Veterinarian

Plateau Valley Animal Hospital is seeking an experienced small-animal veterinarian to join our growing practice in western Colorado. This position is primarily based at our Rifle clinic, with occasional work at our Collbran location as needed.

While the focus of this role is small-animal medicine, there may be opportunities to assist with large-animal cases. We are looking for a veterinarian who :

• Enjoys working in a rural community
• Values teamwork and collaboration
• Takes a hands-on, compassionate approach to patient care
• Has experience in small-animal medicine and an interest in emergency / critical care

Our goal is to expand our emergency and critical care capabilities to better serve this rapidly growing region of western Colorado.

• About Our Practice :

Plateau Valley Animal Hospital is a single-owner, two-location, mixed-animal practice in rural western Colorado, serving the communities of Rifle and Collbran. Our team currently includes two veterinarians and about ten dedicated support staff. Over the past decade, our hospital has grown significantly, and we are now seeking a veterinarian to help guide and support our continued development. Our mission is simple : to provide exceptional care at an affordable cost while always prioritizing the personal connection between doctors, clients, and their animals.

Our philosophy is built on two core values :

• Doctor-Client Relationships : We believe great care starts with connection. That's why we schedule longer appointments—to get to know our clients and their animals, answer all questions, and create care plans that truly fit our patients' needs.
• Fair Pricing : We work hard to keep veterinary care affordable. Our prices are fair and transparent—no corporate markups or hidden fees—just honest care from people who genuinely care.

We take pride in being a privately owned practice, not part of a corporate chain. This independence allows us to make decisions based on what's best for our patients, clients, and team—not on production quotas or shareholder expectations. We value teamwork, respect, and accountability, and strive to maintain a friendly, rural, neighborly environment.

Plateau Valley Animal Hospital is a conservative-minded practice that focuses on evidence-based veterinary care and does not subscribe to alternative medical approaches. We are family-first oriented, striving to schedule our staff in a way that supports a healthy balance between work and personal life. We believe this approach promotes a healthier lifestyle and a positive work environment. As part of serving a small, conservative community, we value a professional appearance and demeanor that reflects respect for our clients, colleagues, and community.

• Position Overview :
• Key Responsibilities :
• Provide medical, surgical, and diagnostic care for small (and some large) animals.
• Offer preventive and wellness services while educating clients on optimal pet care.
• Manage emergencies and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate medical records and ensure quality standards of care.
• Collaborate with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to ensure smooth clinic operations.
• Participate in staff mentorship, communication, and team development.
• Assist occasionally at the Collbran clinic or during community outreach events.
• Participate in emergency, on-call, or overnight rotations as needed.
• Qualifications :
• 4 years + experience
• DVM / VMD from an AVMA-accredited institution.
• Colorado veterinary license (or eligibility to obtain).
• Strong clinical and surgical skills in small-animal medicine.
• Excellent communication and client service skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a supportive team.
• Have an interest in leadership, mentoring, or practice growth.
• Be comfortable with rural practice settings and community-style veterinary care.
• What We Offer :
• Work-life balance in a welcoming, small-town community.
• Supportive, team-oriented environment.
• Comprehensive compensation package, including :
• Competitive salary based on experience
• 6 months housing stipend
• Relocation reimbursement allowance
• Medical insurance stipend
• Emergency revenue bonus
• Accident insurance
• Education and licensing stipend
• Paid time off
• Work-related cell phone and company vehicle for farm calls, if needed.
• Continuing education and professional development support.
• Opportunities for leadership and involvement in practice management.

If you're passionate about rural small animal practice and want to join a supportive, privately owned team, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your résumé, cover letter, and three professional references to Plateau Valley Animal Hospital, 28485 Hwy. 6, Rifle, Colorado 81650 or drclintdennison@gmail.com. In your cover letter, tell us a bit about your experience, your areas of interest, and why rural Colorado veterinary medicine appeals to you.

To learn more about our practice, please visit our website at www.plateauvalleyanimalhospital and check out our Facebook page at https : / / www.facebook.com / PlateauValleyAnimalHospital.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be scheduled accordingly.

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $120,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

Benefits :

• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance

Experience :

• small animal veterinary medicine : 4 years (Required)

Language :

• English, Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location : In person