Associate Veterinarian-Goleta Airport Pet Hospital

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous salary

Relocation package up to $75,000

Signing bonus

4 weeks PTO

Parental leave

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team member discounts

Emotional wellbeing support (Calm & E2

CE stipends

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers’ Goleta Airport Pet Hospital in Goleta, California seeks an Associate veterinarian to deliver high-quality care with a patient-first approach. You will collaborate with a team of veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to provide comprehensive medical, surgical and dental services.

The role emphasizes communication with clients, excellent diagnostic and surgical skills, and a commitment to teamwork.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD degree from an accredited college.
• Current State Veterinary License and DEA registration.
• 1+ years of veterinary practice experience.
• Strong diagnostic, surgical and dental skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups.
• Client communication and education.
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery.
• Maintaining accurate medical records.
• Pharmacy duties including prescribing medications and controlled substances.
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency.
• Work with Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations.
• Evaluate and monitor hospital protocols from intake to discharge.
• Monitor cases and participate in daily rounds.
• Participate in practice management updates and training.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Compassionate care

Diagnostic skills

Surgical and dental skills

Patient relationship building

Education

DVM or VMD degree

State Veterinary License

DEA registration

Tools

Ultrasound

Digital radiography

Endoscopy

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 to join our team at Goleta Airport Pet 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. Goleta Airport Pet Hospital in Goleta, California has an amazing leadership team, a Board-Certified Veterinary Practitioner, friendly & trained technical staff which offers high-quality medicine. We are a well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital, providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care. Our diagnostic capabilities include ultrasound, digital dental & general radiology, as well as endoscopy.

Why Join Us

• Our dedicated & tenured support team, offers a great learning culture & a happy/healthy work environment!
• We have a very affluent clientele that believes in receiving only the best care for their pets.

Goleta is located close to the beach, UCSB, & our famed wine region. Quality of life for our residents is enhanced by local beaches, mountains and the City’s large number of developed parks and natural open spaces. Goleta is a bicycle-friendly community, and our inventory of bike paths continues to grow. Spend time exploring our beautiful, historic architecture, hiking and exploring in our beautiful mountains, or take a quiet walk along the beach. This is truly one of the finest places to live in all of America!

What We Offer

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

• Generous Salary $160,000-$180,000
• Quarterly Production No Deficit Carryover Plan
• Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 4 Weeks PTO
• 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

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)

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
• 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.

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. You care for pets. We care for you. 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 PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see ourprivacy noticefor additional information about our data practices.