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Associate Veterinarian | Mixed Animal Veterinarian | Companion Animal, Small Mammal & Farm Animal Medicine | DVM/VMD
Paws, Claws & Hooves Veterinary Center
West Richland, Washington
West Richland is one of the most desirable communities in Washington’s Tri-Cities region, offering over 300 days of sunshine each year, affordable living, excellent schools, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Nestled along the Yakima River and surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and open farmland, West Richland blends small-town charm with easy access to the amenities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco.
Located near the renowned Red Mountain Java wine region, residents enjoy wineries, hiking, boating, horseback riding, fishing, and scenic drives throughout Eastern Washington. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a strong sense of community, or simply more balance in your day-to-day life, West Richland offers an exceptional quality of life.
Build the Veterinary Career You’ve Always Wanted
Paws, Claws & Hooves Veterinary Center is seeking a Full time or part-time Associate Veterinarian (DVM/VMD) to join our established, multi-doctor mixed animal veterinary practice.
This opportunity is ideal for a veterinarian who values professional autonomy, collaborative medicine, and the ability to shape their caseload around their interests.
Whether you enjoy companion animal medicine and surgery, preventive care, internal medicine, dentistry, small mammal medicine, small ruminants, or mixed animal practice, we’ll work with you to build a role that aligns with your experience, strengths, and long-term career goals.
We are particularly interested in speaking with experienced veterinarians who are looking for a long-term home where they can practice high-quality medicine, develop lasting client relationships, and enjoy the support of a collaborative veterinary team.
A Rare Mixed Animal Opportunity
True mixed animal practices are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
At Paws, Claws & Hooves Veterinary Center, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population while building a caseload that reflects your interests and expertise.
Companion Animal Medicine & Surgery
- Wellness and preventive care
- Vaccinations and annual health exams
- Internal medicine
- Diagnostic workups
- Soft tissue surgery
- Veterinary dentistry
- Senior pet care
- Urgent care and same-day appointments
- Client education and long-term wellness planning
Small Mammal, Farm Animal & Small Ruminant Opportunities
Depending on your interests and experience, opportunities may include:
- Small mammal medicine
- Rabbit care
- Guinea pig and pocket pet medicine
- Small ruminant medicine
- Farm animal care
- Hobby farm consultations
- Preventive herd health services
- Community outreach and education
This flexibility allows veterinarians to pursue the areas of medicine they enjoy most while maintaining a varied and rewarding caseload.
Work Alongside a Collaborative Medical Director
Paws, Claws & Hooves Veterinary Center is led by Medical Director Dr. Mary McKinney, who is passionate about building a positive, supportive culture where veterinarians can thrive professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Dr. McKinney values collaboration, open communication, and professional growth. She empowers veterinarians to practice medicine in a way that reflects their individual strengths while fostering an environment where doctors can share ideas, discuss cases, and continue learning throughout their careers.
In addition to her experience in mixed animal medicine, Dr. McKinney is certified in veterinary acupuncture and brings a progressive, well-rounded approach to patient care. Experienced veterinarians will appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with a Medical Director who values medical autonomy, clinical excellence, and lifelong learning.
Why Veterinarians Choose Paws, Claws & Hooves
We are a well-established, multi-doctor, mixed animal practice with a lively, inclusive, and family-oriented culture. Our team is known for working collaboratively, communicating openly, and supporting one another both professionally and personally.
Our clients trust our recommendations and are deeply committed to the health and wellbeing of their animals, allowing our doctors to practice high-quality medicine while building meaningful, long-term relationships. Whether your passion is surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, preventive care, or mixed animal medicine, you’ll find a hospital that supports you in practicing at the top of your abilities.
We are proud of our:
- Established and respected community reputation
- Multi-doctor collaborative environment
- Diverse caseload and professional flexibility
- Loyal, engaged client base
- Experienced support team
- Positive, low-drama hospital culture
- Strong focus on teamwork and communication
- Commitment to work-life balance
- Opportunities for continued professional growth
Hospital Features
Our modern, clean, and well-equipped facility is designed to support efficient, high-quality veterinary medicine.
Highlights include:
- Dedicated surgical suite
- Separate dental suite
- Modern anesthetic monitoring equipment
- Digital diagnostic capabilities
- Spacious treatment areas
- Experienced veterinary support staff
- Efficient workflows that allow doctors to focus on patient care
Whether you love surgery and dentistry or prefer to focus on general practice and internal medicine, you’ll have the tools, support, and client demand to build a rewarding caseload.
Compensation & Benefits
Our investment in you includes:
- Competitive base salary plus production and profit-sharing opportunities
- Generous paid time off
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) options
- Continuing education allowance plus CE days
- Paid veterinary license renewal fees
- Paid professional membership dues
- AVMA PLIT coverage
- Employee pet care discounts
- Professional development support
- Flexible scheduling options
Qualifications
Required
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine (or equivalent certification for international graduates)
- Active Washington veterinary license in good standing, or ability to obtain licensure prior to start date
- Successful completion of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)
- Strong communication and client relationship-building skills
- Commitment to practicing high-quality, evidence-based veterinary medicine
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented environment
Preferred
- 3+ years of experience in companion animal medicine, mixed animal practice, general practice veterinary medicine, livestock medicine, or small mammal medicine
- Experience performing routine soft tissue surgery and veterinary dentistry
- Interest in internal medicine, preventive care, diagnostics, or urgent care
- Ability to manage medical and surgical cases independently
- Desire to contribute to a positive hospital culture and collaborative medical team
Live Your Best, Balanced Life in West Richland
Arguably the most desirable community in the Tri-Cities region, West Richland offers a unique blend of urban convenience and rural beauty. Surrounded by wineries, agricultural landscapes, and outdoor recreation opportunities, it’s a place where veterinarians can build a fulfilling career without sacrificing quality of life.
Join a Practice Where Variety, Autonomy, and Community Still Exist
At Paws, Claws & Hooves Veterinary Center, you’ll find something increasingly rare in veterinary medicine: the opportunity to build a career around your interests while working alongside a supportive team that genuinely enjoys practicing together.
If you’re looking for a veterinary hospital where your experience is valued, your professional goals are supported, and your work makes a meaningful impact in the community, we’d love to meet you.
Apply today to learn more about joining Paws, Claws & Hooves Veterinary Center in West Richland, Washington.