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Small Animal Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animergevets

Small Animal Surgeon - AnimERge

Raritan, NJ · On-site

$180 - $300/hr

Small Animal Surgeon - AnimERge 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 ...

BluePearl

Veterinary Small Animal Surgeon

Paramus, NJ · On-site

BluePearl Pet Hospital in Paramus, NJ is seeking a full-time Small Animal Surgeon to build and lead a high-performing surgical service. If you thrive on measurable results, strategic growth, leading ...

AnimERge

Small Animal Surgeon - AnimERge

Raritan, NJ · On-site

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 ...

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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 Aug 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?

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 small animal surgeon do?

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 as a small animal surgeon?

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.

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What states have the most Small Animal Surgeon jobs?

States with the most job openings for Small Animal Surgeon jobs include:

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Small Animal Surgeon jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Animal Surgeon job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $368,879 per year, or $177.3 per hour.

Small Animal Surgeon - AnimERge

Animergevets

Raritan, NJ • On-site

$180 - $300/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position: Small Animal Surgeon – AnimERge

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 veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.

Why Join Us
  • No on call responsibilities
  • Fully equipped facility with digital x-rays, ultrasound, in-house lab (Heska and Idexx machines), feline and canine endoscopy, 4 oxygen cages, and a separate ER surgical suite
  • Highly skilled certified technicians trained in Fear Free handling
What We Offer
  • Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75,000
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster)
  • 401(k) with discretionary contribution
  • Team member pet discounts
  • Emotional wellbeing support—including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
  • CE stipends and career development resources
  • Grant Circle—a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
  • Local hospital culture backed by national resources
Key Responsibilities
  • Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
  • Client communication and education
  • Maintaining accurate medical records
  • Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications and following controlled substance protocols
  • Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
  • Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
  • Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
  • Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to ensure the highest standards are upheld
  • Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Management
Qualifications (Required)
  • Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
  • 1-year rotational internship in small animal medicine, surgery, ER (university or large referral practice)
  • Completed a 3-year, AVMA approved residency program
  • Current state veterinary license
  • DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
  • Strong diagnostic and clinical skills
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
  • Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the medical and hospital staff
  • Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners
  • Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain
  • May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
  • Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work
  • Position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
  • Board Certification
  • 2-5 years of experience post-residency
  • Clinical knowledge and skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment
  • Problem-solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital
  • Communication skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff
  • Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback
  • Business acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice
  • Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients
  • Commitment to continuing education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others
Pay Range

$180,000 – $300,000 USD

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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