Where your passion fuels your profession.
Associate Veterinarian | Up To $50k in Sign On Bonuses | River Ridge Animal Hospital
Overview
As a veterinarian at Heartland Veterinary Partners, you will provide quality care to patients and empathetic service to clients. You will partner with other veterinarians, technicians, and client service representatives to operate as an efficient and productive team.
Success in this role takes a collaborative mindset while operating as an independent branch of Heartland. This is an opportunity to expand your skillset while using your excellent communication and interpersonal skills and passion for patient care to build a productive and rewarding career.
When you join us, you will make a real difference in the lives of our patients and clients. You will also become a valued member of our team and contribute to the success of our practice.
Job Details
Practice:
River Ridge Animal Hospital has been serving the Sauk Valley area for over 75 years.
In our 17,000 square foot veterinary medical center, we offer general veterinary medicine and wellness care, therapeutic and surgical laser, digital radiology and ultrasound diagnostics, rhinoscopy, dental care, internal medicine, pet grooming, doggie daycare, and state of the art boarding. It is home to 6 full-time DVMs, 2 part-time DVMs, 7 CVTs, and 40+ team members in total.
Position Purpose:
Associate Veterinarian – River Ridge Animal Hospital | Dixon, IL
Join a team where you’re supported, valued, and excited to come to work each day.
At River Ridge Animal Hospital, we’re thrilled to welcome another veterinarian to our collaborative and compassionate team! Whether you’re a new graduate looking for hands-on mentorship or an experienced DVM ready to thrive in a supportive environment, this is a place where you can truly grow your career.
About the Clinic
River Ridge Animal Hospital is a well-established practice known for delivering high-quality, progressive medicine in a welcoming and team-focused environment. Our loyal and engaged clientele seek out thoughtful, thorough care and are highly receptive to recommendations—allowing our doctors to practice the level of medicine they’re passionate about.
With a strong patient base and continued growth in the surrounding community, a new veterinarian will have no trouble building their own schedule and forming lasting client relationships right away.
About the Team
Our team is what truly sets us apart. You’ll be surrounded by experienced, supportive doctors and a skilled support staff who value collaboration, positivity, and continuous learning. We genuinely enjoy working together and prioritize creating an environment where every team member feels respected and empowered.
We love to mentor and share knowledge, making this an excellent fit for new grads—but we also give experienced doctors the autonomy to practice medicine their way while still having a strong support system behind them.
Work-Life Balance That Works
We believe great medicine starts with a well-supported team—and that includes your time outside of work.
- Average 3.75-day work week
- 3-day weekend every other weekend
- Flexible scheduling options
- Full-time and part-time opportunities available
Why Dixon, Illinois?
Nestled along the scenic Rock River, Dixon offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and access to big-city amenities. Known as the heart of the Sauk Valley region, this close-knit community is surrounded by natural beauty—ideal for those who enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, and outdoor adventures.
You’ll also be within easy driving distance of Chicago and the Quad Cities, giving you access to top-tier dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences whenever you want a city escape.
If you’re looking for a practice where you can build meaningful relationships, practice great medicine, and enjoy your life outside of work, we’d love to connect with you.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Examine and treat companion animals to detect and determine the nature of disease or injuries.
- Operate diagnostic equipment and collect diagnostic samples as well as interpret results.
- Advise pet owners on preventative care and treatment options.
- Perform surgery and prescribe medication as needed.
- Provide counsel around pet end of life care.
- Maintain patients’ medical records.
- Ensures compliance with veterinary ethics and relevant statues, policies, and procedures.
Requirements/Qualifications:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited AVMA institution.
- Appropriate state licensure.
- Eligibility to obtain DEA/BNDD.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrates professional and courteous presentation consistently with staff and clients.
- Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance.
Benefits Offered:
- Competitive Compensation - All salary ranges are negotiable based on experience
- Unlimited personal time
- Up To $50k in Sign-On Bonuses
- Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
- Retirement benefits (401(k), Roth(k) with match)
- CE and licensure reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Managing career path development
- Employee Assistance Program
- DVM Referral Program
- Mental Health Resources
- Relocation assistance available
Pay Range:
USD $115,000.00 - USD $120,000.00 /Yr.Success Profile
We’re looking for passionate vets with the following traits:
- Adaptable
- Compassionate
- Communicator
- Critical Thinker
- Collaborative
- Empathetic
Culture
At Heartland Veterinary Partners, we believe that prioritizing care for veterinarians enables them to prioritize care for their patients. We offer several benefits and support programs to help veterinarians succeed, including:
Mentorship
We provide access to experienced mentors who can help our partners hone their craft and develop their skills, regardless of where they are in their career journey.
Choose Your Setting
We have practices in many states across the country with diverse settings and focuses, so our veterinarians can choose the environment that is best for them.
Work-Life Balance
We understand that our veterinarians have lives outside of the practice, and we are committed to helping them achieve balance.
Authentic Autonomy
Each practice is led locally, and we empower our teams to make all the clinical and inventory decisions to best meet the needs of the community they serve.
Support When it Matters Most
We support our veterinarians at every stage of their careers, from new graduates to experienced practitioners.
Career Path
New Graduate
This is your first veterinary role after school. You’re getting your feet wet and putting that education to work gaining the experience you need to become the vet you know you can be.
Clinically Confident
You’ve been here a while and have your feet under you. You still have plenty of learning and growing to do, but you’re well on your way.
Learning to Lead
Thanks to your experience and dedication, you’ve earned the trust and respect of your community and established yourself as an example for other vets to follow.
“I love working at a Heartland-owned practice. They let us be ourselves with the support of a corporation. My relationship with our regional director is genuine and supportive. It’s obvious anytime company leadership addresses the practices that they genuinely care about our wellbeing and make decisions with our best interests in mind. We are extremely lucky to work for a company this down to earth.”
- Dr. Alexandra Carter, Managing DVM
Rewards
-
Reward1
Generous Vacation Time
-
Reward2
Comprehensive Health and Wellness Benefits
-
Reward3
Flexible Scheduling
-
Reward4
401(k) and Roth(k) with match
-
Reward5
Continuing Education and Training Opportunities
-
Reward6
Relocation Assistance
Trending
-
You put patients first. We put you first.
Heartland is built by veterinarians and for veterinarians. Learn all about who we are and how we’re empowering vets to focus on doing the work they love.
-
Meet the team behind the mission.
Who are we? We’re a community of passionate animal lovers who are here to improve the lives of veterinarians. Come meet us.
Sign up for job alerts
Don't see what you’re looking for? Sign up and we'll notify you when roles become available.