Associate Veterinarian

Alona Animal Hospital; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Alona Animal Hospital in Santa Ana, CA is seeking an Associate Veterinarian for full-time or part-time on-site practice. This role involves physical exams, diagnosing and treating various conditions, vaccine administration, and creating treatment plans for companion animals.

You will perform or supervise routine surgeries and dental procedures, interpret lab tests and imaging, and maintain medical records. Strong communication with clients and collaboration with the veterinary team are essential

Qualifications

• Active Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited veterinary school and eligibility for licensure in California.
• Strong clinical skills in small animal medicine, including physical examination, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment plans.
• Competence in routine soft tissue surgery and dentistry; comfort with anesthesia, pain management, and post-operative care.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic tests such as laboratory panels, radiographs, and other imaging or screening tools.
• Clear, empathetic communication skills for discussing medical conditions, treatment options, and preventive care with clients and team members.
• Commitment to patient safety, medical record accuracy, and adherence to hospital protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Capacity to work collaboratively in a fast-paced clinical setting, including mentoring and supporting veterinary technicians and assistants.
• Interest in professional development and continuing education; prior experience in general practice or internship training is preferred but not required.
• Willingness to work a full-time schedule that may include some evenings or weekends, depending on hospital needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions in companion animals.
• Develop treatment plans and administer vaccines as part of preventive care.
• Perform or oversee routine soft tissue surgeries and dental procedures; manage anesthesia and pain.
• Interpret laboratory results and diagnostic imaging; maintain accurate medical records.
• Communicate clearly with pet owners about diagnoses, treatments, and preventive care; collaborate with technicians and support staff.
• Participate in hospital protocols, quality improvement efforts, and continuing education to stay current with advances in veterinary medicine.

Skills

Small animal medicine

Examinations

Diagnostics interpretation

Surgical dentistry

Anesthesia & pain management

Client communication

Team collaboration

Mentoring

Continuing education

Education

DVM or VMD from accredited school

Job description

Company Description

Alona Animal Hospital is a community-focused veterinary practice dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality medical care for companion animals. The hospital serves pets and their families with a full range of preventive, diagnostic, and surgical services. The team values collaboration, continuous learning, and clear communication to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients. Alona Animal Hospital strives to create a welcoming, respectful environment for both clients and staff, with a strong emphasis on ethical, evidence-based veterinary medicine.

Role Description

The Associate Veterinarian is a full-time or part-time, on-site role based at Alona Animal Hospital in Santa Ana, CA. This position involves performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions, recommending and administering vaccines, and developing treatment plans for companion animals. The Associate Veterinarian will perform or oversee routine surgeries and dental procedures, interpret laboratory and diagnostic imaging results, and maintain accurate medical records. Daily responsibilities also include communicating clearly with pet owners about diagnoses, treatments, and preventive care, collaborating with veterinary technicians and support staff, and promoting a positive, safe, and efficient clinical environment. The role may also include participation in hospital protocols, quality improvement efforts, and continuing education to stay current with advances in veterinary medicine.

Qualifications

• Active Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited veterinary school and eligibility for licensure in California.
• Strong clinical skills in small animal medicine, including physical examination, diagnosis, and development of evidence-based treatment plans.
• Competence in routine soft tissue surgery and dentistry; comfort with anesthesia, pain management, and post-operative care.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic tests such as laboratory panels, radiographs, and other imaging or screening tools.
• Clear, empathetic communication skills for discussing medical conditions, treatment options, and preventive care with clients and team members.
• Commitment to patient safety, medical record accuracy, and adherence to hospital protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Capacity to work collaboratively in a fast-paced clinical setting, including mentoring and supporting veterinary technicians and assistants.
• Interest in professional development and continuing education; prior experience in general practice or internship training is preferred but not required.
• Willingness to work a full-time schedule that may include some evenings or weekends, depending on hospital needs.