Associate Veterinarian

AAVMP; San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

CE allowance

Licensing support

Retirement benefits

Employee pet care discounts

Mentorship and professional growth

Job summary

PetSmart Veterinary Services San Juan Capistrano is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join our growing, locally owned franchised hospital. This doctor-led setting allows clinical judgment and patient needs to guide care, with mentorship available as the practice expands alongside the owner.

We offer a four-day work week with competitive production-based compensation, AAHA accreditation, and a strong focus on client communication, high standards of care, and community involvement in San Juan

Qualifications

• Licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with current California license or ability to obtain one.
• Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and client-focused care.
• Interest in dentistry, preventive care, and general practice medicine.

Responsibilities

• Provide preventive, diagnostic, medical, dental, and surgical care.
• Deliver compassionate care for dogs, cats, and exotics as needed.
• Practice medicine using clinical judgment and client education.
• Work side-by-side with the practice owner to support hospital growth.
• Build strong relationships with clients and their pets, and mentor staff.

Skills

Veterinary medicine

Client communication

Team collaboration

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

California veterinary license

Job description

PetSmart Veterinary Services San Juan Capistrano is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join our growing, locally owned franchised hospital.

As an Associate Veterinarian, you will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with the practice owner, helping shape the next stage of growth for a community-focused hospital serving pets and families in San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding area.

This role is ideal for a veterinarian who wants to practice high-quality medicine in a setting where doctors lead patient care, client communication, and medical decision-making. As part of an independently owned franchised hospital, you will have the opportunity to make medical recommendations based on your clinical judgment, the needs of your patients, and the trust you build with clients. You will not be joining a hospital where medicine is dictated by corporate quotas or one-size-fits-all clinical mandates. Instead, you will work directly with the practice owner and hospital team to deliver thoughtful, individualized care.

About Our Hospital

PetSmart Veterinary Services San Juan Capistrano provides comprehensive veterinary care for small animals and PetSmart companion animals and exotics as needed.

Our hospital is AAHA-accredited, reflecting our commitment to high standards in patient care, client service, medical protocols, safety, and hospital operations.

We are proud to be part of the greater San Juan Capistrano community. We work extensively with local rescues to support and give back to the community. Our team values the relationships we build with our clients and their pets, and we strive to create an environment where pet parents feel heard, supported, and confident in the care their pets receive.

Our clients regularly recognize us for our kind, patient, and communicative approach to care. Our team is known for taking time with pets and pet parents, explaining treatment recommendations clearly, and creating a supportive experience from the front desk through the exam room.

About the Opportunity

We are looking to expand our schedule to support seven-day-per-week operations. The Associate Veterinarian will work alongside the current doctor-owner and help increase doctor availability to support the demand of our growing practice.

This role is ideal for a veterinarian who enjoys a mix of preventive care, dentistry, soft-tissue surgery, and general medicine. This is a great opportunity for either an experienced doctor who is looking for a supportive clinic environment or for a doctor who is looking for mentorship as there is opportunity work under the guidance of the practice owner.

Schedule

This is intended to be a full-time, four-day-per-week Associate Veterinarian position. Exact workdays may vary based on hospital needs and candidate availability.
Part-time candidates may also be considered.

What You'll Do

As an Associate Veterinarian, you will provide high-quality medical care while helping foster our positive, professional, and client-centered hospital culture.

Compensation

• Full-time Associate Veterinarian: $160,000-$180,000 per year for a four-day-per-week schedule, with production-based compensation opportunity
  • The full-time position includes a production-based compensation opportunity structured as 20% of eligible doctor production above base salary equivalent, paid quarterly, with no negative accrual.
  • Final compensation will be determined based on job-related factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, schedule, production expectations, and the needs of the hospital.
  • The hospital does not request or rely on salary history in determining compensation.

Benefits

• Benefits may vary based on full-time or part-time status and may include:
  Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Continuing education allowance
• Professional dues and licensing support
• Retirement benefits
• Employee pet care discounts
• Mentorship and professional development support
• Opportunity to help shape the culture and growth of the hospital

Why Join PetSmart Veterinary Services San Juan Capistrano

• Practice in a doctor-led, independently owned franchised hospital
• Make medical decisions based on your clinical judgment and patient needs
• Work directly alongside the practice owner to focus on quality medicine, client education, and long-term pet health
• Join an AAHA-accredited hospital committed to high standards of care
• Become part of a close-knit hospital team that values collaboration, communication, and respect
• Build meaningful relationships with a loyal, community-based clientele

Equal Opportunity Statement

The independent franchisee is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations may be available to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process.

Disclaimer

This job posting is for a position with an independent franchise entity, and not PetSmart Veterinary Services, LLC or its affiliates. Each franchise location is individually owned and operated. Wages and benefits may vary from franchise to franchise.

The independent franchisee, and not PetSmart Veterinary Services, LLC, is solely responsible for all employment-related matters in this veterinary hospital, including but not limited to hiring, firing, disciplinary action, supervision, staffing, and scheduling. PetSmart Veterinary Services, LLC is not responsible for the employment policies and practices of independent franchisees and does not employ independent franchisees’ employees. If you are hired for this position, the independent franchisee, and not PetSmart Veterinary Services, LLC, will be your employer.

If this opportunity inspires you, we would love to have a conversation about what we can build together.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide preventive, diagnostic, medical, dental, and surgical care
• Deliver compassionate care for dogs, cats, and occasional companion animals and exotics
• Practice medicine using your clinical judgment and patient-specific recommendations
• Work side-by-side with the practice owner to support medical quality, hospital growth, and team development
• Build strong, trusting relationships with clients and their pets
• Communicate clearly with pet parents about treatment plans, diagnostics, and medical recommendations
• Collaborate with veterinary technicians, assistants, client service representatives, and hospital leadership
• Support and mentor technical team members
• Help maintain high standards for patient care, client experience, medical records, and hospital operations
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and team-oriented hospital culture
• Participate in continued education and professional development
• Help support the hospital’s growth as it expands

What We're Looking For

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, or equivalent, from an accredited university
• Active California veterinary license, or ability to obtain one
• Strong medical, surgical, dental, and communication skills
• A compassionate, client-focused approach to care
• Interest in dentistry, preventive care, and general practice medicine
• Comfort working with dogs and cats; interest or experience with companion animals and exotics is a plus
• Interest in building long-term relationships with pets, pet parents, and the hospital team
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to support team development
• A desire to work closely with a practice owner in a doctor-led hospital environment
• Passion for continued learning and elevating the standard of care
• Comfort working in a growing hospital environment