Serving the Panama City area for over 30 years, the Bay Animal Hospital staff works together as a team to provide our clients and patients the highest standard of veterinary care. Our practice has been voted "Best of the Bay" for 7 consecutive years!
Up to $50,000 Sign-On Bonus
Voted Best of Bay 7 Years Running — and still growing.
Bay Animal Hospital isn’t just a workplace — it’s a veterinary home. For more than 30 years, we’ve cared for Panama City’s pets with skill, heart, and consistency, earning the trust of an established and loyal client base (and seven straight Best of Bay wins to prove it).
We’re a close-knit small animal general practice that truly supports one another. Whether you’re a new graduate looking for real mentorship or an experienced DVM ready for a collaborative, positive environment, you’ll find your place here.
Our founder, Dr. Ruff, genuinely enjoys mentoring and supporting doctors at every stage of their career. No egos. No sink-or-swim. Just solid medicine, teamwork, and respect.
And yes — the location is hard to beat. We’re steps from Watson Bayou, minutes from Panama City Beach, and close to downtown Panama City’s restaurants, boutiques, and waterfront life.
Award-Winning Practice – Trusted by the community, year after year
Mentorship That Matters – Supportive guidance for new grads and collaboration for seasoned doctors
Tight-Knit Team Culture – Friendly, supportive, and genuinely fun to work with
Gold-Standard Medicine – Quality care without rushing or cutting corners
Work-Life Balance – We respect your time, your family, and your life outside the clinic
Coastal Lifestyle Perk – Sunshine, water views, and beach days are part of the package
DVM/VMD from an AVMA-accredited program
Active Florida veterinary license (or ability to obtain)
DEA/BNDD eligibility
Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset
Comfortable lifting up to 25 lbs independently (more with assistance)
Open to learning, collaboration, and growth
New graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Competitive, negotiable compensation based on experience
Up to $50,000 sign-on bonus
Unlimited Personal Time Away
Bonus incentives
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) & Roth 401(k) with company match
CE allowance & licensure reimbursement
Flexible scheduling options
Career development & mentorship support
Employee Assistance Program & mental health resources
Vet referral program
Relocation assistance available
If you’re looking for a practice where your medicine is respected, your growth is supported, and your life outside of work actually matters — Bay Animal Hospital may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
USD $115,000.00 - USD $150,000.00 /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.
