Associate Veterinarian: Surgery, Client Care & Growth

Echo Park; California; On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $75,000

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team member pet discounts

Emotional wellbeing support

CE stipends and career development resources

Job summary

Echoparkvethospital is seeking a compassionate Associate Veterinarian to join its dedicated team in California. The role involves providing high-quality veterinary care along with client communication and maintaining medical records.

The ideal candidate will have a DVM or VMD degree, hold a current state license, and possess strong diagnostic skills. This position offers a salary range of $160,000 to $180,000, along with various benefits to support work-life balance and professional development.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a veterinary practice.
• Team-oriented work style.
• Commitment to compassionate, high-quality care.

Responsibilities

• Client communication and education.
• Perform diagnostic procedures and surgery.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Prescribe medications and follow controlled substance protocols.
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency.

Skills

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Excellent surgical and dental skills

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to handle pet behavior under stress

Education

Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD)

Current state veterinary license

DEA registration maintained

Job description

Medical Director - Echo Park Veterinary Hospital

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 Medical Director to join our team at Echo Park Animal Hospital . This is the perfect role foryou, if you enjoy leading a dynamic team of medical professionals, elevating the standards of Veterinary Medicine, and excel in communication. Our ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients, veterinarians & medical team. You will work fortunate to work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Director.

Becoming a Veterinary Medical Director of a small animal general practice in Los Angeles, California, offers the opportunity to combine clinical medicine with leadership while making a meaningful impact on patients, clients, and the veterinary team. Here are some compelling reasons:

Shape the Quality of Medicine

As Medical Director, you set the standard of care for the hospital by:

• Implementing evidence-based medical protocols.
• Mentoring veterinarians and support staff.
• Promoting continuous education and professional growth.
• Ensuring high-quality patient outcomes.

Lead and Mentor a Team

A Medical Director has the chance to:

• Coach new graduates and experienced veterinarians.
• Foster a collaborative, positive workplace culture.
• Help reduce burnout through effective scheduling and support.
• Build a team that enjoys coming to work every day.

Make a Difference in the Community

Los Angeles is home to millions of pet owners with diverse needs. As a Medical Director, you can:

• Improve access to quality veterinary care.
• Develop preventive health programs.
• Build lasting relationships with clients and rescue organizations.
• Participate in community outreach and education.

Influence Hospital Growth

Medical Directors often work closely with hospital leadership to:

• Expand services such as dentistry, surgery, ultrasound, and preventive medicine.
• Invest in new medical equipment and technology.
• Improve operational efficiency.
• Recruit and retain talented veterinary professionals.

Unlike many administrative leadership roles, a Veterinary Medical Director typically continues seeing patients while also:

• Diagnosing complex medical cases.
• Managing challenging cases alongside colleagues.
• Remaining connected to the profession they love.

Greater Professional Satisfaction

Leadership allows veterinarians to:

• Influence the future direction of the practice.
• Solve problems beyond individual patient care.
• Celebrate the success of the entire team.
• Leave a lasting legacy within the hospital.

Competitive Compensation

Medical Director positions in Los Angeles often offer:

• Higher base salaries than associate veterinarian positions.
• Leadership stipends.
• Sign-on, relocation, and retention bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits, continuing education allowances, and leadership development opportunities.

Work in a Dynamic Veterinary Market

• A diverse caseload.
• Clients seeking advanced medical care.
• Access to veterinary specialists and referral hospitals.
• Opportunities to collaborate with rescue organizations, shelters, and specialty practices.

Drive Positive Culture

A strong Medical Director can create an environment where:

• Team members feel respected and supported.
• Communication is open and constructive.
• Work-life balance is prioritized.
• Employees stay with the practice longer, improving continuity of care.

Leave a Lasting Legacy

Medical Directors have the opportunity to build a hospital known for:

• Exceptional patient care.
• Ethical leadership.
• A reputation as one of the premier veterinary practices in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles offers a unique combination of professional opportunity and lifestyle:

• One of the largest pet-owning populations in the country.
• High demand for experienced veterinary leaders.
• Opportunities to work with a culturally diverse client base.
• Access to advanced referral centers and continuing education.

Echo Park Veterinary Hospital For veterinarians who enjoy both practicing medicine and leading others, serving as a Medical Director in a Los Angeles small animal practice can be a rewarding career path that combines clinical excellence, mentorship, strategic leadership, and the ability to make a lasting impact on both the veterinary profession and the local community

Why Join Us:

• Our team of professionals is not only dedicated to their work but also helpful and hardworking, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our clients receive the best possible care.
• We strongly believe in maintaining a supportive culture within our workplace, which helps us work more efficiently and promotes a healthy work-life balance for our staff.

Situated just 2 miles from Dodger Stadium, and between multiple parks, the Echo Park area has managed to retain the historic character and strong sense of identity that sets it apart in a modern metropolis. Echo Park is full of vibrant street murals, indie music venues, taco trucks, vegan eats and quirky boutiques. Come visit Echo Park where you can relax while you paddle boat among lotus flowers or enjoy a great hike at nearby Elysian Park.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Sonni Nevarezat [e-mail].

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

• Salary $200,000-$250,000 (Negotiable)
• Quarterly Production Plan-No Deficit Carryover
• Annual Medical Director Stipend for (MD Role)
• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $100,000
• 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

Responsibilities:

• 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
• 3+ 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.

Pay Range

$200,000 — $250,000 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to aCulture 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

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For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

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If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

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Why Consider Our Echo Park Hospital?

At Echo Park Veterinary Hospital, our team members all share the same passion for making and keeping animals healthy.

Our hospital truly is an excellent place to work, with a highly skilled team focused on 'best in practice' veterinary care.

We are very supportive of individuals looking to grow their veterinary careers and look forward to hearing from you.

We invite you to explore your veterinary career options with Echo Park Veterinary Hospital, where you'll be a respected member of a team that loves animals and values the contributions from every individual on the team.