Vetco Total Care

3 min read

As a veterinarian, you rely on data and research to make important care decisions every day. Making smart decisions for your veterinary career also starts with getting the right information so you can feel confident in your career decisions and valued where you work.

Here are some important questions to ask and things to observe when you’re interviewing for a new veterinarian job at any animal hospital—large, small, corporate, or private practice.

→ What are the benefits offered in the total rewards package?

→ Will this veterinary practice help further my career goals and support my growth?

→ Will I be empowered and trusted to make the right decisions for my patients?

→ How does this hospital support work-life balance? Will I have a life outside of work?

→ Are the latest tools and technology available to help me perform my job?

→ How does the practice address veterinarian burnout and support mental health?

→ What is the overall environment of the veterinary hospital?

Let’s take a deeper dive into these seven questions and identify why they’re so important. And while salary isn’t the whole picture, it’s certainly important—so you’ll find information on regional salary ranges to help guide you in your decision.

Ask the Right Questions

What are the full benefits included in the total rewards package?

Think beyond the basics of paid medical, dental, and vision. Ask about: paid parental leave; flexible and paid time off; short- and long-term disability insurance; continuing education stipends; retirement and profit-sharing plans; discounts on pet products and hospital services; flexible schedules and pet bereavement leave. All these benefits add up to your overall well-being, vet career satisfaction, and work/life balance.

Will this practice help advance my personal and professional growth?

Ask about available continuing education stipends and leadership opportunities. Many potential employers ask candidates, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” It’s just as important to find out how they can help you get there. Keep in mind that some practices may ask you to sign a noncompete contract which can prevent you from growing your career and financial success in the way you want. Avoid making a decision today that could impact your options down the road.

Will I be empowered and trusted to make the right treatment decisions for my patients?

Ask how the practice empowers doctors to practice autonomous medicine—the freedom to choose the best treatment and care protocols for patients. Or will you be required to follow strict protocols?

How does this hospital support work-life balance? Will I have a life outside of work?

Vet life often means working long hours—sometimes on nights, weekends, and holidays. Emergencies happen! But you can have more control and a life outside the hospital. Time away from work has a huge impact on your own wellbeing and makes for a happier, healthier hospital staff. Ask about hospital hours, on-calls, and flexible schedule options that get you home for dinner, family, and personal time.

Are the latest technology and tools available?

Veterinary medicine is always advancing. Will you have access to the latest tools, diagnostics, innovation, and resources? Are records kept in paper file folders, or does the hospital utilize the latest cloud-based veterinary management software that makes it easy to locate and complete patient records? If the practice isn’t keeping up, you and your patients could be left behind.

How does the practice address veterinarian burnout and support mental health?

If the first five questions are answered satisfactorily, the practice is already doing a great deal to support doctors and staff through benefits, education, work-life flexibility, and resources. Veterinarian and staff well-being is a topic that needs to be discussed openly and frequently. Prioritize your mental health by choosing a practice with a mission to care for pets and vets.

What is the overall environment of the veterinary hospital like?

When it comes to choosing the right veterinary practice, one of the most important things to consider is the environment of the veterinary clinic at each potential place of work. Finding an animal hospital that promotes a positive internal culture can make a significant impact on your overall work experience.

Regional Salary Ranges

Of course, salary is one important factor in your decision to join a new veterinarian practice. Salary ranges vary from region to region (as does cost of living), with the Northeast and Western regions of the country seeing the highest salaries for veterinary positions and the Midwest and Southern regions seeing lower average salaries.