Animal Care & Pet Services OPT Jobs in Tennessee
Animal care & pet services F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee span veterinary clinics, research facilities, and zoological institutions across Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. Major employers include University of Tennessee veterinary programs and regional animal hospital networks. OPT-authorized roles in this field often align with zoology, animal science, and veterinary technology degree programs.
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Location
Franklin, Tennessee, United States of America
Category
Veterinarian
Job Id
R-255907
Job Type
Full time
Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA McKay’s Mill Animal Hospital in Franklin, TN. You will quickly discover that you’re well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team. You will be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.
Why Join the Team
- AAHA-Accredited Standards: Practice high-quality veterinary medicine in an AAHA-accredited facility equipped with modern surgical suites, diagnostics, and preventative care resources.
- Supportive & Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a close-knit, dedicated team that values open communication, mutual respect, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Continuous Learning & Growth: Expand your clinical skills through ongoing education opportunities, mentorship, and clear pathways for career development.
- Hometown Community Impact: Build lasting relationships with local pet owners and make a meaningful difference caring for pets in Franklin, TN.
- Dedicated Mentorship: Students and new graduates are encouraged to apply and will receive dedicated mentorship.
Learn more about the hospital here: VCA McKay’s Mill Animal Hospital
Schedule
- Full-time position
- Operational Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cases
- Our practice focuses on providing comprehensive care for dogs and cats.
- Diverse range of cases and emergency situations
Community
- Charming Historic Downtown: Enjoy a picturesque, walkable Main Street filled with local boutiques, award-winning dining, historic architecture, and year-round community festivals.
- Top-Tier Schools & Safety: Benefit from one of the highest-ranked public school districts in Tennessee (Williamson County Schools) alongside safe, family-friendly neighborhoods.
- Abundant Outdoor Recreation: Access scenic green spaces, rolling hills, walking trails, and nearby natural landmarks like the Natchez Trace Parkway.
- Proximity to Nashville: Experience the quiet, close-knit feel of a historic town while staying just 25 minutes from Nashville’s vibrant music scene, culture, and international airport.
Who do we look for:
- People obsessed with pets and their care.
- Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine.
- Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team.
- Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career.
- Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust.
Total Rewards
As a member of the VCA family, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:
Compensation
- Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other relevant credentials.
- This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.
Health & Well-being
- Innovative Associate health and well-being department (Headspace app subscriptions, Vault financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources)
- 401k retirement savings plan with company match
- Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility benefits, gender affirmation services
- Paid parental, vacation and sick leave
Professional Development
- Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days
- WOOF University – offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team.
- Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program.
Discover Additional Benefits Benefits | VCA
Qualifications
- A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
- Licensure in good standing to practice in TN, or the ability to obtain.
- A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.
About VCA
VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.
Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.
VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets™.
If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page.
OPT Animal Care & Pet Services Job Roles in Tennessee
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Search Animal Care & Pet Services Jobs in TennesseeAnimal Care & Pet Services OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which animal care & pet services companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Tennessee?
Tennessee employers that have historically supported F-1 OPT workers in animal care include University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Memphis Zoo, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Banfield Pet Hospital locations statewide, and regional veterinary specialty and emergency clinics. Research institutions affiliated with Tennessee universities also hire OPT-authorized graduates in animal science and veterinary technology roles.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most animal care & pet services F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Nashville leads in animal care OPT opportunities due to its concentration of veterinary specialty clinics and the Nashville Zoo. Knoxville is notable for University of Tennessee veterinary and agricultural research programs. Memphis supports roles through its zoo and affiliated animal health organizations. Smaller markets like Murfreesboro and Chattanooga have growing veterinary clinic networks that occasionally hire OPT-authorized graduates.
What types of animal care & pet services roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly qualify include veterinary technician, animal research assistant, zoo keeper, wildlife biologist, and animal behavior specialist positions that directly relate to a qualifying degree field such as animal science, biology, zoology, or veterinary technology. The position must be commensurate with the degree program under which OPT is authorized. General pet grooming or boarding attendant roles typically do not meet the degree-relatedness requirement.
How do I find animal care & pet services F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for international students seeking OPT-eligible positions and lets you filter by visa type, industry, and state to surface animal care & pet services roles in Tennessee that align with your degree field. Searching by your specific degree program helps identify employers whose open roles meet the OPT degree-relatedness standard. Reviewing employer LCA filing histories can also indicate prior experience hiring international students in this industry.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Tennessee's animal care sector?
Tennessee does not impose state-level restrictions on OPT employment, but animal care roles often require state-issued licenses or certifications. Veterinary technicians, for example, must be licensed through the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association's examination process. OPT authorization does not automatically satisfy licensure requirements, so confirming that your visa status is compatible with Tennessee's professional licensing timelines is an important step before accepting a position.