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Veterinary Medical Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Medical Director

Asheville, NC · On-site

Veterinary Medical Director Emergency Veterinary Medical Director Opportunity in Asheville, NC Schedule: Full-time Why Join South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty For years, SAVES has been ...

Sacramento SPCA

Veterinary Medical Director

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$190K - $215K/yr

Veterinary Medical Director (Veterinarian) Department: Spay & Neuter Clinic / Veterinary Services Reports To: Chief Operating Officer FLSA Status: Exempt Salary Range (D1): Hiring Range: $190,000 ...

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How much do veterinary medical director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary medical director in the United States is $95,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary medical director?

A Veterinary Medical Director is a senior veterinarian responsible for overseeing the medical operations, clinical protocols, and quality of care at a veterinary hospital or clinic. They supervise veterinary staff, ensure compliance with regulations, and develop medical policies to support high standards of animal care. Additionally, they may be involved in hiring, training, and mentoring other veterinarians, as well as collaborating with administrative and management teams to improve clinic performance.

How does a veterinary medical director collaborate with veterinary staff to ensure high standards of patient care?

A Veterinary Medical Director works closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff to develop and implement clinical protocols and best practices. They regularly review cases, provide mentorship, and facilitate continuing education to ensure the team remains up-to-date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine. This role also involves leading regular meetings to discuss patient care challenges and fostering a culture of open communication, which helps maintain high standards and improves patient outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary medical director?

To thrive as a Veterinary Medical Director, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, state licensure, and extensive clinical and leadership experience. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, regulatory compliance systems, and continuing education certifications is typically required. Outstanding decision-making, communication, and team leadership skills help foster a positive work environment and effective patient care. These competencies are essential for ensuring high medical standards, operational efficiency, and staff development within a veterinary practice.

What is the difference between Veterinary Medical Director vs Veterinary Practice Manager?

AspectVeterinary Medical DirectorVeterinary Practice Manager
CredentialsVeterinary degree, state licensure, often additional leadership trainingBusiness or management degree, certification in practice management
Work EnvironmentVeterinary clinics, hospitals, or animal care facilitiesAdministrative offices within veterinary practices
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversees clinical care, ensures veterinary standards, leads medical staffManages daily operations, staff scheduling, client relations, and finances

The Veterinary Medical Director focuses on clinical leadership and veterinary standards, while the Veterinary Practice Manager handles daily administrative operations. Both roles are essential for a well-functioning veterinary practice, but they differ in their core responsibilities and required credentials.

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Veterinary Medical Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Medical Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,800 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Veterinary Medical Director

Asheville, NC

National Veterinary Associates
See more jobs at National Veterinary Associatesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago

Job description

Veterinary Medical Director

Emergency Veterinary Medical Director Opportunity in Asheville, NC
Schedule: Full-time 

Why Join South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty

For years, SAVES has been a trusted leader in specialty and emergency veterinary care. Our Medical Director will work alongside and support a talented team that includes:

  • Board-certified specialists in Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Neurology
  • A robust 24/7 Emergency team with 9 clinicians
  • Highly trained and dedicated technicians and support staff
  • A modern, spacious clinical setting designed for top-tier care and efficiency

Advanced Technology at Your Fingertips:

  • Advanced imaging technology, including the Optima CT520 and GE 1.5T MRI.
  • Three Phillips EPIQ5 ultrasound machines with exams conducted by a human-trained Ultrasound Sonographer, supported by Board-Certified Radiologist Review.
  • I-Stat point-of-care blood analyzers for immediate diagnostics.
  • Two digital radiography systems for precision imaging.
  • Comprehensive benchtop in-hospital lab systems and access to Lacuna Digital Cytology for fast and accurate diagnostic support.
  • Olympus 180 gastroscopes, including one scope dedicated exclusively to emergency use.
  • Dedicated spaces for chemotherapy preparation and administration in a USP 800-compliant facility.  

Location Highlight

Asheville is a vibrant mountain city known for its resilient spirit, thriving community, and blend of Appalachian heritage with modern amenities. Located minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, it offers breathtaking hiking trails, a celebrated food scene, and a lively dog-friendly brewery culture. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and community, Asheville continues to grow into an even more welcoming and dynamic place to live and work. 

Perks & Benefits

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.

  • Competitive compensation
  • Sign-on or relocation assistance
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • CE allowance and professional development support
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement savings options
  • Employee assistance programs 

In your day-to-day, you will:

As Medical Director, you'll play a key role in shaping medical standards, mentoring clinicians, fostering a positive culture, and driving clinical excellence across departments. You'll also maintain a partial clinical caseload, allowing you to stay close to patient care while shaping the future of the hospital.   

  • Medical Leadership: Provide medical leadership and strategic direction, partnering with the Hospital Director to drive clinical excellence, quality assurance, patient safety, and evidence-based medical practices.
  • Team Development & Mentorship: Mentor and develop DVMs, lead teaching rounds and CE, provide performance feedback, support engagement and retention, and oversee DVM scheduling and clinical operations.
  • Recruitment & Talent Development: Partner with the Hospital Director and recruiting team on DVM recruitment, interviews, candidate experiences, onboarding, internal referrals, and retention initiatives.
  • Hospital Strategy & Business: Collaborate on hospital strategy, budgeting, P&L review, service development, pricing, equipment and facility improvements, and initiatives that support operational and financial performance.
  • Client & Referral Relations: Address medically related client and referring veterinarian concerns, support resolution of complaints, strengthen rDVM relationships, and promote strong communication and client service.
  • Compliance & Professional Standards: Ensure compliance with medical, regulatory, DEA, controlled drug, OSHA, licensing, credentialing, and medical record requirements while supporting the highest standards of patient care. 

What You Bring

  • DVM or equivalent veterinary degree with eligibility for state veterinary licensure.
  • Completion of a rotating internship or 5+ years' experience practicing emergency medicine in a referral setting is required.
  • Confidence managing emergency cases and making sound clinical decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication skills with a compassionate, client-centered approach.
  • A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.
  • A passion for continuous learning, teamwork, and advancing emergency veterinary medicine. 

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care. Candidates can confidentially submit their CV to Senior Talent Acquisition Partner Sarah Harvey, LVT at sarah.harvey@ethosvet.com.

 
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About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

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