Business Spotlight: Heart + Paw

Heart + Paw is reimagining pet care, providing a full range of services designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s pet parents. Their goal is to become a true partner in pet parenthood so that four-legged family members can live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered outside Philadelphia, Heart + Paw offers veterinary care, grooming, day care, boarding, retail, and other complementary services at its centers in more than 30 locations. From wellness, urgent, and dental care to advanced diagnostics, surgery, grooming, and daycare, Heart + Paw prioritizes a minimal-stress, compassionate approach for every pet. 

To find out what makes Heart + Paw an employer of choice, types of veterinary jobs they’re filling, and more, we spoke with Mary Buonpastore, Talent + Team Experience Manager, for this iHire Business Spotlight.

iHire: Thank you so much for taking the time to share more about Heart + Paw, Mary. Let’s start off with an easy question: What makes Heart + Paw a great place to work?

Mary Buonpastore: We believe that people who dedicate their lives to caring for animals have the noblest hearts in the world. Through a deep appreciation for the human-animal bond, open communication, and a strong support network, we are building a community of professionals who understand the dynamics between pets, pet parents, and the care team so veterinarians can practice happily, healthily, and successfully.

iHire: How would you describe your company culture?

MB: We’re building a culture that treats pets, their families, and our teams like our own. That means we’re committed to protecting the well-being of our pet care team. We understand that delivering high-quality care begins with the wellness of our veterinary family and creating a supportive ecosystem where you feel empowered, respected, and appreciated. 

iHire: What sets Heart + Paw apart from others in your industry?

MB: At Heart + Paw, our team members are leading the future of veterinary medicine with countless opportunities to grow and make an impact on the lives of our patients and clients. Our team members are joining a community of like-minded veterinary professionals focused on providing high-quality care in our centers through advanced tools and technology and access to diverse medical cases.

From student mentorship programs to co-owning a Heart + Paw center, we provide a strong framework that gives candidates the freedom to individualize how they achieve success. Some of our offerings include the following and more:

•     Licensing assistance
•     Relocation assistance
•     No non-compete agreements
•     New graduate VITALS (Veterinarian Initiation Together to Achieve Lasting Success) onboarding program
•     Exclusive doctor rewards program
•     Credentialed veterinary technician bonus program
•     Co-ownership opportunities for veterinarians

iHire: Has Heart + Paw received any industry or community awards or recognition?

MB: We’ve been recognized as a top employer for five consecutive years and are Great Place to Work® Certified™ for 2026.

iHire: What types of positions are you looking to fill?

MB: We’re looking for veterinary professionals in all roles, including Medical Directors, Associate Veterinarians, Traveling Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and support team members, to join our growing team.

If you’re passionate about delivering top-notch veterinary care to pets and their families, and thrive in a supportive, growth-oriented environment that values collaboration, professional development, and personal fulfillment, we’d love to meet you. As part of the Heart + Paw team, you’ll have the support of a veterinarian-led operations team dedicated to helping you grow and succeed at every stage of your career.

Our veterinary centers are ideal for individuals who prioritize client-centered care, value the human-animal bond, embrace low-stress handling techniques, and are committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

iHire: What advice would you give candidates applying to Heart + Paw?

MB: Be yourself and let your passion for veterinary medicine and pet care shine through. Candidates should come prepared to share not only their clinical experience and skills, but also how they contribute to a strong team environment and align with our mission of reimagining pet care. We encourage applicants to ask questions, learn about our culture and values, and explore how Heart + Paw can support their personal and professional goals.

Learn more about Heart + Paw careers and see their current job openings here.