Veterinarian Jobs in Illinois
Veterinarian jobs in Illinois are consistently in demand, with openings concentrated in companion animal practice, livestock and agricultural medicine, and veterinary emergency care for candidates from new graduates through experienced specialists. Chicago, Peoria, and Champaign-Urbana lead hiring volume, supported by anchor employers such as Banfield Pet Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals, and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. The most sought-after specialties across the state include emergency and critical care, internal medicine, and large animal practice serving Illinois's significant agricultural regions. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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MedVet Chicago is seeking a Hospitalist Veterinarian to join our growing 24/7 Emergency and Specialty Hospital. The ideal candidate will work closely with our Specialty and Emergency teams, assisting in the management of hospitalized patients throughout the hospital. Responsibilities include developing treatment plans, communicating with clients and referring veterinarians, and maintaining accurate medical records.
This role offers a unique opportunity for veterinarians currently practicing in general practice, urgent care, or emergency medicine who are interested in expanding their exposure to specialty medicine while providing exceptional patient care. Hospitalists play an integral role in ensuring continuity of care, enhancing communication, and supporting collaboration across our specialty services.
Responsibilities Include:
- Evaluating and managing same-day transfers from referring veterinarians.
- Overseeing hospitalized patients across multiple specialty services.
- Developing and implementing treatment plans in collaboration with specialty and emergency clinicians.
- Providing timely updates and communication to clients and referring veterinarians.
- Supporting Emergency and Surgical Services with procedures, patient recoveries, medical record documentation, and client communications as needed.
- Working with hospital leadership to improve workflows and enhance patient care processes.
- Contributing to the education and training of clinical team members.
- Serving as a liaison to referring veterinary partners to strengthen relationships within the Chicago veterinary community.
Why MedVet Chicago?
MedVet Chicago is a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital serving the greater Chicagoland area and caring for more than 38,000 patients annually. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including Internal Medicine, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Surgery, Cardiology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Critical Care, Ophthalmology, Interventional Radiology, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Anesthesia & Pain Management, and Emergency Medicine.
Additional highlights of the opportunity include:
- Established multispecialty and emergency referral hospital
- Strong collaboration with specialty, emergency, and critical care teams
- Access to advanced imaging and diagnostic resources
- High and diverse caseload supported by a large referral network
- Opportunities to contribute to service growth, mentorship, and clinical innovation
- Veterinary Social Work support that enhances the client and team experience
- A culture focused on collaboration, continuous learning, and clinical excellence
What We're Looking For
- Strong interest in collaborative specialty practice
- Commitment to providing exceptional patient care and client service
- Desire to work closely with referring veterinarians and multidisciplinary teams
- Interest in mentorship, teaching, and professional development
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Why Join MedVet?
MedVet is a veterinarian-owned and veterinarian-led organization committed to providing exceptional emergency and specialty care. Our model supports specialists with advanced technology, a collaborative network of colleagues, dedicated clinical support teams, and opportunities for long-term career growth.
We believe veterinary medicine is at its best when specialists, emergency clinicians, and support teams work together to deliver outstanding patient care. Through continuing education, professional development resources, and a culture of teamwork, MedVet empowers doctors to build rewarding and sustainable careers.
Life in Chicago
Chicago offers the energy and amenities of a world-class city with diverse neighborhoods, renowned dining, professional sports, vibrant arts and culture, and access to Lake Michigan's lakefront recreation. Whether you enjoy urban living, historic neighborhoods, outdoor activities, or cultural attractions, Chicago provides an exceptional quality of life and a wide range of opportunities for both personal and professional fulfillment.
For more information about MedVet, please visit our website at www.medvet.com or to submit a confidential CV, email Paige Heldreth, Senior Recruiter, at paige.heldreth@medvet.com.
There are more positions listed at www.medvet.com/careers. Moving somewhere we don't currently have a posting? We still want to hear from you!
Come as you are. MedVet is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all team members. You can count on us to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all team members and applicants. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, training, and overall experience and abilities. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
MedVet Chicago is seeking a Hospitalist Veterinarian to join our growing 24/7 Emergency and Specialty Hospital. The ideal candidate will work closely with our Specialty and Emergency teams, assisting in the management of hospitalized patients throughout the hospital. Responsibilities include developing treatment plans, communicating with clients and referring veterinarians, and maintaining accurate medical records.
This role offers a unique opportunity for veterinarians currently practicing in general practice, urgent care, or emergency medicine who are interested in expanding their exposure to specialty medicine while providing exceptional patient care. Hospitalists play an integral role in ensuring continuity of care, enhancing communication, and supporting collaboration across our specialty services.
Responsibilities Include:
- Evaluating and managing same-day transfers from referring veterinarians.
- Overseeing hospitalized patients across multiple specialty services.
- Developing and implementing treatment plans in collaboration with specialty and emergency clinicians.
- Providing timely updates and communication to clients and referring veterinarians.
- Supporting Emergency and Surgical Services with procedures, patient recoveries, medical record documentation, and client communications as needed.
- Working with hospital leadership to improve workflows and enhance patient care processes.
- Contributing to the education and training of clinical team members.
- Serving as a liaison to referring veterinary partners to strengthen relationships within the Chicago veterinary community.
Why MedVet Chicago?
MedVet Chicago is a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital serving the greater Chicagoland area and caring for more than 38,000 patients annually. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of specialty services, including Internal Medicine, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Surgery, Cardiology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Critical Care, Ophthalmology, Interventional Radiology, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Anesthesia & Pain Management, and Emergency Medicine.
Additional highlights of the opportunity include:
- Established multispecialty and emergency referral hospital
- Strong collaboration with specialty, emergency, and critical care teams
- Access to advanced imaging and diagnostic resources
- High and diverse caseload supported by a large referral network
- Opportunities to contribute to service growth, mentorship, and clinical innovation
- Veterinary Social Work support that enhances the client and team experience
- A culture focused on collaboration, continuous learning, and clinical excellence
What We're Looking For
- Strong interest in collaborative specialty practice
- Commitment to providing exceptional patient care and client service
- Desire to work closely with referring veterinarians and multidisciplinary teams
- Interest in mentorship, teaching, and professional development
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Why Join MedVet?
MedVet is a veterinarian-owned and veterinarian-led organization committed to providing exceptional emergency and specialty care. Our model supports specialists with advanced technology, a collaborative network of colleagues, dedicated clinical support teams, and opportunities for long-term career growth.
We believe veterinary medicine is at its best when specialists, emergency clinicians, and support teams work together to deliver outstanding patient care. Through continuing education, professional development resources, and a culture of teamwork, MedVet empowers doctors to build rewarding and sustainable careers.
Life in Chicago
Chicago offers the energy and amenities of a world-class city with diverse neighborhoods, renowned dining, professional sports, vibrant arts and culture, and access to Lake Michigan's lakefront recreation. Whether you enjoy urban living, historic neighborhoods, outdoor activities, or cultural attractions, Chicago provides an exceptional quality of life and a wide range of opportunities for both personal and professional fulfillment.
For more information about MedVet, please visit our website at www.medvet.com or to submit a confidential CV, email Paige Heldreth, Senior Recruiter, at paige.heldreth@medvet.com.
There are more positions listed at www.medvet.com/careers. Moving somewhere we don't currently have a posting? We still want to hear from you!
Come as you are. MedVet is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all team members. You can count on us to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all team members and applicants. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, training, and overall experience and abilities. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
See All 124+ Veterinarian Jobs in Illinois
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Find Veterinarian JobsVeterinarian Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Veterinarian Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Thrive Pet Healthcare15
- DESORT STAFFING11
- NVA6
- Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice6
- VCA Animal Hospitals5
Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in veterinarian jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois veterinarian license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college
- Valid Drug Enforcement Administration registration for controlled substance prescribing
- Experience in companion animal, large animal, or emergency clinical settings
- Strong diagnostic skills including radiography, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory interpretation
- Ability to communicate effectively with pet owners and agricultural clients in Illinois
Veterinarian Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a veterinarian in Illinois?
To become a veterinarian in Illinois, you must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited institution and then obtain licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation by passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. Illinois also requires applicants to pass the Illinois Veterinary Law Examination covering state-specific regulations. Once licensed, new graduates often begin in associate veterinarian roles at private practices, corporate clinics, or with the University of Illinois veterinary system.
How much do veterinarians make in Illinois?
Veterinarians in Illinois earn a median of about $133,580 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,840 for the lowest 10% to over $280,380 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire veterinarians in Illinois?
Employers hiring veterinarians in Illinois right now include Thrive Pet Healthcare, DESORT STAFFING, and NVA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's mix of large corporate veterinary groups, independent private practices, and the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital creates a broad hiring base well beyond Chicago.
Which Illinois cities have the most veterinarian jobs?
Chicago, Peoria, and South Barrington have the most veterinarian openings in Illinois. Chicago and its suburbs drive the highest volume through dense companion animal practice and corporate clinic networks, while Champaign-Urbana benefits from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, and Peoria reflects demand tied to both suburban pet owners and surrounding agricultural communities.
Are there remote veterinarian jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Veterinary medicine is a hands-on clinical profession, and the vast majority of roles require on-site patient care. About 21% of veterinarian openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions are typically concentrated in veterinary telehealth consultation, medical writing, or veterinary public health rather than direct clinical practice.
How can I get hired as a veterinarian in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to rotating internship or externship programs before or immediately after graduation. The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana offers structured internships in small animal medicine, surgery, and emergency care for new graduates. Corporate groups such as VCA and Banfield also offer new-graduate mentorship programs at their Illinois locations. Applying as an associate veterinarian at a general practice, emphasizing externship hours and a clean Illinois license, is the most common door-opener for candidates without independent caseload experience.
Where can I find and apply to veterinarian jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to veterinarian jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state right now. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 124+ Veterinarian Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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