Locum Veterinarian

About the Role

Kingston Regional Pet Hospital is an after-hours emergency facility looking for a Locum Veterinarian to join a collaborative, mentorship-focused team. You'll work in a fast-paced small animal emergency environment where clinical excellence meets genuine camaraderie — the kind of place where your colleagues cheer each other on through the stressful cases and find moments of levity along the way.

The hospital operates overnight Monday through Wednesday, and 24 hours Thursday evening through Monday morning, plus all holidays. This schedule is designed with flexibility and work-life balance in mind, so you're not burning out between shifts. You'll be responsible for clinical work with emergency cases, bringing both technical expertise and emotional intelligence to every patient interaction. The team values people who are eager to learn, comfortable multitasking in high-pressure situations, and genuinely skilled at communicating with worried pet owners.

Kingston offers a vibrant community with plenty to explore when you're off-duty — a scenic waterfront, thriving dining and brewery scene, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation nearby make it an appealing place to base yourself between shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct clinical care for small animal emergency cases with a high standard of veterinary medicine
• Work collaboratively with the RVT and DVM team in a mentoring environment
• Communicate compassionately and clearly with clients during stressful situations
• Demonstrate flexibility and strong multitasking in a fast-paced emergency setting
• Contribute to a supportive team culture that balances professionalism with light-hearted moments

Requirements

• Hold or be eligible to obtain a full General Veterinary License in Ontario
• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree
• Emergency medicine experience preferred (or willingness to learn in a mentoring environment)
• Strong client communication and emotional intelligence skills
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-stress situations

Benefits

• Competitive locum rate: $130,000–$160,000 annually
• Networking and collaboration opportunities with veterinarians across VetCare practices
• Access to advanced diagnostics and modern facilities
• Flexible scheduling that prioritizes work-life balance
• Mentorship and continuing education within a supportive team

About the Practice

Kingston Regional Pet Hospital is part of VetCare, a proudly Canadian veterinary organization with roots in Vancouver and a growing network of practices across the country. VetCare combines the personal, community-focused approach of local clinics with the collective expertise and operational support of a larger collaborative network. The organization is committed to fostering excellence in veterinary medicine and supporting its team members through mentorship and professional development.

The emergency hospital itself is staffed by a skilled team of DVMs and RVTs who genuinely enjoy working together. They encourage everyone to expand their skills and knowledge, creating an environment where learning is valued and stress is managed with both professionalism and humour.