Associate Veterinarian

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is seeking a Veterinarian for its Vetco Total Care Full Service hospital in Avondale, Arizona. The role involves providing clinical care, performing surgical procedures, and leading the veterinary team.

The ideal candidate must possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, an active veterinary license, and a commitment to high-quality patient care. You will work in a dynamic environment performing physical examinations, diagnostics, and complex medical procedures while ensuring a supportive atmosphere for team members and clients.

Qualifications

• Comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries such as spays, neuters, and dental procedures.
• Ability to maintain a professional attitude in stressful situations.
• Proficient in telephone and computer skills.
• Strong team player willing to learn new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care through examinations and treatment planning.
• Perform surgical and dental procedures, both routine and complex.
• Document all patient observations and interactions.
• Participate in knowledge dissemination among staff.
• Communicate effectively with clients and referral hospitals.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Compassionate and sympathetic demeanor

Problem solving skills

Ability to perform anesthesia and routine surgeries

Team player willing to learn

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school

Active licensure as a veterinarian without contingencies

Current DEA license

USDA Category I Accreditation or completion within two months of hire date

Job description

We are looking for a Veterinarian to join our Vetco Total Care Full Service hospital. The role includes clinical care, surgical procedures, diagnostics, and team leadership.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide excellent patient care by performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating diseases, and providing preventive care according to patient signalment, lifestyle, and environment.
• Utilize a problem‑based approach that includes developing a complete problem list for every patient examined, a complete list of differential diagnoses for each problem identified, a complete diagnostic plan, and appropriate treatments based on interpretation of diagnostic test results leading to confirmed or suspected diagnoses.
• Document all patient observations, findings of exams and diagnostics, treatments and medications, client interactions, and tentative and confirmed diagnoses in the medical record in a concise and detailed fashion, according to practice convention.
• Perform routine and complex surgical procedures including but not limited to spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory, and mass removals.
• Perform routine and complex dental procedures including full dental examination, evaluation of dental radiographs, as well as simple and complex extractions and oral surgical procedures.
• Develop treatment plans for patients undergoing day hospitalization based on complete problem‑based assessment. Transition patients to overnight care as needed and communicate effectively with referral hospitals to ensure continuity of patient care.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in rounds as incoming or exiting doctor at the beginning and end of shifts.
• Disseminate knowledge throughout staff to improve the level of care and communication provided to hospital partners, patients and clients.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Nature of Supervision

In all activities related to the care of individual patients, the Veterinarian will take direct supervision from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director. The Veterinarian has discretion related to decisions regarding patient care, however, it is imperative that the Veterinarian uphold the standards set forth in the Petco Veterinary SOPs.

Planning and Problem Solving

Problem solving skills are essential for expeditious diagnosis of patient problems.

Impact

This position impacts the organization by contributing to a productive practice and high‑quality standard of care, ensuring a cohesive, well‑trained team, and maximizing employee retention, patient well‑being, and customer satisfaction.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, however the Veterinarian is a de facto leader in the hospital.

Education / Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an AVMA‑accredited veterinary school.
• Active licensure as a veterinarian without contingencies in the state where the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
• Current DEA license.
• Current Controlled Substance License, if applicable, in state where the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
• USDA Category I Accreditation or completion within two months of hire date.
• Comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries such as canine and feline spays, neuters, mass removals and dental procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate and sympathetic, and able to maintain a professional attitude in stressful situations.
• Telephone and computer skills.
• Team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Work Environment

The majority of job duties are performed in the Vetco Total Care veterinary full‑service hospital. Duties require bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, standing for extended periods, and direct contact with clients and pets.

Contacts

This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and product/service providers.

EEO Statement

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.