Emergency Veterinarian

Job Description

Introduction
An AAHA-accredited Emergency and Specialty veterinary hospital in Asheville, North Carolina is seeking an experienced Emergency Veterinarian and ER Department Head to lead its emergency service while maintaining an active clinical caseload. The hospital provides 24/7 Emergency Medicine alongside specialist services in Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology, serving more than 16,000 patients annually from Asheville and surrounding communities. The position combines hands-on Emergency Medicine with departmental leadership, offering the opportunity to develop the emergency service, mentor veterinary colleagues and maintain high clinical standards within a multidisciplinary hospital. The facility has undergone extensive remodelling, incorporating expanded treatment areas, advanced diagnostic equipment and dedicated critical care facilities. The successful veterinarian will work closely with the Medical Director and specialist clinicians, with opportunities to contribute to the continued development of the hospital’s emergency and specialty services.

Role Description and Responsibilities
The Emergency Veterinarian and ER Department Head will combine clinical emergency responsibilities with departmental management, undertaking approximately 10–12 clinical shifts per month alongside leadership duties. The position involves managing a varied emergency and critical care caseload, including acute medical presentations, trauma, stabilisation, emergency procedures and the ongoing management of hospitalised patients. Leadership responsibilities include working collaboratively with the Medical Director to oversee Emergency Services, maintaining clinical standards and supporting the operational development of the department. The successful veterinarian will participate in the recruitment, mentoring and training of emergency clinicians, coordinate veterinary schedules and promote professional development across the emergency team. Additional responsibilities include facilitating communication and case transfers between emergency clinicians and specialists, supporting referral relationships and assisting with the resolution of client concerns. Applicants should have at least three years of Emergency Medicine experience, with previous leadership or management experience and exposure to a multidisciplinary specialty environment preferred. The role provides the opportunity to influence the department’s clinical direction while maintaining direct involvement in emergency patient care.

Practice Details
The hospital operates as a 24-hour Emergency and Specialty veterinary facility, providing Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology, with Surgery also within its referral services. The AAHA-accredited facility features more than nine examination rooms, expanded treatment and triage areas, a dedicated Intensive Care Unit with a feline-friendly ward, an On-Site Laboratory and three fully equipped surgical suites. Advanced diagnostic facilities include Computed Tomography (CT), multiple Radiology suites and access to specialist radiological interpretation, supporting complex emergency investigations and multidisciplinary case management. The hospital accommodates a substantial emergency caseload and provides advanced medical and surgical facilities for critically ill and injured companion animals. Its specialist services support collaborative management of patients requiring advanced Internal Medicine or Ophthalmological assessment, while established referral pathways facilitate continuity of care between emergency clinicians, specialists and referring veterinary practices. The Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays.

Team
The hospital is led by a Medical Director and Hospital Director, supported by an established multidisciplinary team of emergency veterinarians, specialist clinicians, veterinary technicians, assistants and client service representatives. The clinical team includes experienced Emergency Medicine practitioners alongside clinicians specialising in Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology. The incoming ER Department Head will work closely with hospital leadership to oversee the emergency team, support veterinary recruitment and mentorship, and coordinate clinical services across departments. The hospital promotes collaborative case management, continuing education and professional development within an established emergency and referral environment.

Candidate Requirements 

• Must hold the relevant degree(s) and additional qualifications to work as a veterinarian in the United States of America (USA)
• Must hold, be in the process of, or be able to obtain, a state license for the state they are applying to work in
• Must have the right to work in the United States of America (USA), or be able to obtain the required visa to do so

 About Tempus Recruitment

This is a brief overview of the role, therefore we fully appreciate there are always more questions to be asked about the job, the company, and so on. We assure you that Tempus Recruitment are here to help and are more than happy to get those questions answered for you in advance of any potential interviews. We are here to make the recruitment process simple and stress free, working with our clients to ensure that you have all the information you need before formally making an application. 

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