Associate Veterinarian

Petco; Gresham (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Petco seeks a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to join its Vetco Total Care hospital. You will provide comprehensive medical care including examinations, diagnoses, and preventive services tailored to each patient’s signalment and environment.

The role includes performing spays/neuters, dental procedures, and mass removals, while maintaining detailed medical records and collaborating with staff to ensure high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• DVM degree from a veterinary school accredited by AVMA.
• Current license to practice veterinary medicine in the state.
• DA/DEA licenses as required.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent patient care through exams, diagnosis, and preventive care.
• Perform routine and complex surgeries including spays/neuters and mass removals.
• Conduct dental procedures and radiographic evaluations.
• Document all patient observations, tests, treatments, and diagnoses in medical records.
• Develop treatment plans for day-hospitalized patients and coordinate with referral hospitals.

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Job description

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 spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory, and mass removals.
• Perform routine and complex dental procedures including full dental examination, evaluation of dental radiographs, and 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, to both the patient and the client.
• 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. The Veterinarian should expect to receive direction and guidance based on electronic medical record review from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director regarding patient decisions and should accept such feedback as a means to elevate patient care in the hospital.

Planning And Problem Solving

Problem solving is at the heart of veterinary medicine, and it is expected that any successful candidate will possess excellent problem‑solving skills that allow expeditious diagnosis of patient problems.

Impact

This position will impact the organization by contributing to the growth of a productive practice while focusing on a high‑quality standard of care. From an overall hospital organizational standpoint, this position is critical to ensuring that we have a cohesive, well‑trained, and motivated team. The desired result is the creation of an optimal environment that ensures 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 or equivalent from an AVMA‑accredited veterinary school.
• Active licensure as a veterinarian without contingencies in the state in which the hospital is located, or ability to obtain by start date.
• Current DEA license.
• Current Controlled Substance License, if applicable, in state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
• USDA Category I (minimum) accreditation or completion within two months of hire date.
• Must be comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries including, but not limited to: canine and feline spays, neuters, mass removals, and dentals.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be compassionate and sympathetic, and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
• Must have telephone and computer skills.
• Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Work Environment

The majority of job duties are conducted in the Vetco Total Care veterinary full‑service hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary), and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of this partner’s time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.

Contacts

This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products and/or services that the practice utilizes.

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.