H-1B Visa Animal Surgeon Jobs
Animal Surgeon roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations because they require at least a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree plus surgical residency training. Employers in veterinary specialty hospitals, academic medical centers, and university teaching hospitals regularly sponsor H-1B petitions for board-certified candidates. Cap-subject registrations open each March, with a 60-day grace period if your position ends.
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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 Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our 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. AnimERge, is an AAHA-accredited specialty and emergency referral center in Raritan, New Jersey. We take pride in being more than just a work team; we are a family with a culture of fun, teamwork, and collaboration. Long-term staff, some with over 20 years of service, contribute to the dynamic atmosphere at AnimERge.
Position Highlights:
- Competitive compensation packages, including a generous sign-on/retention bonus.
- No on call responsibilities!
- Collaborative and supportive environment with routine themed food days/nights.
- Fully equipped facility with digital x-rays, ultrasound, in-house lab (Heska and Idexx machines), feline and canine endoscopy, 4 oxygen cages, and a separate ER surgical suite.
- Highly skilled certified technicians trained in Fear Free handling.
Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Emily Lunsford at elunsford@petvetcarecenters.com.
Key Responsibilities
- Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
- Client communication and education
- 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 or VMD) from an accredited college or university
- 1-year rotational internship in small animal medicine, surgery, ER (university or large referral practice).
- Completed a 3-year, AVMA approved residency program
- Current State Veterinary License
- DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
- 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.
Preferred Skills (Nice To Have)
- Board Certification
- 2-5 years of experience post-residency
- Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
- Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
- Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
- Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
- Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
- Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.
What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:
- Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75,000
- 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
Pay Range
$180,000—$300,000 USD
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
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Animal Surgeon
Target veterinary specialty hospitals with ACVS diplomates
Employers already employing board-certified surgeons through the American College of Veterinary Surgeons have established hiring pipelines and understand the H-1B process for this specialty. These facilities are significantly more likely to have handled surgical residency-to-H-1B transitions before.
Search H-1B filing history on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Animal Surgeon roles by employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history, so you approach practices that have already demonstrated willingness to sponsor rather than educating employers from scratch.
Request the LCA wage level matches your surgical seniority
Your employer files a Labor Condition Application with DOL before your H-1B petition. Use the OFLC Wage Search to confirm your offered wage meets at least Level II or III for the SOC code covering veterinary surgeons in your practice's county.
Confirm cap-exempt status if joining a university practice
Veterinary surgery positions at nonprofit research institutions or AVMA-accredited university teaching hospitals may qualify as cap-exempt under USCIS rules, meaning you skip the annual lottery entirely and can file any time of year.
Time your surgical residency completion around H-1B deadlines
The H-1B cap registration window opens in March and employment can begin October 1. If your residency ends mid-year, confirm with your employer whether OPT cap-gap coverage or a cap-exempt filing bridges the gap until your petition takes effect.
Animal Surgeon jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Animal Surgeon JobsAnimal Surgeon H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Animal Surgeon role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Animal Surgeon positions require at minimum a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree plus a completed surgical residency and board certification, satisfying USCIS's requirement that the role normally demands a specific bachelor's or higher degree in a directly related field. USCIS consistently recognizes veterinary surgery as a qualifying specialty occupation.
Which employers typically sponsor H-1B visas for Animal Surgeons?
Veterinary specialty and emergency hospitals, AVMA-accredited university teaching hospitals, and nonprofit veterinary research institutions are the most active H-1B sponsors for surgical roles. Academic and research employers often qualify as cap-exempt, which removes the lottery requirement entirely. You can browse employers with verified H-1B filing history for this role on Migrate Mate.
Do foreign veterinary degrees qualify for H-1B specialty occupation status?
Foreign veterinary degrees must meet U.S. equivalency standards before USCIS will approve the petition. Candidates typically complete the ECFVG certification program or hold a degree from an AVMA-accredited foreign institution. Your employer's attorney will include a credential evaluation in the I-129 package, so start the equivalency process well before your intended start date.
Can an Animal Surgeon be hired as cap-exempt to avoid the H-1B lottery?
Yes, if your employer qualifies. Nonprofit veterinary teaching hospitals affiliated with accredited universities, government research facilities, and certain nonprofit research organizations are cap-exempt under USCIS rules. Cap-exempt employers can file an H-1B petition at any point during the year, with no registration requirement and no October 1 start date restriction.
What prevailing wage level applies to Animal Surgeon H-1B petitions?
Your employer files a Labor Condition Application with DOL certifying your offered wage meets the prevailing wage for the applicable SOC code in your geographic area. For board-certified surgeons with specialized training, the wage determination typically falls at Level II or III. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up current wage levels for veterinary occupations in your practice's county before negotiating your offer.
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