Associate Veterinarian

Chattyvets; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

401(k) with company match

CE allowance and paid professionaldues

Paid licences

Flexible scheduling

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonus

Referral bonus programme

Mentorship and career development

Job summary

Chattyvets in El Cajon, CA is seeking an experienced Associate Veterinarian to join a well-established small animal hospital. The role offers a high earning potential and a balanced lifestyle with clinical autonomy.

The position involves wellness care, diagnostics, soft tissue surgery, dentistry and collaborative case management with a supportive team and modern equipment.

Qualifications

• DVM / VMD (or equivalent) required.
• NAVLE certification required for eligibility.
• Strong surgical skills and client communication.
• DEA, State and USDA licences (or ability to obtain).
• Eligible to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Wellness and preventative medicine for small animals.
• Medical consultations and diagnostics.
• Soft tissue surgery.
• Comprehensive dentistry.
• Client education and preventative care.
• Collaborative case management with a supportive team.

Skills

Surgical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

DVM / VMD (or equivalent)

NAVLE certification

Tools

Digital radiography

Digital dental radiography

Ultrasound

In-house laboratory

Job description

Associate Veterinarian – El Cajon, CA | Up to $185k + Bonus | Strong Surgical Caseload

Why this role stands out

Looking for a practice where you can enjoy clinical autonomy, excellent earning potential and genuine work-life balance?

Join a thriving small animal hospital offering:

• $150,000–$185,000 base salary + production bonus

• No negative accrual

• Long-Term Incentive (LTI) bonus programme

• Flexible scheduling and mentorship

• Relocation assistance and sign-on bonus available

The Practice

• Established, highly regarded small animal hospital

• Primarily canine and feline caseload

• Average of 16 appointments per day, allowing time to practise quality medicine

• Excellent 3:1 support staff-to-doctor ratio

• Collaborative team with experienced technicians and client care staff

• Advanced equipment including digital radiography, digital dental radiography, ultrasound and in-house laboratory

• Strong focus on wellness, surgery and dentistry

• Positive team culture with clinical autonomy and supportive leadership

The Role

Full-time Associate Veterinarian position with a varied small animal caseload:

• Wellness and preventative medicine

• Medical consultations and diagnostics

• Soft tissue surgery

• Comprehensive dentistry

• Client education and preventative healthcare

• Collaborative case management with a highly supportive team

Suitable for:

• Experienced Associate Veterinarians

• Veterinarians with strong surgical skills

• Team-oriented clinicians seeking career development

• Veterinarians looking for excellent earning potential and work-life balance

Salary & Benefits

• $150,000–$185,000 base salary

• Production bonus

• Long-Term Incentive (LTI) cash bonus programme

• No negative accrual

• Health, dental & vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• CE allowance and paid professional dues

• Paid licences

• Flexible scheduling

• Paid time off

• Relocation assistance

• Sign-on bonus available

• Referral bonus programme

• Mentorship and career development opportunities

Location

El Cajon, California offers the perfect blend of suburban living and easy access to everything San Diego has to offer. Enjoy beautiful year-round weather, beaches, mountains, hiking trails, diverse dining and entertainment, while living in a welcoming community with a lower pace than the city centre.

Requirements

• DVM / VMD (or equivalent)

• Eligible to work in the US

• Strong surgical skills

• Passion for high-quality small animal medicine

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• DVM/VMD degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited university

• NAVLE certification

• ECFVG or PAVE (if graduated from a non-AVMA accredited program)

• DEA, State, and USDA licences (or ability to obtain upon hire)