Associate Veterinarian

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 87,700 - 186,100; Full time

Job summary

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is seeking a Veterinarian in Oceanside, California, responsible for providing excellent patient care, including diagnosing and treating diseases. You'll oversee surgical procedures and ensure the highest standards of care within the practice.

The ideal candidate will hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, possess an active veterinary license, and demonstrate strong problem-solving and communication skills. The role offers a salary range of $87,700 - $186,100, reflecting the high-quality care expected at our facility.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school.
• Active licensure as a veterinarian without contingencies in California.
• Current DEA license.
• Must be comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care by performing examinations and treatments.
• Document patient observations and treatments.
• Perform routine and complex surgical procedures.
• Communicate effectively with referral hospitals.

Skills

Compassionate and sympathetic

Excellent problem‑solving skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Team player willing to learn

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent

Active licensure as a veterinarian

Current DEA license

USDA Category I 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 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 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.

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.

Supervisory Responsibility

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

Education and 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.

Qualified Applications

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Salary Range

87,700.00 - 186,100.00

Equal Opportunity 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.