Description

Spruce Veterinary Urgent Care is a locally owned and independently operated veterinary facility in the Reedville area of south Hillsboro, Oregon. Spruce is an extension of the thoughtful patient care and low-stress handling philosophies that have made our general practice, Brooklyn Yard Veterinary Hospital, a stand-out practice in the Portland metro area. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of an independent veterinary hospital.

As a truly independent and locally owned hospital, we have the ability to make thoughtful decisions based on the needs of our patients, clients, and team—not the priorities of a corporate organization. We are committed to building a collaborative, culturally healthy workplace where veterinary professionals are supported, valued, and encouraged to contribute their experience and ideas. We are seeking a compassionate, confident, and collaborative Associate Veterinarian to join our growing team. This position is ideal for a veterinarian who enjoys the variety and challenge of urgent care medicine but also values a sustainable schedule, supportive colleagues, and an environment that prioritizes both patient care and team well-being. 

Our hospital was created to fill a vital need for compassionate, skilled, and accessible urgent veterinary care on the west side of the Portland metro area. We believe that veterinary medicine is not one-size-fits-all. Every patient, client, and situation deserves an individualized approach grounded in clinical judgment, clear communication, empathy, and respect. We are looking for a detail-oriented, motivated, and enthusiastic veterinarian who is excited to contribute to the continued development of an independent urgent care practice. The ideal candidate is passionate about delivering high-quality veterinary medicine and is genuinely committed to practicing and promoting low-stress handling techniques for every patient, every day.

Our hospital provides same-day and walk-in care for dogs and cats whose medical needs cannot wait for a routine appointment but may not require the resources of a 24-hour emergency or specialty hospital. Because patient volume and case complexity can change throughout the day, veterinarians must be comfortable reassessing priorities, communicating changes to the team, and helping set realistic expectations for clients. We perform surgeries when appropriate.

Our goal is to bridge the gap between primary care and emergency medicine while maintaining clear boundaries regarding what can safely and responsibly be provided in an outpatient urgent care setting. Clear communication and appropriate care coordination are therefore central to our model.

Low-stress handling is not an optional technique at our facility—it is a foundational part of how we practice medicine. We recognize that veterinary visits can be frightening or overwhelming for many animals. Our team works to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress through thoughtful handling, environmental modification, appropriate pre-visit medications, sedation when indicated, and flexibility in how examinations and treatments are performed.

We offer a generous compensation and benefits package including health/vision/dental, 401(k) with match, paid time off, CE, licensure, association dues, Long-Term Disability, and a generous pet discount. Full-time is a 3-day work week. 

Requirements

Required qualifications include:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, or equivalent, from an accredited veterinary program.
• Urgent care or emergency experience is required or internship-trained.
• Current Oregon veterinary license, or eligibility to obtain one. Current DEA registration
• Strong clinical judgment and the ability to recognize when a patient requires stabilization, hospitalization, advanced care, or referral.
• Clear, compassionate, and professional communication skills.
• Ability to remain organized and make thoughtful decisions in a fast-paced and occasionally unpredictable environment.
• Commitment to low-stress handling, patient comfort, and humane care.
• Willingness to collaborate with colleagues and seek consultation or support when appropriate.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with clients, including during emotionally difficult, time-sensitive, or financially constrained situations.
• Surgical experience preferred
• Commitment to maintaining timely and accurate medical records (EzyVet and SmartFlow). We also utilize AI record-keeping.