Dr. Barta opened Barta Animal Hospital in January 1973 in a former automotive repair shop that he had remodeled. He built a new clinic in 1997. Dr. Barta grew his clinic from one doctor and two staff into today’s successful, growing practice.
We are a true mixed animal practice, providing high-quality veterinary services in Southeast Kansas for pets of all sizes.
$50K Sign-On Bonus! | Associate Veterinarian | Mixed Animal Medicine with HeartIndependence, Kansas
At Barta Animal Hospital, we’ve been caring for pets, livestock, and even the occasional zoo animal since 1973. Our roots run deep in Southeast Kansas, but our vibe is anything but old-school. We believe in modern medicine, genuine connections, and making sure both our patients and our people feel seen, heard, and supported.
We’re looking for a veterinarian who wants more than “just a job.” You want community. You want purpose. You want to work with a team that has your back, celebrates your wins, and gives you the flexibility to have a life outside the clinic (hello, Unlimited Personal Time Away).
Why You’ll Love It Here🐾 A Culture You Can Breathe In – No egos, no drama—just good people who care about what they do.🐄 Variety Every Day – From small animal wellness visits to farm calls and even caring for the town’s free zoo animals. (Yep, that’s a thing.)💡 Mentorship That Matters – Dr. Cooper is a large animal legend, and his mentorship has shaped incredible careers—like Dr. Wilczek, who now works side-by-side with him.ð Tools That Work as Hard as You Do â Hydraulic cattle chute, in-house IDEXX lab, digital & portable x-ray, brand-new ultrasound, and digital dental x-ray.ð± Room to Grow â Weâll support your career path, whether thatâs honing your surgical skills, expanding into new species, or becoming a community leader.
The Work Youâll Do
Provide care for pets and large animals (we love a good mixed-bag day).
Diagnose, treat, and perform surgeries.
Guide pet parents through preventive care and treatment options.
Offer compassionate end-of-life support.
What Weâre Looking For
DVM degree + state licensure (or ability to get it).
You communicate like a human, not a textbook.
Youâre collaborative, adaptable, and care about your community.
Perks & Benefits
Competitive pay (negotiable) + bonus incentives
Unlimited Personal Time Away (yes, really)
Health, dental, vision insurance
401(k) and Roth(k) with match
CE and licensure reimbursement
Flexible scheduling
Mental health resources & EAP
Relocation assistance if youâre moving in
Life in Independence, KSThis is small-town life with a big heart. Expect neighbors who know your name, clients who bring you cookies, and the freedom to actually enjoy your time offâwithout a two-hour commute home.
Ready to love your job and your life? Letâs talk.
USD $115,000.00 - USD $130,000.00 /Yr.
Heartland Veterinary Partners is a support organization that is committed to improving the lives of veterinarians. We purchase veterinary practices and provide operational support to relieve administrative burdens such as payroll, recruiting, HR, marketing and accounts payables. If needed, we invest to support growth. The practices maintain their unique branding, culture and clinical autonomy.
At Heartland, we believe that selling a veterinary practice shouldn’t mean losing what makes it remarkable. When we acquire a practice, the doctor comes first. We listen closely to their needs in order to create a one-of-a-kind solution to ease their administrative burdens—all without disrupting their day-to-day operations, the culture they’ve fostered, and the relationships they’ve built. In other words, the name over the door doesn’t go away. The headaches of running a business do.
Partnering veterinarians appreciate an improved work-life balance, less financial worry, and the confidence that their teams will be in good hands. Best of all, they get to focus on why they entered the business in the first place: to care for animals and to be present when their clients need them most. Practice team members enjoy the warm culture of their individual community practices combined with the support and resources that Heartland brings to the table.
Improving the lives of veterinarians means supporting them at all stages of their careers. Whether you're a veterinary student or a new graduate looking for hands-on learning to begin your career or an experienced veterinarian looking to tackle management and leadership opportunities, we keep your goals at the heart of everything we do.
The Heartland Support Center team is hardwired to serve. We follow the philosophy of servant leadership and put the needs of others first with a genuine desire to help. As a result, Heartland’s practices count on team members to be there for them with heart and solution, not a corporate agenda.
