Associate Veterinarian

Pajaro Valley Veterinary Hospital; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Pajaro Valley Veterinary Hospital, a companion animal practice in Freedom, CA, is seeking an Associate Veterinarian for a full-time on-site role. You will perform exams, diagnose and treat medical conditions, and create comprehensive treatment plans alongside a caring team.

The position involves vaccinations, wellness visits, minor surgeries, and interpreting diagnostics while maintaining medical records. Excellent client communication and collaboration with staff are essential for high-quality,

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) from an accredited institution and current, or eligible, California veterinary license.
• Strong clinical skills in companion animal medicine, including physical examinations, diagnosis, treatment planning, and basic surgical and dental procedures.
• Ability to interpret laboratory and diagnostic imaging results and integrate findings into comprehensive patient care.
• Clear, empathetic communication skills for discussing medical conditions, treatment options, and preventive care with clients.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with veterinary technicians, assistants, and administrative staff in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Commitment to animal welfare, client service, and adherence to hospital protocols, safety standards, and ethical practice.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development, continuing education, and learning new techniques or technologies.
• Experience in small animal general practice is preferred; new graduates with strong foundational skills and interest in mentorship are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical examinations and diagnose, treat, or manage a variety of medical conditions in companion animals.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans and preventive care strategies.
• Administer vaccinations, wellness visits, and minor surgical/dental procedures.
• Interpret laboratory results and diagnostic imaging to inform patient care.
• Maintain accurate medical records and communicate diagnoses and options clearly to clients.
• Collaborate with veterinary technicians, assistants, and staff to deliver efficient patient care.
• Participate in hospital protocols, quality improvement initiatives, and occasional client education or community outreach activities.

Skills

Examination skills

Diagnosis

Treatment planning

Client communication

Team collaboration

Ethical practice

Professional development

Small animal medicine

Education

DVM

Job description

Company Description Pajaro Valley Veterinary Hospital is a companion animal practice located at 2013 Freedom Blvd in Freedom, California, serving pets and their families in the surrounding community. The hospital provides general veterinary care and focuses on maintaining the health and well-being of animals through preventive medicine and medical treatment. Team members work closely with clients to support responsible pet ownership and informed medical decisions. The practice environment values collaboration, high-quality clinical standards, and compassionate care.
Role Description The Associate Veterinarian is a full-time, on-site role based at Pajaro Valley Veterinary Hospital in Freedom, CA. Day-to-day responsibilities include performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions, and developing treatment plans for companion animals. The role involves conducting routine procedures such as vaccinations, wellness visits, and minor surgeries, as well as interpreting diagnostic tests and maintaining accurate medical records. The Associate Veterinarian will communicate clearly with clients about diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive care, and will collaborate with veterinary technicians and support staff to deliver efficient, compassionate patient care. Participation in hospital protocols, quality improvement, and occasional client education or community outreach activities is also expected.
Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) from an accredited institution and current, or eligible, California veterinary license.
• Strong clinical skills in companion animal medicine, including physical examinations, diagnosis, treatment planning, and basic surgical and dental procedures.
• Ability to interpret laboratory and diagnostic imaging results and integrate findings into comprehensive patient care.
• Clear, empathetic communication skills for discussing medical conditions, treatment options, and preventive care with clients.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with veterinary technicians, assistants, and administrative staff in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Commitment to animal welfare, client service, and adherence to hospital protocols, safety standards, and ethical practice.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development, continuing education, and learning new techniques or technologies.
• Experience in small animal general practice is preferred; new graduates with strong foundational skills and interest in mentorship are also encouraged to apply.