More About Us
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about us.
Wise Owl is a growing animal hospital committed to improving the lives of Guam’s animals and their people—today, tomorrow, and always. Since starting in 2005, we've built a strong, compassionate team and continue to grow after nearly 20 years.
Below you'll find details about our staff, clinic, and equipment, along with contacts who can share what it’s like to work with us.
Our Staff
At Wise Owl Animal Hospital, we take immense pride in our exceptional team dedicated to providing top-notch care. Our staff are not only highly skilled but also bring enthusiasm and warmth to every visit.
We have over 17 certified veterinary nurses—including 8 dental hygienists—and 6 veterinary assistants. Their expertise covers lab diagnostics, phlebotomy, IV and urinary catheter placements, medication administration, and more.
Our core values of compassion, dedication, inspiration, integrity, teamwork, and lifelong learning guide all we do. When you choose Wise Owl, you’re choosing a team truly invested in your pet’s well-being.
We proudly employ both Guam locals and those temporarily on the island with the military. Learn more about our amazing staff on the Staff page.
The Position
Below is the job description for veterinarians at Wise Owl Animal Hospital. These descriptions are meant to be read along with general expectations for all Wise Owl employees.
You can view and download PDF versions of both documents here:
Overview
Relief
Department: Veterinarian
Job Status: Full Time (40+ hrs/wk)
Education: DVM
Experience: 2-4 years preferred
Reports To: Chief of Staff
Work Schedule: TBD as needed
Pay: up to $2,500/wk
Associate
Department: Veterinarian
Job Status: Full Time (40+ hrs/wk)
Education: DVM
Experience: New grads and experienced vets welcomed
Reports To: Chief of Staff
Work Schedule: 4-5 days a week
Annual Salary: $200,000+ (depending on experience)
The associate veterinarian is responsible for medical and surgical care of patients and plays a key role in client relations and team leadership. Duties include overseeing patient care, directing staff, handling emergencies, maintaining accurate records, and promoting client education.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
General Knowledge
- Extensive knowledge of pets, pet care, and veterinary medicine.
- Familiarity with services provided and related costs.
- Understanding of parasite pathology and treatments.
- Awareness of zoonotic diseases and their prevention.
- Knowledge of Guam pet import/export requirements.
Essential Tasks
- Supervise and guide technical staff.
- Educate and support clients.
- Examine, diagnose, and treat patients.
- Perform diagnostic tests and surgeries.
- Administer and monitor anesthesia.
- Perform dental procedures and surgical extractions.
- Ensure accurate medical records.
- Handle emergency cases and be available on-call.
- Support hospital goals and participate in meetings/events.
Medical Skills
- Proficient in surgery, dentistry, and diagnostics.
- Familiar with advanced equipment and tools.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Independently manage cases and support staff.
- Educate clients on preventative care.
Skills & Abilities
Certificates & Licenses
- DVM degree from an accredited university.
- Eligible for Guam veterinary license, DEA, CSR, USDA accreditation.
- Meet annual CE requirements.
Other Requirements
- Customer service experience.
- Availability for weekends, holidays, evenings.
- Commitment to Wise Owl's mission and core values.
Benefits
Wise Owl Animal Hospital offers generous benefits for veterinarians. Beyond competitive pay, we provide essentials like transportation, housing, licensing coverage, and wellness perks — making relocation and settling in stress-free.
For Both Relief & Associate Vets
- Biweekly competitive salary
- All required licensing fees
- Personal company car with insurance
- Company phone & computer
- Airfare to/from Guam
- Housing for duration (relief) or first 3 months (associate)
- Pet care discounts
- Flexible schedules and outer-island work
- Emergency commission opportunities
- Employee assistance program
- Direct deposit
For Associate Vets Only
- Group health insurance for employee + spouse
- Malpractice insurance
- 401k with 3% match + profit sharing
- AVMA dues + 1 org of choice
- 2 journal subscriptions
- $5,000 relocation allowance
- Spouse/significant other airfare coverage
- Annual round-trip airfare
- Pet relocation cost coverage
- Quarterly pet care credit
- $2,000 annual CE allowance
- Paid vacation
- Employee wellness plans
Licensure & Requirements
Begin your journey by submitting your application to Wise Owl Animal Hospital. After submission, expect contact from our hospital administrator within 1-2 weeks.
Guam, as a U.S. territory, has reciprocity with other states but requires all veterinarians to hold their own Guam Veterinary License. Additional required credentials are listed below.
Required Documents to Work on Guam
- • Guam Veterinary License
- • Controlled Substance Registration (CSR)
- • Category II USDA Accreditation
- • DEA License
Your Guam Veterinary License is essential for obtaining USDA accreditation and Controlled Substance Registration, which then allows you to apply for the DEA permit in Guam.
Note: The following details reflect experiences from past applicants and may not cover all requirements. For questions, contact us anytime.
Guam Veterinary License
This step takes 2 to 6 months. Applications must be received by the Board of Allied Health Examiners before the first Friday of each month to be included on the agenda. Incomplete or late submissions will be deferred to the following month.
Download Guam Veterinary License Application
Recommended Application Materials
- List all jurisdictions where licensed or applied for licensure, including verification documents.
- Detailed chronological life and educational history; military service if applicable.
- Official transcripts from veterinary and undergraduate schools (mailed directly) plus certificate of attendance.
- Copy of NAVLE scores, notarized if possible.
- Notarized copies of veterinary and undergraduate diplomas (translations notarized if not English).
- Notarized copies of current veterinary license(s).
- Three letters of reference (one from current veterinarian employer), sealed in envelopes.
- Proof of AVMA membership (recommended but optional).
- Fingerprint set from local police.
- Police clearance/background check from last residence.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (notarized passport copy recommended).
- Recent passport-style photograph.
- $250 money order payable to Treasurer of Guam – Department of Public Health and Social Services.
194 Hernan Cortes Avenue
213A Terlaje Building, Hagatna Guam 96913
(671) 735-7407 thru 7411
Controlled Substance Registration (CSR)
As soon as you get your Guam Veterinary License, submit a GCSR application with:
- A copy of your Guam Veterinary License
- A check for $500 payable to Treasurer of Guam
Send to:
Department of Public Health and Social Services
AATN: Division of Environmental Health
Controlled Substances Program
155 Hesler Place, Hagatna, Guam 96910
Phone: (671) 922-2533
Email: [email protected]
Category II USDA Accreditation
You can hold accreditation in multiple states/territories. After obtaining your Guam Veterinary License, fill out VS Form 1-36A and send it to your district office by mail or fax/email.
Guam's NAVP District Coordinator (as of 2017):
Todd D. Carnes
10365 Old Placerville Road, Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (916) 854-3903
Fax: (916) 363-3919
Email: [email protected]
DEA Change of Address
Once you receive your CSR number, visit the DEA website to submit an online application for a change of location where you practice. You will be asked for your Guam Veterinary License number and CSR number. Within a few days, you should receive an email requesting copies of your license and CSR — scan and email these to the DEA official. After verification, your new DEA registration for Guam will be mailed to your clinic within 10–14 days.
Practicing in Guam
Guam is a great place to live and raise children. English is the official language, and American currency is used. The island is culturally diverse, safe, and friendly. As a U.S. territory, you enjoy all associated rights — for example, your U.S. driver’s license is valid here, though if you stay longer than 6 months, you’ll need a Guam driver’s license.
We have many familiar stores such as Kmart, Macy’s, Ruby Tuesdays, IHOP, Applebee’s, Home Depot, and more.
Wise Owl Animal Hospital is the largest and busiest on the island, accredited by AAHA, with two full-time veterinarians, open 7 days a week, and providing after-hours emergency services. We handle complex medical and surgical cases and carry resources comparable to large mainland hospitals — despite being remote.
Due to our tropical location, parasite-related cases are very common. Our rule of thumb: if a parasite can cause it, we probably see it frequently.
Non-Parasite Related
- Parvo (90% survival rate)
- Feline respiratory disease complex (e.g., Chlamydia)
- FIV (high prevalence in outdoor cats), low FeLV
- Heatstroke
- Health certificates for: Australia, Europe, Japan, Korea, US Mainland, Hawaii & Alaska
- Poultry permits to Saipan & CNMI (Category II USDA Accreditation required)
- C-sections (many breeders on Guam)
- Trauma: hit by car/boat, dog fights
- Abscesses unrelated to fights/wounds
- Orthopedic and surgical cases including cruciates, luxating patellas, FHO’s, mastectomies, IVDD, BOAS
- Ocular issues: ulcers, proptosis
- Periodontal disease, abdominal masses, uroliths, pancreatitis/triaditis
Parasite Related
- Hookworm anemia
- Tick diseases (no Lyme): Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Hepatozoonosis
- Hemobartonella in cats (Mycoplasma haemofelis)
- Dermatophytosis
- Heartworm (diagnosed 3–5 times weekly)
Contact Us
We are happy to answer your questions about Guam, our clinic, relief services, and your specific application needs. Please contact us directly by filling out the form below or using the contact details provided.
Wise Owl Animal Hospital
705 S. Marine Corps Dr.
Tamuning, GU 96913
Phone: (671) 646-2273 | Fax: (671) 646-2264
Our References
Dr. Myles Mortiz
Dr. Mortiz was the first associate veterinarian at Wise Owl. After 4 years here, he returned stateside. He welcomes questions about working at Wise Owl and Guam in general.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (252) 833-0896
Dr. Rhonda Aliah
Dr. Aliah is a returning relief veterinarian who continues to provide relief services worldwide. She is happy to discuss relief work and how to make the most of your time on Guam.
Dr. Chelsea Anderson
“On arrival to Guam, Wise Owl welcomed me warmly and introduced me to island culture outside of work. The supportive atmosphere and busy caseload make this hospital a true asset to the island. You leave knowing you've made a difference. I highly recommend other relief vets consider working here!”