Experienced Associate Equine Veterinarian

National Veterinary Associates

Job Description

Experienced Associate Equine Veterinarian


Tacoma, WA | Ambulatory & Clinic-Based Practice | Full-Time


Work-Life Balance Meets Professional Growth


Tacoma Equine Hospital - a trusted, long-established, and highly regarded equine practice in the beautiful Pacific Northwest - is seeking an experienced Associate Veterinarian with a strong interest (or advanced training) in sports medicine, internal medicine, or reproduction.


Do you love equine practice but feel like you’re working an 8-day week? Are you serious about excellence but need time to recharge outside the clinic to bring your best self to your patients? We might be exactly what you’re looking for. Nestled in the South Puget Sound region, our practice offers a unique blend of ambitious medicine, supportive teamwork, and genuine work-life balance.


The Role:


We’re looking for an experienced practitioner to join our five-doctor team and help expand our advanced services. The ideal candidate brings:

  • A collaborative, team-oriented mindset
  • Advanced skills or interest in sports medicine, internal medicine, or reproduction
  • A passion for delivering excellent equine care
  • Minimum 5 years of equine clinical experience
  • Ability to meet the position’s essential functions, including safe horse handling, farm/field work in variable conditions, and occasionally lifting up to 50lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.

Your Week at a Glance: 

  • Option of four-day work week (32 hours) or five-day work week (40 hours) 
    • Appointments are seen between 9 AM–5 PM Mon-Fri
  • 1:1 doctor-to-assistant ratio during business hours
  • Shared emergency coverage among all doctors
  • Company vehicle with fully stocked vet box
  • Time off to explore the Pacific Northwest’s trails, mountains, and coast


About the Practice:

  • Established in the 1970s, but not stuck there… – trusted by generations of horse owners in Western Washington
  • Ambulatory + In-Clinic caseload – offering a well-rounded mix of field and facility-based care
  • Robust line of services
    • Preventive care & dentistry
    • Sports medicine 
    • Chiropractic & acupuncture
    • Reproduction
    • Elective field surgery
    • Internal medicine
    • 24/7 emergency services
  • Modern equipment & therapies 
    • PowerFloat dental equipment 
    • 5 digital radiography units  
    • 4 ultrasound units
    • 3.5m & 1.5m video scopes
    • PulseVet shockwave 
    • IRAP, PRP, & Pro-Stride
    • Cloud-based ezyVet software
  • Dedicated front office staff – so you can focus on being a vet


Life in the Pacific Northwest


Located just outside Seattle and the Puget Sound, Tacoma offers the perfect balance of city amenities and outdoor lifestyle. From mountain hikes and trail rides to coastal escapes, skiing, and kayaking – the Pacific Northwest is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Enjoy vibrant local culture, fresh food, and a strong sense of community, all while building your career with a respected equine practice.

Compensation & Benefits

  • 32-hour Schedule – Expected Total Annual Compensation: $100,000–120,000+, depending on caseload and emergency volume
    • Base Salary: $80,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience
    • Production-based bonuses on collected revenue
    • Emergency fees paid at 82% of collected revenue
  • 40-hour Schedule – Expected Total Annual Compensation: $125,000–$145,000+, depending on caseload and emergency volume
    • Base Salary: $90,000–$120,000, commensurate with experience
    • Production-based bonuses on collected revenue
    • Emergency fees paid at 82% of collected revenue
  • Full Benefits Package:
    • Medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance
    • 401(k) with employer match
    • Paid time off - 8 days (32-hr schedule) or 10 days (40-hr schedule)
    • CE allowance with 4 paid days
    • Licensing, dues, and professional liability coverage
    • Additional employee perks


Why Join Us?

We’re a tight-knit, team-oriented group of professionals who truly enjoy working together. Our shared mission is simple: exceptional care for the horse (and donkeys and mules, too). If you want to join a practice with deep roots, forward momentum, and a strong sense of community – let’s talk.



National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

NVA, a community of approximately 1,400 premier locations consisting primarily of general practice veterinary hospitals in addition to equine hospitals and pet resorts, and Ethos Veterinary Health, which consists of 145 world-class specialty and emergency hospitals, are rooted in a culture of compassion and innovation.

NVA and Ethos Veterinary Health’s innovative, collaborative approach underpins a shared commitment to delivering exceptional veterinary care. For more information, visit www.nva.com. 

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees.  The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process.  For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
 
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.