Thinking about a career move in veterinary medicine—whether you’re actively searching for a new veterinary job or just daydreaming mid-shift—can feel like a big leap. But you don’t have to take it alone.
Maybe you’re fresh out of veterinary school. Maybe you’re working through burnout or coming back after time away. Or maybe you’re simply ready for something new. Whatever your reason, the right resources and community make all the difference for your job search.
From veterinary job boards to practical career tips for vets, there are more resources than ever to help you navigate your veterinary job search. Knowing where to look—and what matters most to you—is half the battle.
Here’s a roundup of insider advice, practical resources, and real-world tips to help you find (and land) your next veterinary job.
Your Go-To Boards for Veterinary Jobs
Skip the generic listings. Head to job boards built for veterinary professionals—relevant, up to date, and created by people who’ve been in the trenches.
Clinician’s Brief Career Center
The Clinician’s Brief Career Center is your insider track to the jobs that are worth clicking on. You’ll find curated listings across clinical practice, academia, industry, and more—plus resources to help guide your next step.
AVMA Career Center
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Career Center offers job listings in every area of veterinary medicine. You’ll also find career-building resources that help you create your CV or resume, prep for interviews (and salary negotiations), and more.
NAVTA Career Center
Looking for vet tech-specific jobs? The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Career Center focuses on roles for veterinary technicians and also offers resume guidance and coaching.
AAVMC Career Center
You’ll find a range of veterinary roles on the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Career Center, from clinical and academic to research and leadership positions.
LinkedIn isn’t just for corporate jobs! And it’s a busier place than it was pre-pandemic. Update your profile, connect with your colleagues around the industry, and turn on “Open to Work.” Your network can do more than you might think.
State VMAs and CE Conferences
Check your state VMA for local listings, and don’t overlook CE events like VMX, WVC, or IVECCS—many include job fairs or hiring boards.
Beyond the Boards: Find the Hidden Veterinary Jobs
Some of the best roles never get posted. Hiring often happens through word of mouth, personal connections, and professional groups. Here’s how to uncover them:
- Hospital websites: Have a clinic or school in mind? Check their careers page or reach out directly.
- Facebook, Reddit, Discord: Professional groups often share informal job openings and honest perspectives on workplaces.
- Peer referrals: Let mentors, coworkers, and classmates know you’re open to new roles.
Now that you’ve got a few roles on your radar, let’s talk about next steps.
No-Stress Steps to a Stronger Veterinary Job Application
You don’t need a 30-step plan or a color-coded binder. A few simple habits can keep your job search moving—without turning it into a full-time job.
📝 Tweak your resume
Swap a few words in your summary or experience section to tailor your resume to the job. A few edits can make a big difference.
📬 Follow up
Send a quick email or LinkedIn connection request about a week after applying. It shows you’re interested and keeps your name on their radar.
📊 Track your progress
Use a spreadsheet or notes app to track each role, deadline, and next step. No more wondering, “Did I already apply to that one?”
🧭 Know your must-haves
Think through your non-negotiables upfront (schedule, pay, culture). This will help you avoid roles that aren’t a good fit.
💬 Practice your “about me”
Have a short, confident intro ready for cover letters, interviews, or networking. Think: what you do, what drives you, and what you’re looking for.
Once you’ve hit apply, the next step is standing out.
What Veterinary Hiring Managers Are Actually Looking For
Yes, your credentials matter. But it’s soft skills and real-world readiness that set you apart. Here’s what hiring managers consistently say they value:
🗣️ Communication
Being able to take complex medical info and turn it into clear guidance is one of the most valuable skills you can bring to the table.
🧠 Clinical reasoning
It’s not just what you know—it’s how you think. Hiring managers want to hear how you approach cases, especially when they get complex.
💻 Technology skills
In today’s clinics, technology matters. Practice management systems, client portals, and digital tools keep things running, and hiring managers are looking for tech-savvy candidates who can jump right in.
🤝 Team fit
They’re looking for someone they actually want to spend a shift with. Calm under pressure, dependable, and easy to work with goes a long way.
Thinking About What’s Next?
Wherever you are in your veterinary career—just starting out, changing direction, or ready for a fresh start—you’ve got options and support. And the right opportunity might be closer than you think.
Start exploring veterinary jobs now at the Clinician’s Brief Career Center.
And if you’re early in your career, don’t miss our free veterinary student resource e-book with tips, tools, and encouragement to help you take the next step with confidence.
About Instinct
Instinct is an animal health technology company transforming veterinary medicine through thoughtfully designed software and trusted clinical resources. Serving over 360,000 veterinary professionals worldwide, Instinct powers decision-making and care delivery with tools like Instinct EMR, Standards of Care, Plumb’s, and Clinician’s Brief.
Founded by emergency veterinarian Dr. Caleb Frankel, Instinct helps hospitals improve patient outcomes, boost team efficiency, and support ongoing learning. With deep industry expertise and a commitment to smarter workflows, Instinct is redefining what’s possible in veterinary care.
Learn more at instinct.vet.
