Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital has been proudly serving the West Des Moines, Des Moines, Norwalk, Urbandale, Clive, and surrounding communities since the 1950s. We provide comprehensive, progressive care to dogs and cats in a welcoming, family-friendly setting where clients are on a first-name basis with our doctors and staff. Our focus is on building strong, lasting relationships with pets and their people while practicing high-quality medicine.

Our medical team includes:

• Dr. Christine Wauhob, a 1998 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been with the practice since 2005. She works part-time with a strong focus on oncology, pathology, and internal medicine. Dr. Christine is known for her thorough diagnostic work-ups and does not perform surgical procedures.
• Dr. Emily Gearig, a 2011 graduate of Iowa State University, joined our practice in July 2023 and became managing DVM in October 2023. With 12 years of mixed animal experience in Ohio, Dr. Emily brings a wide skill set, including certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (chiropractic care) since 2018. She also provides laser therapy, soft tissue surgery, dental/oral surgery, and ultrasound.
• Dr. Adam Steffensmeier, a 2025 graduate of Iowa State University, is the newest addition to our team, bringing fresh knowledge and enthusiasm to our practice.

Our doctors are supported by a dedicated team of veterinary technicians and support staff who are passionate about patient care, client education, and teamwork.

At Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital, we take pride in blending progressive medicine with a small-town, personal feel.

Full-Time DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)

Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital
312 Grand Avenue West, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States

About Us

At Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital—a proud fixture in the West Des Moines community for over 50 years—we are a caring, client-focused general practice. Staffed by experienced DVMs, including Dr. Christy Wauhob and Dr. Emily Gearig, our team is committed to staying current with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine and providing compassionate, personalized care to every patient and client. We offer a welcoming environment, treating pets as if they were our own while serving pets throughout the Des Moines metro area.

Position: Full-Time Veterinarian (DVM)

Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital is seeking a dedicated, full-time DVM to join our collaborative team in West Des Moines, IA.  

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive care including wellness exams, diagnostics, vaccinations, dental cleanings, general surgery, laser therapy, and chiropractic care.

• Communicate effectively with pet owners: explain findings, recommendations, and wellness plans

• Collaborate with technicians and support staff to optimize patient care and clinic flow

• Maintain accurate medical records in compliance with clinic protocols

• Participate in continuing education and training to stay current on standards and techniques

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an AVMA-accredited institution

• All experience levels encouraged to apply - great mentorship is available

• Current Iowa veterinary license (or eligibility to obtain)

• Compassionate, team-oriented approach to patient care

• Strong diagnostic, surgical, and communication skills

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits: medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plan

• Supportive team environment—work alongside experienced colleagues in a practice dedicated to excellence

• Continuing education support and professional development opportunities

• Modern facility offering services like laser therapy, and onsite diagnostics, plus access to board-certified referral partners for advanced cases

Schedule

• Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM; closed weekend

Why Join Us?

Grand Avenue is not just a veterinary clinic—it’s a place where pets are family. If you aspire to build lasting relationships with clients, grow professionally, and contribute meaningfully to a close-knit team, we’d love to have you on our team.

• Examine and treat companion animals to detect and determine the nature of disease or injuries.
• Operate diagnostic equipment and collect diagnostic samples as well as interpret results.
• Advise pet owners on preventative care and treatment options.
• Perform surgery and prescribe medication as needed.
• Provide counsel around pet end of life care.
• Maintain patients’ medical records.
• Ensures compliance with veterinary ethics and relevant statues, policies, and procedures.

• DVM/VMD degree from an accredited AVMA institution.
• Appropriate state licensure.

• Eligibility to obtain DEA/BNDD.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates professional and courteous presentation consistently with staff and clients.
• Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance.

• Unlimited personal time
• Bonus incentives
• Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
• Retirement benefits (401(k), Roth(k) with match)
• CE and licensure reimbursement 
• Flexible work schedules
• Managing career path development
• Employee Assistance Program
• DVM Referral Program
• Mental Health Resources
• Relocation assistance available