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.
Associate Equine Veterinarian / Sports Medicine Veterinarian (DVM)
Location: Chicago Equine Medical Center – Wauconda, Illinois
Position Type: Full-Time
Practice: Chicago Equine Medical Center
Chicago Equine Medical Center is seeking a motivated Associate Equine Veterinarian with a special interest in sports medicine/lameness to join our collaborative and progressive team. This is an excellent opportunity for a veterinarian with a passion for equine sports medicine, lameness, and performance horse care to build a rewarding career in a well-established referral and ambulatory practice serving the greater Chicago area and surrounding Midwest.
About Us
Chicago Equine Medical Center is dedicated to delivering exceptional equine medical and surgical care to a diverse clientele, including hunter/jumpers, dressage horses, western performance horses, racehorses, breeding operations, pleasure horses, and beloved companions.
Our hospital offers advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical services, hospitalization, sports medicine, rehabilitation, and ambulatory care. Our team of experienced veterinarians, board-certified specialists, and highly skilled support staff fosters a collaborative, supportive environment focused on exceptional patient care, professional growth, and clinical excellence.
About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic veterinarian with an interest or established experience in equine sports medicine and lameness. The ideal candidate is committed to providing outstanding patient care, enjoys collaborating with colleagues, and values building lasting relationships with clients and referring veterinarians.
Responsibilities may include:
- Performing comprehensive lameness evaluations and diagnostic workups
- Utilizing advanced diagnostic imaging, including digital radiography and ultrasonography
- Developing treatment and rehabilitation plans for sport horse and performance horse patients
- Administering regenerative medicine therapies, including IRAP, PRP, and other biologic treatments
- Collaborating with surgeons and specialists in the management of complex orthopedic and medicine cases
- Participating in ambulatory and hospital-based appointments
- Sharing emergency and on-call responsibilities within a supportive team environment
- Providing exceptional communication and service to clients and referring veterinarians
Preferred Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have experience or interest in:
- Advanced musculoskeletal ultrasonography
- Lameness diagnosis and management of sport horse athletes
- Interpretation of advanced imaging modalities including radiography, and nuclear scintigraphy
- Regenerative and biologic therapies for orthopedic conditions
- Performance horse medicine and rehabilitation
Preference will be given to candidates with advanced training or board certification in Equine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation or Surgery, certification through the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP), and/or certification in chiropractic care or spinal manipulation therapy. However, motivated veterinarians looking to further develop their skills in sports medicine are encouraged to apply.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with production opportunities, sign on, retention and relocation assistance
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster)
- Continuing education allowance and professional dues coverage, team member discounts
- Access to advanced diagnostic imaging and sports medicine technologies
- Emotional wellbeing support- including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
- Grant Circle- a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
- The opportunity to practice in one of the Midwest's premier equine hospitals while enjoying easy access to Chicago's world-class dining, entertainment, and professional sports
Requirements
- DVM or equivalent veterinary degree
- Eligibility for veterinary licensure in the State of Illinois
- Strong interest in equine sports medicine, lameness, and performance horse care
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and client service skills
If you're looking to join a progressive equine practice where you'll have access to advanced technology, mentorship, and a diverse caseload while making a meaningful impact on equine athletes and their owners, we invite you to apply.
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and cover letter to Emily Lunsford at [email protected].
Key Clinical 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)
- 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
- Current State Veterinary License
- DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
- 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
- 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 animals 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.
At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
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