Associate Veterinarian - Santa Fe Pet Hospital

PetVet Care Centers; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing and relocation packages up to

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team Member Pet Discounts

Calm app & 24/7 EAP

CE stipends and career development

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers is seeking an Associate Veterinarian for Santa Fe Pet Hospital in Merced, California. You will provide high-quality veterinary care, perform exams, diagnostics, surgery, and work with a supportive team.

We offer comprehensive benefits and a competitive pay range. The role requires a DVM/VMD, licensure, and DEA registration, with opportunity for professional growth within a national network.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD from an accredited college/university.
• Current State Veterinary License.
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained.
• 1+ years of veterinary practice experience.
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
• Excellent surgical and dental skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

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 substance protocols.
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency.
• Work with Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations.
• Evaluate protocols for daily hospital operations.
• Attend daily rounds when possible to uphold high standards.
• Participate in practice management updates and training.

Skills

Excellent communication

Strong diagnostic skills

Surgical skills

Dental skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Client communication

Education

DVM or VMD

Licensed in state

DEA registration

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 Fe Pet Hospital in Merced, California has been giving families and their adorable cats and dogs first-rate veterinary care every year since 1977.

Why Join Us

• We are a full-service animal hospital and offer a range of quality veterinary services to help keep your cat or dog in optimal health, such as routine exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery, and more.
• We also have an onsite diagnostics lab that helps us make sure your pet is in excellent health.

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 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

$185,000—$205,000 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.

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.