Description

Practice Overview

Paws & Claws Animal Hospital is the only hospital in North Texas offering Functional Medicine for all pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals.) Functional medicine focuses on the function of the patient's cells, using an individualized approach to promote health and return sick patients to healthy as quickly as possible.

The practices of functional medicine are useful both for healthy patients (to improve their health) as well as for those suffering from illness, especially chronic illness, to return them to health. We use diet, cold laser, homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and other modalities with traditional diagnostics to optimize veterinary care.

Since opening its doors in 1991, Dr. Shawn Messonnier has treated countless clients with uniquely developed holistic treatments. He has authored several award-winning books, developed his own line of herbal supplements and more!

More about the Role

At Paws and Claws, we provide a special level of care that combines a balance of natural and conventional therapies that truly display functional medicine. Whether it be wellness visits or treating chronic disease, our medicine encompasses each animal's body, mind, and spirit.

Our one-of-a-kind practice is looking to add an associate veterinarian to our family!

We happily treat all furry, feathered, or scaled patients! With our vast array of patients and clientele, we offer a vast array of services. These range from annual preventative care and vaccinations, dentistry, and soft tissue surgeries to integrative cancer therapy, glandular therapy, and autosanguis therapy. To aid in our services our hospital is equipped with in-house labs, digital radiographs, cold laser, and more.

We have a structured, customized mentorship program and would love to welcome an experienced or new graduate. In working with us, you will enjoy a healthy work/life balance and be supported by a highly trained team. If you are a veterinarian looking to broaden your experiences and work with patients of all kinds, we encourage you to apply!



Plano, Texas, is an inclusive, diverse, and friendly community. Boasting more than 4,000 acres of parks and nature preserves and 300 days of sunshine a year, it's the perfect home for cyclists, hikers, and families. Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy the colorful balloon festivals. The Bob Woodruff Park and Oak Point Park & Nature preserve make up green space larger than New York City's Central Park. Plano is also home to five recreation centers and an extensive library system. Historic downtown Plano features an arts district, and the area is home to culinary delights from all over the world. Just 17 miles north of Dallas, Plano has something for everyone.

Essential Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 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.

Benefits Offered

• Competitive Compensation - All salary ranges are negotiable based on experience
• 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