Description
Looking for a hospital where people build careers instead of planning their next move?
Culture isn't something you can claim. It's something people choose to stay for.
We can point to people who’ve chosen to stay here for 15, 20, and nearly 30 years.
Our practice manager has been with us since 2000. One of our associate veterinarians joined us in 2004. We have an assistant that has been with us for over 20 years and our lead veterinary technician has been with us for more than 15 years.
We think longevity says more about a workplace than any list of benefits ever could.
We’re looking for an Associate Veterinarian who wants to practice outstanding medicine with an experienced, supportive team—and who hopes to find not just their next job, but their professional home.
What It’s Like to Work Here
Downers Grove Animal Hospital has cared for pets and the families who love them since 1947. Today we’re proudly led by third-generation veterinarians Dr. Graham Merkin and Dr. Max Merkin. As one of the few independently owned practices in our area, we have the freedom to focus on what matters most: great medicine, strong client relationships, and a team that enjoys coming to work every day.
You’ll work alongside three veterinarians who genuinely enjoy discussing cases, collaborating on treatment plans, and mentoring one another. Our experienced technicians and assistants know our doctors well because they’ve worked beside them for years—not months. That continuity allows us to practice efficiently, communicate well, and support one another through busy days.
Our renovated 4,200-square-foot hospital includes dedicated surgery and dental suites, digital radiography, modern anesthesia monitoring, spacious treatment areas, and the equipment needed to practice high-quality medicine. We primarily see dogs and cats, with opportunities to work with birds and exotics if that’s an interest—but it’s never an expectation.
What We Offer
$130,000+ salary, depending on experience, schedule, and production
Prosal structure
Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance
Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, CE allowance, paid professional dues, and professional liability coverage
Personalized mentorship for new graduates and continued collaboration for experienced veterinarians
Continuing education and opportunities to develop new services or areas of clinical interest
An independently owned hospital where medicine comes before corporate metrics
Who We’re Looking For
Whether you’re a new graduate looking for exceptional mentorship or an experienced veterinarian searching for a long-term professional home, we’d love to meet you.
You’ll thrive here if you:
Practice compassionate, high-quality medicine
Enjoy learning and challenging yourself professionally
Communicate well with clients and teammates
Value collaboration over competition
Want to build lasting relationships with clients, patients, and coworkers
A Word from Dr. Graham Merkin
“People make the difference between veterinary hospitals. Buildings can be remodeled. Equipment can be purchased. But finding a team that genuinely enjoys working together—and chooses to stay together—is rare. We’ve been fortunate to build exactly that, and we’re looking for someone who wants to become part of it.”
If you’re looking for a practice where you’ll be supported, challenged, and appreciated—and where you can envision yourself still enjoying your work years from now—we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your resume and a brief cover letter. We’d be excited to show you why so many people have chosen to make Downers Grove Animal Hospital their professional home.
Requirements
License to practice in Illinois.
