Veterinarian

Clinic Veterinarian

Practice quality veterinary medicine without production pressure.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is seeking a Veterinarian to join our ARL Afford-a-Care Pet Clinics in Des Moines, Iowa.

Whether you are a fourth-year veterinary student preparing to begin your career, a recent graduate looking for the right environment to grow, or an experienced veterinarian ready for a change, this is an opportunity to practice high-quality medicine while making veterinary care more accessible to pets and families in our community.

The ARL Afford-a-Care Pet Clinics are community veterinary clinics operated by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Iowa’s largest non-profit animal welfare organization. Our veterinarians provide care for owned pets in an environment focused on quality medicine, client relationships, collaboration, and access to care without production-based compensation measures.

Why consider the ARL?

Veterinary medicine should give you the opportunity to focus on your patients and practice good medicine.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Develop meaningful relationships with clients and their pets
• See a broad and varied caseload with opportunities for surgery experience if desired
• Practice without production quotas or production-based compensation
• Work alongside experienced veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff
• Build your skills and pursue areas of professional interest
• Help families access veterinary care they may otherwise struggle to obtain
• Be part of a non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of animals throughout Iowa

Varied experience levels are encouraged to apply. Fourth-year veterinary students and new graduates are encouraged to apply. We are happy to begin conversations with students prior to graduation and work with candidates who will be eligible for Iowa veterinary licensure upon hire.

What You'll Do

• Perform examinations and diagnose and treat medical conditions

• Develop individualized treatment plans for owned pets

• Provide preventative and wellness care

• Prescribe medications and provide client education

• Perform or assist with surgical and dental procedures based on experience, interests, and clinic needs

• Interpret diagnostic testing, including bloodwork and radiographs

• Collaborate closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, assistants, and client service staff

• Help clients understand treatment options and make informed decisions about their pets’ care

• Maintain accurate medical records and established standards of veterinary medicine

• Contribute to a supportive, collaborative, and learning-focused clinic culture

Schedule & Work Life Balance

• Schedules are typically four 10-hour days

• Clinics are open Monday through Friday

• Rotating half-day Saturdays

• No emergency or overnight care

• No after-hours or on-call responsibilities

About the ARL Afford-a-Care Pet Clinics

The ARL Afford-a-Care Pet Clinics extend the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s mission beyond shelter walls by helping pet owners access trusted, affordable veterinary care.

Our two Des Moines-area clinic locations provide services including:

• Preventative and wellness care

• Medical appointments

• On-site bloodwork

• Radiographs

• Dentistry

• Surgery

• Other essential veterinary services

By improving access to veterinary care, our clinics help keep pets healthy and together with the families who love them which ties back to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa's overall mission of protecting the welfare of animals, preserve the human–animal bond, and prevent the overpopulation of companion animals

What We're Looking For

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an accredited veterinary school, or current fourth-year veterinary student with anticipated completion prior to employment

• Eligibility to obtain an Iowa veterinary license prior to beginning employment

• Commitment to high-quality, compassionate patient care

• Strong communication and client education skills

• Collaborative approach to veterinary medicine

• Interest in community and access-to-care veterinary medicine

Experience or interest in general practice, surgery, dentistry, orthopedics, preventative care, or community veterinary medicine is welcomed.

Compensation & Benefits

The ARL offers competitive, market-driven compensation without production-based compensation measures. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Employer-paid basic life and long-term disability insurance

• Supplemental insurance options

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

• Generous paid time off and holiday benefits

• Veterinary benefits for your own pets

• Potential student loan reimbursement opportunities and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

• Professional growth and development opportunities

Build Your Veterinary Career with a Purpose

Choosing where you practice veterinary medicine is about more than a job.

It’s about finding an environment where you can continue learning, build relationships, practice medicine you’re proud of, and have a life outside of work.

At the ARL Afford-a-Care Pet Clinics, you’ll have the opportunity to do that while helping expand access to veterinary care for pets and families throughout the Des Moines community. If you’re graduating from veterinary school, exploring your first associate veterinarian position, or simply ready for a different kind of veterinary practice, we’d like to hear from you.

This is a direct, at-will employment opportunity with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa rather than a contract-based veterinary role. Veterinarians in this position are employees of the ARL and are eligible for applicable employee benefits.

Questions or Interested in Connecting Directly?

We’re happy to talk with veterinary students, new graduates, or experienced veterinarians who want to learn more about the opportunity before applying.

For questions about the position, clinic environment, benefits, or the hiring process, please contact:

Rachel Weis, Director of Human Resources, at rweis@arl-iowa.org