Associate Veterinarian

Pacific Grove Animal Hospital; Pacific Grove (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Grove Animal Hospital in Pacific Grove, CA, is seeking a full-time Associate Veterinarian to join our on-site team. You will provide medical, surgical, and dental care for companion animals, including exams, diagnostics, and treatment planning, while guiding clients with compassionate, clear communication.

You will collaborate with veterinary technicians and support staff to deliver high-quality care, maintain medical records, and contribute to hospital protocols and ongoing quality

Qualifications

• DVM/VMD degree and California licensure eligibility.
• Experience or strong interest in small animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry in a general practice setting.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic tests (lab work, radiographs, other imaging) and develop treatment plans.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with clients and collaborate with team members.
• Commitment to compassionate, low-stress handling and patient-centered care, with attention to animal welfare and safety.
• Organizational and time-management skills to manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate medical records.
• Willingness to participate in continuing education, stay current with veterinary best practices, and adapt to new technologies.
• Previous clinical experience in a small animal hospital or internship training is preferred but not required for highly motivated early-career veterinarians.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical, surgical, and dental care for companion animals.
• Review diagnostics, diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and oversee follow-up care.
• Communicate with clients about diagnoses, treatment options, preventive care, and at-home management.
• Maintain accurate medical records and collaborate with veterinary technicians and support staff.
• Participate in hospital protocols, quality improvement initiatives, and occasional mentorship of team members.

Skills

DVM/VMD

Small animal medicine

Surgery

Dentistry

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

DVM/VMD degree

Tools

Radiography interpretation

Medical records systems

Job description

Company Description Pacific Grove Animal Hospital is a veterinary practice located at 1023 Austin Avenue in Pacific Grove, California. The hospital serves companion animals in the local community with a focus on personalized, high-quality medical care. Team members work closely with pet families to support wellness, preventive care, and treatment of a wide range of conditions. The practice offers a collaborative environment where veterinary professionals can grow their skills and contribute to compassionate, client-centered care.

Role Description The Associate Veterinarian is a full-time, on-site role based in Pacific Grove, CA. This role involves providing medical, surgical, and dental care for companion animals, including performing physical examinations, diagnosing conditions, developing treatment plans, and overseeing follow-up care. The Associate Veterinarian will communicate with clients about diagnoses, treatment options, preventive care, and at-home management, ensuring clear, empathetic guidance. Daily responsibilities include reviewing diagnostics, prescribing medications, maintaining accurate medical records, and collaborating with veterinary technicians and support staff to deliver efficient, high-quality care. The role also includes participation in hospital protocols, quality improvement initiatives, and occasional mentorship of team members.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) degree from an accredited institution and eligibility for California veterinary licensure.
• Experience or strong interest in small animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry in a general practice setting.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic tests (laboratory work, radiographs, other imaging) and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with clients and collaborate effectively with team members.
• Commitment to compassionate, low-stress handling and patient-centered care, with attention to animal welfare and safety.
• Organizational and time-management skills to manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate medical records.
• Willingness to participate in continuing education, stay current with veterinary best practices, and adapt to new technologies.
• Previous clinical experience in a small animal hospital or internship training is preferred but not required for highly motivated early-career veterinarians.