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Happy Paws Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Lead Veterinarian

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

We are happy to consider veterinarians with strong leadership experience or less experienced ... We see Paws, Claws, and Everything in Between * We have a collaborative team and are well-equipped ...

Happy Paws information

See Florida salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do happy paws jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for happy paws in Florida is $13.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Happy Paws?

A Happy Paws job typically involves working with animals, providing pet care services such as grooming, pet sitting, dog walking, or veterinary assistance. Responsibilities may vary depending on the specific role, but the focus is on ensuring the well-being and happiness of pets. Employees may work at pet care facilities, veterinary clinics, or directly with pet owners.

What does a typical day look like for someone working at Happy Paws?

A typical day at Happy Paws involves a mix of scheduled pet walks, feeding routines, playtime, and monitoring the well-being of multiple animals in your care. You may also be responsible for administering simple medications, updating pet owners through digital platforms, and occasionally handling special requests such as grooming or training reinforcement. Most team members work independently but collaborate closely with the support staff and management to ensure seamless service. This hands-on, varied routine makes the role ideal for animal lovers who enjoy active days and direct interaction with pets and their owners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Happy Paws position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Happy Paws pet care professional, you need experience in animal handling, basic pet first aid, and a genuine passion for animal welfare. Familiarity with scheduling apps, pet care management software, and, in some cases, relevant certifications such as pet CPR can be advantageous. Excellent communication, reliability, and a calm demeanor are valued soft skills for building trust with both pets and their owners. These skills ensure safe, effective care and a positive experience for clients and their animals.

What are popular job titles related to Happy Paws jobs in Florida?

For Happy Paws jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Happy Paws jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Happy Paws jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Happy Paws jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Happy Paws job openings:

Infographic showing various Happy Paws job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,830 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Lead Veterinarian

Southgate Animal Hospital

Sarasota, FL • On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description
Southgate Animal Hospital is looking to add a Lead Veterinarian to serve as the medical leader of the practice, creating a positive and collaborative work environment for the hospital team. You will play a critical role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality medical care while also supporting the overall success of the practice operations. 
We are happy to consider veterinarians with strong leadership experience or less experienced veterinarians with goals of leadership in the future. We love to mentor and help build the next generation of veterinary leaders.

  • We see Paws, Claws, and Everything in Between
  • We have a collaborative team and are well-equipped with digital x-ray, ultrasound, cold/therapy laser, and more.

Key Responsibilities
  • Collaborate and engage with the clinical team and leadership 
  • Assist Practice Manager with the staffing and scheduling to ensure goals are met 
  • Grow relationships within the practice and the community 
  • Encourage the growth of support staff members through our internal LevelUp training program 
  • Manage a varying caseload, including surgeries and appointments 
  • Oversee the medical care of all patients  
  • Serve as the veterinarian of record for all required hospital permits and licenses 
  • Partner with hospital leadership to ensure medical quality 

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
  • DVM/VMD degree from an AVMA accredited college (or successful completion of the ECFVG or PAVE program)
  • Active license in good standing to practice in the state in which candidate will be employed (or the ability to obtain a license in that state)

Benefits
  • Sign-On Bonus Options  
  • Optional Pro-Sal with No Negative Accrual 
  • Significantly Discounted Personal Veterinary Care – Multiple Pets!  
  • Paid Continuing Education (CE) Days & Allowance  
  • Paid State Licensing Fees  
  • Paid AVMA and State Professional Dues  
  • Covered Professional Liability Insurance (PLIT) 
  • Personalized & Surgical Mentorship  
  • Internal Veterinarian Collaboration & Consultations Platforms  
  • Flexible Compensation Package  
  • Healthcare Packages & 401k Retirement Match  
  • 3 Weeks PTO, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave + Paid Maternity Leave, Work/Life Balance day off annually