Associate Veterinarian

Pacific Grove Animal Hospital; Pacific Grove (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Grove Animal Hospital in Pacific Grove, CA is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to deliver medical, surgical, and dental care for small animals on-site. You will review histories, interpret tests, prescribe treatments, and guide clients on preventive care while collaborating with a skilled team.

This role emphasizes compassionate care, accurate records, and ongoing professional growth. The position requires a DVM (or equivalent) and eligibility for California licensure, with

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited institution and eligibility for California licensure.
• Clinical experience in small animal general practice including wellness, internal medicine, and routine surgical and dental procedures.
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving abilities with interpretation of lab work and imaging.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to explain medical information clearly and collaborate with the veterinary team.
• Commitment to compassionate, low-stress animal handling, patient safety, and ethical standards of care.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced hospital and manage time and caseloads with practice management and medical records software.
• Interest in ongoing professional development and openness to feedback.
• Experience or strong interest in community-focused practice and client education; prior small animal hospital experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for small animals.
• Review patient histories and interpret diagnostic tests.
• Prescribe medications and develop treatment plans.
• Communicate clearly with clients about pet health and preventive care.
• Collaborate with veterinary technicians and support staff to ensure high-quality care.
• Maintain accurate medical records and uphold hospital protocols.
• Contribute to client education and support a positive team culture.
• Participate in occasional emergency or urgent care cases as needed.

Skills

Clinical experience

Diagnostics

Communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Client education

Willingness to learn

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

California licensure eligibility

Tools

Practice management software

Job description

Company Description

Pacific Grove Animal Hospital is a veterinary practice located at 1023 Austin Ave in Pacific Grove, California, serving companion animals and their families in the local community. The hospital focuses on providing high-quality, compassionate medical care in a welcoming, client-centered environment. Team members collaborate to deliver preventive care, diagnostics, and treatment options tailored to each patient. The location offers the opportunity to work in a coastal Central California community with a strong appreciation for animal welfare. The hospital values professionalism, teamwork, and clear communication with clients and colleagues.

Role Description

The Associate Veterinarian will provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for small animals, including performing physical exams, diagnosing conditions, developing treatment plans, and overseeing follow-up care. Daily responsibilities include reviewing patient histories, interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and communicating clearly with clients about their pet’s health, preventive care, and treatment options. The role involves collaborating with veterinary technicians and support staff to ensure efficient, high-quality patient care, as well as maintaining accurate medical records and upholding hospital protocols. The Associate Veterinarian will also contribute to client education, help support a positive team culture, and participate in occasional emergency or urgent care cases as needed. This is a full-time, on-site role based at Pacific Grove Animal Hospital in Pacific Grove, CA.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) from an accredited institution and eligibility for California veterinary licensure.


• Clinical experience in small animal general practice, including wellness care, internal medicine, and routine surgical and dental procedures.


• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving abilities, with competency in interpreting lab work, imaging, and other common veterinary tests.


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to explain medical information clearly, build trust with clients, and collaborate with the veterinary team.


• Commitment to compassionate, low-stress animal handling, patient safety, and adherence to ethical and professional standards of care.


• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced hospital environment, manage time and caseloads, and use practice management and medical record software.


• Interest in ongoing professional development, openness to feedback, and willingness to learn new techniques and medical approaches.


• Experience or strong interest in community-focused practice and client education; prior work in a small animal hospital is preferred but not required.