Associate Veterinarian

Applevalleyanimalhospital; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $75,000

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team Member Pet Discounts

Emotional wellbeing support

Job summary

A leading veterinary care organization in California is seeking an Experienced Associate Veterinarian to provide high-quality veterinary care in a supportive environment. The ideal candidate will have strong surgical skills and a passion for animal welfare. The position offers a competitive starting salary of $160K-$180K, along with generous bonuses and benefits. The role focuses on comprehensive patient care, excellent client communication, and collaboration with a dedicated team. Join us in making a positive impact in the community.

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years of experience in a veterinary practice.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups.
• Client communication and education.
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery.

Skills

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Excellent surgical and dental skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Team-oriented

Compassionate care

Education

DVM or VMD from an accredited college

Current State Veterinary License

Job description

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally-led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Associate Veterinarian to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.

Apple Valley Animal Hospital is ready to welcome an Experienced Associate Veterinarian with strong surgical skills to join our busy, progressive, energetic, client‑centered hospital. Veterinarians with 2-3 years experience are encouraged to apply as we provide a comfortable, collaborative, mentoring environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a warm, friendly, full‑service hospital. We offer a very competitive starting salary, $160K-$180K (2-3+ years exp.), plus an additional quarterly no deficit carryover production plan, generous sign‑on, retention and relocation bonuses, along with a comprehensive benefits package. With our flexible schedule options, you can maximize your professional development and career satisfaction while building a fulfilling, eventful life outside of work.

Our hospital, located in Apple Valley, California, has been voted 'Best in the Desert' for the past 20 years. Our goal is to provide the highest level of veterinary medicine through excellence in patient, client, and staff care. We are proud of our highly leveraged, well‑trained technical staff. We have six exam rooms and the latest medical equipment; including digital X‑ray, laser surgery, ultrasound, endoscopy, dental X‑ray, and videoscope.

We are located in the high desert area of Southern California, approximately 90 miles east of Los Angeles. This region has approximately 327 days of sunshine annually, clean air, and a generally mild climate. We are a one‑hour drive to the local mountains for snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. We are located just 1½ hours from downtown Los Angeles, breathtaking Southern California beaches, world‑class attractions and about a 2½ hours' drive to San Diego or Las Vegas.

Key Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work‑ups
• Client communication and education
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
• Maintaining accurate medical records
• Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications and following controlled substance protocols
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
• Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
• Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
• Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
• Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management

Qualifications (Required)

• Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• 2-3+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills
• Excellent surgical and dental skills
• Ability to work well in a team‑oriented environment
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high‑quality veterinary care
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff
• Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work
• Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment
• Problem‑Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high‑quality veterinary hospital
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff
• Professionalism: Work as part of a high‑quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback
• Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice
• Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients
• Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others

What We Offer

• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $75,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range: $160,000 — $180,000 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high‑quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal‑opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V