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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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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 - Companion Animal Specialty and Emergency

Companion Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital

Crystal Lake, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people - providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage - for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience - every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
  • Local autonomy with national support
  • Career mobility and development opportunities
  • A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.
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. Candidates with an interest in leadership positions are encouraged to ask about our Specialty Medical Director opportunity at this location!
Companion Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital (CASE) in Crystal Lake, IL is an advanced facility committed to providing outstanding care to companion animals in the greater McHenry County region. Previously known as Animal Emergency of McHenry County, CASE has been offering exceptional emergency and specialty services since 1997. In addition to our long-trusted and established Emergency Care, CASE offers Internal Medicine, and Rehabilitation by Rehab-Certified Veterinarians. We provide a comprehensive, collaborative approach to care for both inpatients and outpatients.
Why Join Us:
  • After rebranding in 2013, we remain the only 24/7 specialty, referral, and emergency center in the area, presenting a wide range of cases and plentiful opportunities for ongoing professional development.
  • We use state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities and therapeutic procedures including on-site CT imaging.
  • Located just 50 miles northwest of Chicago, Crystal Lake offers a vibrant community with over 40,000 residents, blending the conveniences of a city with the charm of a small town. With a variety of local amenities, Crystal Lake is a welcoming community that makes you feel right at home.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Julia Stephens.
What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members - professionally and personally. Benefits include:
  • 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 to patients 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 be sure the highest standards are being upheld
  • Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
  • Performs 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 does require 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. Diagnosis 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
$200,000-$280,000 USD
At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care - for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
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
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.

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