Associate Veterinarian

Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital is a well-established Fear Free Certified and independently-owned small animal practice in the Fairhaven neighborhood of Bellingham, WA.

Our mission is to provide compassionate and quality care for both client and patient based on the principles of the Fear Free Initiative.

We nurture an ultra-supportive, cohesive, and collaborative culture where all employees feel seen, valued, and happy to come to work.

We prioritize the emotional wellbeing of our patients and the teams who care for them through education and communication.

We are a full-service facility, equipped to provide for all health care needs, including surgery, veterinary dental services, diagnostics and treatment for illness and injuries.

Our focus on wellness and preventive care is tailored to each of our patients. We have a diverse team of veterinarians and a skilled and highly knowledgeable support staff dedicated to providing high-quality Fear Free veterinary medicine.

We are in search of a full-time well-rounded, Associate Veterinarian for our very busy and growing hospital.

If you seek a hospital that welcomes folks from all backgrounds, supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in our community, and prioritizes our staff's mental well-being, look no further.

As a business we prioritize creating pathways for growth, resiliency, and longevity in the veterinary industry. We focus on work-life balance and flexible scheduling to support families.

The ideal candidate shares these values, is excited to grow themselves personally and professionally, is looking for a long-term workplace home, and is excited to be a voice that directs the future of our hospital, and helps to shape the future of vet med.

As an employee with FVH you will find competitive wages, a full benefits package, generous time-off accrual and scheduling practices, and a workplace that truly cares about you as a person.

We Offer :

Full-time employees work 32 floor hours weekly over 4-days. Strategic appointment scheduling practices mean you will end your appointments on time, and get a lunch break.

We offer the ability to work remotely to complete charts and follow-ups, and have dictation software available to increase charting efficiency.

Surgery shifts are not a requirement.

• No weekends, major holidays, late nights or on-call hours.
• Competitive salary depending upon years of prior experience, demonstrated production levels, and appointment load. Guaranteed base salary of $105,000-$125,000 + quarterly production bonus model.

Annual increase in guaranteed salary based upon actual production in previous year.

Generous PTO accrual with a balance that can carry over yearly to a maximum of 190 hours to pursue your life's adventures.

5 additional paid holidays off, paid day off for your birthday, and unpaid / flex days off.

• Vanguard 401K Retirement plan with 4% match.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides free behavioral health counseling, as well as financial planning, education planning, home ownership counseling, and more.
• 100% premium paid health, dental, and vision insurance. We offer a gold-level medical plan through Kaiser.
• Licensing fees, AVMA dues, nd any other professional organization dues paid in full.
• $2,500 annual CE allowance plus paid CE days off. Can carry over for up to three years to attend national and international conferences.

Consideration given to funding additional CE if it will benefit our practice.

• Paid uniforms annually.
• Fear Free certification and CE paid.
• Review opportunities provided annually to celebrate your strengths and identify areas of development. We provide regular check-ins with the management team, and a transparent communication policy to make sure all employees feel heard and supported.
• Generous pet care discount.
• Several annual staff parties and celebrations.
• Monthly team meetings and at least twice-yearly all-staff training days on topics from conflict resolution to CPR and feline behavior.

You have :

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent degree required.
• State Veterinary Board License.
• DEA License current or may obtain after hire.
• USDA accreditation is a plus.
• Previous full-time work experience in small-animal general practice.
• Dedication to ensuring each patient and client is treated with the highest level of compassion and care.
• Knowledge of and passion for providing Fear Free care and an interest in companion-animal behavior
• Basic skills and comfort using phones, computers, emailing, texting, and using veterinary practice-management software.

We are very paper-light and currently use AVImark.

• Emotional intelligence and a willingness to continually develop communication skills.
• A positive and flexible attitude.
• Professionalism, even in the less-than perfect moments of vet med.
• The desire to be a part of a team who cheers each other on and is excited to be a part of the veterinary industry.
• Motivation to grow your communication, and leadership skills, and a drive to do better everyday.
• Confidence to seek feedback from peers to continue to improve.
• The drive to provide the type of care you would wish for your own pets and willingness to help participate in policy development to make it a reality!

If FVH sounds like a good fit, please don't hesitate to reach out!