Associate Veterinarian - Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital

PetVet Care Centers; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

Pet discounts

CE stipends

Job summary

Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital, part of PetVet Care Centers, is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join our compassionate team in Berkeley, California. The candidate will provide high-quality medical care and communicate effectively with clients, working alongside experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff.

The role covers comprehensive exams, diagnostics, and surgeries, with emphasis on teamwork and maintaining thorough medical records.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent.
• Current State Veterinary License required.
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained.
• 1+ years of experience in veterinary emergency 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 with the medical and hospital staff and with clients.

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups.
• Client communication and education.
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery.
• Maintaining accurate medical records.
• Pharmacy duties and controlled substance protocols.
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency.
• Work with Hospital Manager on weekly priorities.
• Evaluate and monitor hospital protocols from intake to discharge.
• Monitor cases and attend daily rounds when possible.
• Participate in practice management updates and training.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Skills

DVM/VMD degree

License

DEA registration

Emergency experience

Diagnostic skills

Surgical skills

Dental skills

Teamwork

Communication

Compassionate care

Education

DVM or VMD

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.

• 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 at Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital. 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 Director.

Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital is located in beautiful Berkeley, California. Our hospital is open to providing General Practice and Urgent Care Services to our clients & their beloved pets. We are known for our vibrant, high performing, and incredibly rewarding workplace.

Why Join Us:

• Within our 15,000 square foot facility, we have a fully stocked pharmacy, in house laboratory, helical CT scan, two X-ray suites, ultrasound, operating microscope, endoscopes, a comprehensive dental suite, and extensive specialty surgery equipment in two surgical suites.
• We take pride in creating exceptional and meaningful work experiences, encouraging innovation, delivering award winning benefits to our patients, and being involved with our communities.
• Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley offers an unbeatable blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and progressive spirit. With easy access to scenic parks, hiking trails, and the stunning Bay shoreline, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Key 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 emergency 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.

What We Offer

We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $75,000
• No negative accrual options available, no non-compete
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$160,000—$180,000 USD

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 400 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.

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

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