Full-Time Associate Veterinarian (AAHA Accredited Facility)

At a glance

Base salary: $80,000–$90,000 (DOE)
Bonus: Quarterly production bonus
Additional earning opportunity: Optional emergency cases, compensated on a case-by-case basis
Schedule: Full-time, 30–40 hours per week (weekly hours must fall within this range)
Status: Full-Time Employee (FTE)
Medicine: AAHA accredited, Certified Feline Friendly, low-stress practice
Facility: New 4,200 sq ft hospital with advanced diagnostics and surgery
Benefits: Health insurance contribution, malpractice coverage, CE stipend, PTO, dues paid, employee discounts, 401k contribution

Why this role
Pet Wellness Center of Southern Illinois is a well-established, multi-doctor practice that has served the South Central Illinois region since 1988. We practice high-quality, state-of-the-art veterinary medicine in a collaborative, low-stress environment. Our culture emphasizes mentorship, professional growth, and strong client relationships through daily case discussions, doctor rounds, and consistent access to specialists, including a local board-certified surgeon.

Who this role is ideal for
This role is ideal for a veterinarian who values high-quality medicine, collaborative case discussion, strong technician support, and the flexibility to increase earnings through production and optional emergency work, while maintaining a balanced 30–40 hour full-time schedule in a supportive, community-oriented practice.

What you’ll do

• Provide comprehensive preventive and sick-patient care
• Perform routine and advanced surgical procedures (surgical proficiency required)
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding diagnostics and treatment options
• Maintain accurate, high-quality medical records in a paper-light, digital system
• Collaborate closely with technicians and assistants to deliver efficient, compassionate care
• Participate in daily case rounds and clinical discussions

Compensation & earning opportunities
Base salary: $80,000–$90,000 (dependent on experience)

Quarterly production bonus:

• Associate will receive bonus when production exceeds quarterly quota

Optional emergency care:

• Periodic emergency cases arise from client needs
• Veterinarians may choose to accept these cases
• Participation provides the opportunity to increase total compensation beyond base salary and standard production

Schedule & employment status

• Full-time position
• Expected workload of 30–40 hours per week
• Some early evening hours required
• Weekly hours must remain within the defined range

Benefits & professional support

• Employer-paid portion of ACA health insurance for FTEs
• Group malpractice insurance for all practice veterinarians
• 40+ hours of paid vacation annually (additional PTO may be available)
• Continuing Education stipend for FTE veterinarians
• Professional dues and subscriptions covered for select associations
• Employee discounts on personal pets, services, and products
• 401(k) contribution
• Liability coverage included

Facility & clinical resources

• New 4,200 sq ft hospital
• Digital radiology and dental radiology
• Ultrasound, endoscopy, laser therapy
• Fully equipped surgery suite and on-site pharmacy
• IDEXX in-house lab machines and fully integrated IDEXX software
• Strong technician and assistant support
• Access to internal and external specialists

After-hours & emergency care

• Emergency needs arise periodically from existing clients
• Emergency cases are handled with a Doctor and Technician working together
• 24-hour critical care support is available and managed by a certified Technician
• Participation in emergency cases is optional for veterinarians and offers additional earning potential

Requirements

• DVM/VMD from an accredited veterinary program
• Licensed veterinarian (or eligible for licensure)
• New graduates are encouraged to apply
• Strong surgical, communication, and record-keeping skills
• Comfortable working in a paper-light, computer-based environment 

Location: Effingham, Illinois

Effingham is a growing micropolitan community located at the crossroads of I-70 and I-57, offering excellent public and private schools, year-round festivals, a performing arts center, Lake Sara, and a high quality of life. The city is very pet-friendly and has some excellent restaurants, including locally owned favorites and regional standouts.

Effingham provides convenient access to larger cities for travel and weekend trips:

• St. Louis, MO: ~90 minutes
• Champaign-Urbana, IL: ~1.3 hours
• Indianapolis, IN: ~2.25 hours
• Chicago, IL: ~3.25 hours

For outdoor enthusiasts, Shawnee National Forest is located approximately two hours south, offering hiking, climbing, and scenic recreation.