Build Your Veterinary Career at SAVA Animal Hospital
At SAVA Animal Hospital, we believe exceptional veterinary medicine starts with exceptional people. As a female-owned, veterinarian-owned small animal practice, we've built a culture centered on collaboration, mentorship, and compassionate patient care. Whether you're an experienced veterinarian or just beginning your career, you'll join a team that values your growth, supports your goals, and encourages you to practice the highest standard of medicine.
Our Story
SAVA Animal Hospital has proudly served pets and their families since 1973. Founded by Dr. Martha O'Rourke, the practice was created with a vision of providing compassionate, individualized veterinary care in a privately owned hospital. In 2023, Dr. Kristen Szydlowski continued that legacy by purchasing the practice, modernizing the hospital, expanding medical services, and strengthening a collaborative, team-focused culture.
SAVA continues to evolve to meet the needs of our patients, clients, and community. We've expanded our capabilities to include advanced diagnostics, ultrasound, acupuncture, therapeutic laser therapy, modern dentistry, and surgery while continually investing in new technology and continuing education for our team.
Today, our greatest accomplishment is the culture we've built. Collaboration, mentorship, and outstanding patient care are equally valued, creating an environment where every team member is encouraged to learn, grow, and enjoy coming to work each day.
A Team That Grows Together
Our team includes three veterinarians and seven dedicated support staff who work closely together to deliver personalized care for every patient. From wellness visits to advanced procedures, we believe the best outcomes happen when everyone contributes their knowledge and supports one another.
Why Choose SAVA Animal Hospital?
Collaborative Medicine
As a veterinarian-owned practice, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Our doctors regularly discuss cases, share ideas, and support one another, giving every veterinarian access to decades of collective experience. Here, your voice is valued and your teammates are always willing to help.
Personalized Mentorship
Your career path is unique, and your mentorship should be too. Whether you're building confidence as a new graduate or expanding your surgical expertise as an experienced veterinarian, we create an individualized mentorship plan tailored to your interests and professional goals. Our doctors receive ongoing guidance and opportunities to strengthen their skills in surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, ultrasound, acupuncture, and more.
Quality Medicine with Work-Life Balance
We believe outstanding patient care and personal well-being go hand in hand. Longer appointment times, experienced technical support, and a positive team culture allow our veterinarians to focus on practicing excellent medicine while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Support From Day One
Every new team member receives a personalized onboarding experience based on their experience level and career aspirations. From your first day, you'll work alongside experienced doctors who provide hands-on guidance in medicine, surgery, diagnostics, and hospital protocols. Mentorship doesn't end after orientation, it's an ongoing part of our culture.
Professional Growth
We are committed to helping every team member continue learning throughout their career. Professional development opportunities include:
- One-on-one doctor mentorship
- Surgical mentorship
- Continuing education allowance and CE days
- Additional CE funding for advanced training
- Training opportunities in dentistry, surgery, ultrasound, diagnostics, acupuncture, and alternative medicine
Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive Benefits
- ICHRA health insurance benefit after the 90-day probationary period, allowing employees to choose the plan that best fits their needs
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Paid time off
- Flexible scheduling options
- Employee pet care discounts
Perks Our Team Enjoys
We believe the little things make a big difference. Our team enjoys regular lunch-and-learns hosted by our industry partners, complimentary lunches, scrub tops provided after the 90-day probationary period, and a fully stocked coffee and tea station to help keep everyone fueled throughout the day.
Life in Toms River, New Jersey
Located just minutes from the Jersey Shore, Toms River offers the perfect balance of coastal living, outdoor recreation, and convenient access to major metropolitan areas. Whether you're raising a family, enjoying the outdoors, or exploring nearby cities, you'll find plenty to love about the area.
Outdoor Adventures
Spend your free time enjoying nearby beaches like Seaside and Lavallette, boating, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking at Cattus Island Park, or kayaking through Double Trouble State Park. Waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment are always close by.
Local Favorites
Grab coffee at Revolutionary Lounge, explore the restaurants, brewery, and distillery in downtown Toms River, or enjoy live music and local vendors during the town's popular summer street festivals.
Easy Access to Everything
Toms River is approximately one hour from Newark International Airport, one hour from New York City, and just over an hour from Philadelphia, making travel and weekend adventures convenient while still enjoying a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Current Opportunities
Associate Veterinarian (Full-Time)
We're looking for a compassionate veterinarian who enjoys building lasting relationships with clients and wants to continue developing their medical and surgical skills in a collaborative, veterinarian-owned practice.
Our veterinarians perform routine soft tissue surgeries, including spays, neuters, and mass removals. For doctors interested in advancing their surgical expertise, personalized mentorship is available to build confidence in more advanced procedures.
Position Highlights
- Starting salary of $125,000–$160,000 plus production bonuses
- Personalized mentorship at every stage of your career
- Growth opportunities in medicine, dentistry, diagnostics, and advanced surgery
- Modern equipment and technology
- Experienced technical support with 2–3 support staff per doctor
- Continuing education support, including additional funding for advanced training
- Typical four-day work week
- No emergency or on-call responsibilities
Future Opportunities
Although we're currently hiring for an Associate Veterinarian, we're always interested in meeting talented professionals who share our values and contribute to our collaborative culture.
We welcome resumes from:
- Veterinary Technicians
- Veterinary Assistants
- Client Service Representatives
Even if your desired position isn't currently available, we'd love to hear from you. If you're passionate about exceptional patient care, teamwork, and continuous learning, we encourage you to introduce yourself.