Veterinary Criticalist

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 Veterinary Criticalist to join our dynamic and compassionate 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.

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. 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.

Crystal Lake, located just 50 miles northwest of Chicago, 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.

What We Offer:

• Collaborative Team Environment: Work with experienced internal medicine and rehab-certified veterinarians.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Access to on-site CT imaging and other cutting-edge technologies.
• High-Quality Emergency Care: Join a well-established facility known for its high standards of care.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Benefit from the guidance of senior ER doctors with years of experience.

Enjoy one of the most competitive production policies in the industry with a culture of continuous learning that offers numerous opportunities for development and advancement. We currently offer relocation assistance and a signing bonus to help you transition smoothly!

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Emily Lunsford at [email protected] .

Key Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
• Client communication and education
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
• 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) from an accredited college or university, active Board-Certified or Residency Trained Veterinary Criticalist
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
• 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.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• 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

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

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