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Woof Life Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospitals

Relief Veterinarian

Palmer, AK · On-site

Our team values empathy, humor, work-life balance, compassionate patient care, integrity. Hospital ... WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and Staff * VCA Academy's Mentorship Program ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Locum Veterinarian

Lancaster, OH · On-site

... Education Days WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and Staff VCA Academy ... 100% paid life insurance 100% paid short-term and long-term disability insurance Access to a ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Relief Veterinarian

Palmer, AK · On-site

Our team values empathy, humor, work-life balance, compassionate patient care, integrity. Hospital ... WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and Staff * VCA Academy's Mentorship Program ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Eugene, OR · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... access to WOOF University, which includes RACE-approved courses. * Latest Tech & Innovation ... Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Technician

Oakland, CA · On-site

... access to WOOF University, which includes RACE-approved courses. * Latest Tech & Innovation ... Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Apple Valley, MN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

... WOOF University ® , which includes RACE-approved courses. * Latest Tech & Innovation ... Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Eugene, OR · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... WOOF University ® , which includes RACE-approved courses. * Latest Tech & Innovation ... Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Apple Valley, MN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

... access to WOOF University, which includes RACE-approved courses. * Latest Tech & Innovation ... Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Technician

Redmond, WA · On-site

... access to WOOF University, which includes RACE-approved courses. * Latest Tech & Innovation ... Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal ...

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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal care specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an animal care specialist, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and safe handling techniques, often supported by relevant certifications or on-the-job training. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding schedules, and cleaning protocols is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help build trust with animals and effectively interact with pet owners or team members. These skills are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, maintaining safety, and delivering excellent service in animal care environments.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at a pet daycare facility like Woof Life, and how can they be addressed?

Employees at pet daycare facilities such as Woof Life often face challenges like managing groups of energetic dogs, ensuring safety during playtime, and effectively communicating with pet owners about their pets' behavior and needs. To address these challenges, staff typically undergo training in animal behavior, first aid, and conflict resolution among pets. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as employees often work together to supervise playgroups and handle emergencies. With experience, staff members may take on leadership roles or specialize in training or grooming, offering opportunities for career growth within the pet care industry.

What is the difference between Woof Life vs Dog Trainer?

AspectWoof LifeDog Trainer
CertificationsVaries, often includes pet care or behavior coursesOften requires certifications like CPDT-KA or CCPDT
Work EnvironmentPet care facilities, homes, outdoor settingsTraining centers, client homes, shelters
Industry UsagePet lifestyle and wellnessAnimal training and behavior modification

Woof Life typically focuses on pet wellness, lifestyle, and holistic care, while Dog Trainers specialize in teaching obedience and behavior modification. Both roles involve working closely with dogs, but Woof Life professionals often have a broader focus on overall pet well-being, whereas Dog Trainers concentrate on training skills and behavior correction.

What is Woof Life?

Woof Life is typically a brand or business dedicated to providing products, services, or information for dog owners and their pets. This can include dog daycare, grooming, boarding, training, and retail items such as food, toys, and accessories. The goal of Woof Life businesses is to enhance the well-being of dogs and make pet ownership easier and more enjoyable. Depending on the specific company or location, offerings may vary, so it's recommended to check their website or contact them directly for details.
Infographic showing various Woof Life job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Associate Veterinarian

Associate Veterinarian

VCA Animal Hospitals

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 642 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 47 rated veterinary

Job description

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian, DVM, at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital in Des Moines, IA and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team. You'll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.
Questions? Please reach out to laurel.norman@vca.com
Why Join the Team?
  • At VCA Avondale Animal Hospital, you can truly practice medicine your way. We're an AAHA-accredited, Fear Free Certified, and Gold-Level Cat Friendly practice located in Des Moines, IA. Our hospital is home to a dedicated, close-knit team of patient advocates who care deeply about great medicine and client communication.
  • When fully staffed, we're a 5-6 doctor hospital supported by a caring team that's actively growing. While we primarily serve dogs and cats, we welcome veterinarians with interest in exotics or pocket pets. You'll also enjoy access to special services and equipment including a full rehab room, echocardiogram and ultrasound, laparoscopic surgery, orthopedic capabilities, and a separate cat hospital.
  • Our culture blends the personal, relationship-driven feel of a community practice with the resources and professional network of VCA. Whether you're a seasoned veterinarian or a recent graduate, you'll benefit from mentorship, CE opportunities through WOOF University, and a network of over 4,500 VCA doctors-including 600+ specialists.
  • Beyond the hospital, you'll be part of the South Des Moines community, where we build lasting client relationships and partner closely with the Animal Lifeline of Iowa, a rescue for special needs animals. Located just minutes from downtown, Altoona, and Indianola, you'll have easy access to all that Des Moines has to offer.

Schedule
  • Full-time or Part-time Associate Veterinarian
  • Flexible scheduling designed to support work-life balance
  • Collaborative culture with 4-6 doctor coverage when fully staffed

Cases
At Avondale, you'll see a wide variety of cases, from routine wellness and preventive care to advanced diagnostics and procedures. Our doctors have opportunities to focus on their interests, with support for areas such as:
  • Dentistry
  • Ultrasound and echocardiography
  • Orthopedics and laparoscopic surgery
  • Rehabilitation medicine
  • Potential to expand into exotics or pocket pets

Our clients value the time we take to explain conditions and treatment plans, and our Fear Free approach ensures a positive experience for pets and their families. With a separate cat hospital, you'll have the ability to provide feline patients with a calm, dedicated space.
Who we look for
  • People obsessed with pets and their care
  • Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine
  • Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team
  • Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career
  • Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust

Total Rewards
As a VCA Associate, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:
Compensation
  • Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities and other relevant credentials. The salary range listed is based on a 40-hour work week. This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well-being
  • Innovative Associate health and well-being resources (Headspace app, Fidelity financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources including Lyra Health)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with company match
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility and gender affirmation benefits
  • Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Professional Development
  • Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days
  • WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
  • Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program

Discover Additional Benefits Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com) (open link in new window)
Qualifications
  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
  • Licensure in good standing to practice in (IA), or the ability to obtain
  • A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

About VCA
VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.
Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.
VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets™. Learn more at www.vca.com or find us on social media.
Learn more about the hospital [Link to hospital website]
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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