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Small Animal Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Small Animal Surgeon must have a commitment to the University's tri-partite mission of teaching, research, and service; and participate in classroom, clinical and laboratory instruction of ...

Position Overview We are seeking a dedicated Board-Certified or Residency Trained Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality ...

Position Information Position Title Veterinary Technician Small Animal Surgery Status Full Time Job Summary The Small Animal Surgery Veterinary Technician will provide hands-on patient care and ...

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Small Animal Surgeon information

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$155K

$368.9K

$400K

How much do small animal surgeon jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for small animal surgeon in the United States is $368,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $350,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Small Animal Surgeon job?

A Small Animal Surgeon is a veterinarian who specializes in performing surgical procedures on small animals, such as dogs, cats, and exotic pets. They diagnose conditions requiring surgery, perform operations, and provide post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery. These specialists may handle routine procedures like spaying and neutering, as well as complex orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries. Many work in private veterinary practices, specialty referral hospitals, or academic institutions. Advanced training, including a residency and board certification, is often required to become a Small Animal Surgeon.

What does a typical day look like for a Small Animal Surgeon?

A typical day for a Small Animal Surgeon involves performing scheduled surgeries, conducting pre-surgical consultations and post-operative check-ups, reviewing diagnostic images, and collaborating closely with veterinary technicians, anesthesiologists, and referring veterinarians. You may also provide emergency surgical care, advise on complex cases, and contribute to case discussions or rounds with the veterinary team. The workload often requires balancing surgical procedures with client communication and detailed medical record-keeping. This role offers a dynamic and challenging work environment where every day brings new opportunities to improve animal health and advance your surgical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Small Animal Surgeon position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Small Animal Surgeon, you need advanced surgical skills, in-depth veterinary medical knowledge, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree with board certification in veterinary surgery (Diplomate of the ACVS or ECVS). Experience with specialized surgical instruments, diagnostic imaging modalities, and electronic medical record systems is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and compassion are important soft skills, as is the ability to work collaboratively with veterinary technicians and other specialists. These skills ensure optimal surgical outcomes, high standards of patient care, and effective teamwork in a clinical or hospital environment.

More about Small Animal Surgeon jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Small Animal Surgeon jobs? The most popular types of Small Animal Surgeon jobs are:
What states have the most Small Animal Surgeon jobs? States with the most job openings for Small Animal Surgeon jobs include:
Infographic showing various Small Animal Surgeon job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $368,879 per year, or $177.3 per hour.

$246K - $295K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Build Something Exceptional With Us
Third Small Animal Surgeon
Midwest Veterinary Specialists | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Midwest Veterinary Specialists is growing, and we are seeking a third small animal surgeon to join our thriving surgical team in southeast Wisconsin. Competitive compensation, no negative accrual, flexible scheduling, and partnership opportunities available.
This is an opportunity to become part of something special: a rapidly growing, surgeon-led practice that combines clinical excellence, cutting-edge facilities, genuine work-life balance, and the freedom of private ownership. As we continue to grow, we are intentionally building a collaborative three-surgeon team that allows each surgeon to practice outstanding medicine while enjoying the support, flexibility, and camaraderie that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Midwest Veterinary Specialists is a 100% privately owned specialty hospital focused on orthopedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, sports medicine, rehabilitation, and comprehensive patient care. Since opening our state-of-the-art facility, demand for our services has grown dramatically, creating an exceptional opportunity for another full- or part-time surgeon to join our team and help shape the future of our practice.
This Opportunity Is Different
Join a True Three-Surgeon Team
Rather than practicing in isolation, you'll work alongside experienced surgeons who enjoy collaboration, consultation, and sharing ideas. A three-surgeon model provides greater flexibility for scheduling, vacation coverage, mentorship, case discussion, and long-term sustainability while maintaining clinical autonomy.
Private Practice Freedom
We are independently owned and surgeon-led. Decisions are made by people who understand surgery, patient care, staff wellbeing, and the realities of specialty practice—not by corporate executives or distant management groups.
We measure success by patient outcomes, client experience, team wellbeing, and sustainable growth. We invest heavily in our people, encourage innovation, and empower our doctors to help shape the future direction of the practice.
Build Your Career Your Way
We are looking for a surgeon who wants more than simply filling a schedule. Whether your interests include advanced orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery, neurosurgery, sports medicine, arthroscopy, regenerative medicine, clinical research, resident training, or another area of expertise, we encourage you to develop and grow your niche within our practice.
Work-Life Balance That Actually Exists
Our appointment-based model allows us to provide exceptional specialty care without requiring routine weekend or holiday emergency surgery responsibilities. Client-facing hours are Monday through Friday, creating a schedule that supports both professional fulfillment and personal well-being.
A Hospital Designed by Surgeons, for Surgeons
Our award-winning 9,000-square-foot specialty hospital was purpose-built to maximize efficiency, workflow, collaboration, and surgeon satisfaction.
Highlights include:
• Two expansive orthopedic operating suites
• Dedicated large soft tissue operating room
• Surgical booms and advanced LED lighting systems
• Heated electric surgery tables
• 64-slice GE CT scanner
• High-definition digital radiography
• GE ultrasound system
• Comprehensive implant and instrumentation inventory, including Synthes, Storz, Arthrex, Biomedtrix, IMEX, and more
• Cloud-based medical records and advanced workflow systems
• Spacious treatment, hospitalization, and doctor work areas
Every aspect of the hospital was intentionally designed to help surgeons work efficiently, practice exceptional medicine, and genuinely enjoy coming to work each day.
Integrated Rehabilitation amp; Sports Medicine
One of our greatest strengths is the close integration between surgery, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. Our surgeons work directly alongside our rehabilitation team to optimize patient outcomes from diagnosis through recovery and return to function. This collaborative approach allows us to provide truly comprehensive care while offering surgeons the satisfaction of following patients throughout their entire recovery journey.
Our robust rehabilitation service features:
  • Underwater treadmill therapy
  • SwimEx therapy pool
  • Land treadmill system
  • Shockwave therapy
  • Therapeutic laser
  • Acupuncture
  • Comprehensive rehabilitation gym
A Team Worth Joining
We believe great medicine happens when talented people genuinely enjoy working together. Our culture emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, accountability, innovation, and respect. We invest heavily in our people and are committed to helping each team member grow professionally and personally. We work hard, support one another, celebrate successes, and genuinely enjoy being part of the same team.
Professional Growth Opportunities
We welcome surgeons who are passionate about developing new services, pursuing clinical research, mentoring others, and helping advance the profession. For candidates interested in leadership and long-term involvement in practice growth, meaningful leadership responsibilities and future partnership opportunities are available.
Compensation amp; Benefits
We offer a highly competitive package including:
  • Competitive base salary plus production
  • No negative accrual
  • Relocation assistance
  • Health, dental, life, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) with 4% employer match
  • Generous CE allowance
  • Paid vacation and CE time
  • Professional dues and licensing fees
  • Scrub allowance and pet discount benefits
Why Milwaukee?
Southeast Wisconsin offers an outstanding quality of life with excellent schools, vibrant communities, Lake Michigan living, outdoor recreation, professional sports, exceptional dining, and easy access to Chicago, Madison, and Green Bay. Whether you prefer an urban lifestyle, suburban neighborhood, or rural property, you'll find it here.
Let's Build the Future Together
If you're looking for a place where you can practice exceptional surgery, collaborate with talented colleagues, maintain a fulfilling life outside of work, and help build one of the Midwest's premier specialty hospitals, we'd love to start a conversation.
Learn more about us at: www.midwestveterinaryspecialiss.com
Confidential inquiries welcome.
careers@MidwestVeterinarySpecialists.com