Veterinary Surgeon Jobs 26 Jobs Available

A board-certified veterinary surgeon, an ACVS Diplomate, handles complex orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurosurgical cases that go beyond what general practice typically performs: fracture repair, cruciate ligament surgery, tumor removal requiring advanced technique, and other procedures demanding specialized surgical training and equipment.

Becoming a board-certified veterinary surgeon requires a DVM, an internship, and a residency approved by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), generally in either small animal or large animal surgery, followed by board certification exams. This is a long and genuinely competitive path, with limited residency positions relative to the number of applicants each cycle, making it one of the more selective specialty tracks in veterinary medicine.

Veterinary surgeon jobs in this category refer specifically to board-certified or residency-trained ACVS specialists, distinct from general practice DVMs who also perform surgery as part of a broader caseload. These roles are concentrated at specialty and referral hospitals, academic teaching institutions, and some larger emergency hospitals with a dedicated surgical service operating around the clock.

For a full breakdown of the residency pathway, realistic timeline, and what the career actually looks like day to day once you're practicing, the complete guide to becoming a board-certified veterinary surgeon covers the process in depth before you start applying to residency programs.

Before applying, ask about case volume and complexity at a given hospital, since referral surgical practices vary considerably in caseload mix between orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurosurgical cases, which shapes both your day-to-day work and how your specific surgical interests get used.

When reviewing listings, pay attention to whether a hospital distinguishes between orthopedic and soft tissue caseload, since some board-certified surgeons focus more heavily on one area, and matching a role to your own training and interests improves both job satisfaction and case outcomes.