Criticalist at Carolina Veterinary Specialists Matthews

PetVet Care Centers; Matthews (NC); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on package

Relocation assistance

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Parental leave

401(k)

Pet discounts

Wellbeing support

CE stipends

Job summary

Carolina Veterinary Specialists (CVS) Matthews, part of PetVet Care Centers, is seeking a board-certified or residency-trained CRITICALIST to join our 24-hour emergency and referral center near Charlotte, NC. CVS Matthews is a VECCS Level II facility providing multi‑specialty services.

Join a collaborative team delivering exceptional veterinary care with strong mentorship, comprehensive benefits, signing and relocation support, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited college/university.
• 1-year rotational internship completed.
• 3-year AVMA-approved residency completed.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive patient exams and medical workups.
• Communicate with clients and educate on care.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Prescribe medications and follow controlled substance protocols.
• Promote teamwork and staff efficiency.
• Collaborate with Hospital Manager on weekly priorities.

Skills

Diagnostic and clinical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

DVM or VMD degree

1-year internship

AVMA residency program (3 years)

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.

Criticalist- Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Matthews, NC

Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Matthews, NC is eagerly seeking a board-certified or residency-trained CRITICALIST to join our team of specialists in our 24-hour emergency and referral center. We are a multi-specialty ER practice that offers an exceptionally high level of patient care near the thriving metropolis of Charlotte, NC.

CVS - Matthews is a Certified Level II Emergency Animal Hospital Facility!

We are a proud member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS). VECCS identifies a Level II center as a 24‑hour acute emergency and critical care facility with the medical staff, personnel and training necessary to provide emergent and critical patient care.

Carolina Veterinary Specialists (CVS) operates six full‑service emergency and specialty referral facilities in the Carolinas, with locations in Huntersville, Charlotte, Matthews, Rock Hill, Greensboro and Winston‑Salem. Each location provides multiple referral specialties, as well as 24‑hour emergency and critical care. Our specialties include Internal Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Medical oncology, Radiation oncology, Ophthalmology and Avian/Exotics.

Matthews is a suburb of South Charlotte, and a wonderful place to live, full of all kinds of activities, and within driving distance of many others. We have a rich cultural scene with theater, opera, symphony, art museums, and concerts. Excellent school systems are present within the suburbs of Charlotte, including both public and private options. We host major league football and basketball teams, as well as minor league hocket and baseball. In two hours, you can be in the mountains to camp, hike, rock climb, or just relax. In 3-4 hours you can be at the beach. We have several lakes located in the Charlotte metro area, with great opportunities to live near the water. Our airport is a major hub, making air travel easy.

Please visit our hospital website at http://www.matthews.carolinavet.com. For immediate consideration please email your CV to Emily Lunsford at [e-mail]

What We Offer

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

Key Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work‑ups
• Client communication and education
• 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
• 1-year rotational internship (university or large referral practice).
• Completed a 3-year, AVMA approved residency program
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• Strong diagnostic and clinical 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, as well as clients.
• 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)

• Board Certification
• 2-5 years of experience post-residency
• 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 420 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.