough physical exams and develop diagnostic and treatment plans
Communicate medical recommendations clearly and empathetically to clients
Maintain accurate, timely medical records
Work efficiently while prioritizing patient care and client education
Experience Level
New graduates welcome
Structured mentorship and hands-on guidance provided
Experienced veterinarians encouraged
Especially those seeking autonomy and relief from corporate medicine and quotas
Professional Traits We Value
Curiosity and willingness to learn
Respect for technicians, assistants, and support staff
Strong work ethic balanced with healthy boundaries
Adaptability and openness to feedback
Interest in long-term growth within a privately owned practice
Physical & Job Requirements
Ability to safely handle and restrain animals with team support
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform clinical duties
Comfort working in a fast-paced clinical environment
Willingness to participate in continuous learning and development
