Associate Veterinarian

Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous sign-on bonus

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible scheduling

Full benefits package

Job summary

A compassionate veterinary clinic is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to provide high-quality medical care and support. The ideal candidate will have a degree in veterinary medicine, a current state veterinary license, and strong diagnostic skills. Responsibilities include patient exams, client education, and surgical procedures. Join a supportive team dedicated to pets and their owners while enjoying benefits like competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups.
• Engage in client communication and education.
• Perform diagnostic procedures and surgery.

Skills

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Excellent surgical and dental skills

Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Client communication skills

Education

Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD)

Current State Veterinary License

Job description

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Associate Veterinarian to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.

Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital is a full-service general practice veterinary hospital offering an impressive range of medical services for cats and dogs in Capitola, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding areas. It is our mission to provide state-of-the-art medical care with compassion and exceptional service to our clients. Our brilliant team of smart, caring veterinarians and experienced technicians proudly serve pet owners with high-quality care. Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital is a part of the PetVet Care Centers network; where each network hospital is unique and connected to its community.

Capitola/Santa Cruz is located on the central California coast. Its long wharf, with eateries and shops, stretches into Monterey Bay. There is a great boardwalk downtown and Pacific Avenue has vintage clothing stores, cafes, and galleries. Along West Cliff Drive, Natural Bridges State Beach is known for its bridge-shaped rock formation. There is something for everyone in Capitola/Santa Cruz!

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
• Client communication and education
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
• Maintaining accurate medical records
• Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
• Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
• Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
• Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
• Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Qualifications (Required)

• Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
• Excellent surgical and dental skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
• Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
• Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
• Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
• Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
• Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
• Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
• Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: $130,000 – $150,000 (negotiable based on experience!)
• Production based bonus structure
• No negative accrual and no non-compete!
• Generous sign-on bonus and relocation assistance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible scheduling with work-life balance
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education including reimbursement and time off for CE & license fees and more.
• Full benefits package, including but not limited to: Health, dental, vision, disability and liability insurance and 401k with company contribution.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on teamwork and collaboration

Pay Range: $130,000 — $150,000 USD

Culture of Care

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Employment

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V