Associate Veterinarian

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 83,700 - 177,700; Full time

Job summary

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is seeking a dedicated veterinarian to provide exceptional patient care, perform surgeries and dental procedures, and develop comprehensive treatment plans in a veterinary full-service hospital.

The role emphasizes problem-based diagnostics, clear documentation, and collaboration with referral centers to ensure continuity of care and hospital excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• DVM degree from AVMA-accredited school.
• Active veterinary license in the practicing state.
• Current DEA license.
• Current Controlled Substance License, if applicable.
• USDA Category I Accreditation or by start date.
• Comfort with anesthesia and routine surgeries in dogs and cats.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate, professional demeanor under stress.
• Proficient telephone and computer skills.
• Team player open to new techniques and changes.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care via exams, diagnose and treat diseases, and deliver preventive care based on patient signalment and environment.
• Develop problem-based differential diagnoses and comprehensive diagnostic plans.
• Document patient observations and treatments clearly in the medical record.
• Perform routine and complex surgical procedures including spays/neuters, abdominal explorations, and mass removals.
• Conduct routine and complex dental procedures including full examinations and extractions.
• Create day-hospital treatment plans and coordinate with referral hospitals for continuity of care.
• Participate in rounds and share knowledge to improve hospital care and communication.

Skills

Clinical diagnostics

Surgical skills

Anesthesia experience

Client communication

Team player

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (AVMA-accredited)

Active veterinary license

DEA license

USDA Accreditation

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 detail 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 beginning and end of shifts.
• Disseminate knowledge throughout staff to improve the level of care and communication provided hospital partners, to both the patient and the client.
• Performs 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, as stated above 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.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $83,700.00 - $177,700.00

Benefits

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO, see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

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.