Emergency Veterinarian

Tkves; Tulare (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

A veterinary care provider in California seeks a compassionate Emergency Veterinarian to join their team. The candidate should have at least 1 year of experience in emergency veterinary practice, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to perform necessary surgeries. The role offers a competitive salary up to $200,000, flexible scheduling, and extensive benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and generous retention packages. This is an opportunity to work within a supportive culture dedicated to animal care and team wellbeing.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary emergency practice.
• Competency in Emergency Medicine.
• Ability to perform Surgery, not required Orthopedics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups.
• Communicate effectively with clients regarding care.
• Perform diagnostic procedures and surgeries.
• Maintain accurate medical records.

Skills

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Excellent surgical and dental skills

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD)

Current State Veterinary License

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 Emergency 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.

We are looking for Full‑time, Part‑Time, or Relief Veterinarians with ideally at least 3 years of experience in Small Animal Practice, Emergency Medicine or Board Certification in Emergency and Critical Care. Applicants must have competency in Emergency Medicine and have the ability to perform Surgery, but not required to perform Orthopedics.

We have a busy, but organized and efficient ER with a team of talented RVT’s, along with skilled Veterinary Assistants, and exceptional support staff. Our Hospital Manager, Belinda, is also a (VTS) Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency & Critical Care. Our passion is emergency medicine and our team takes pride in providing quality medical care.

Compensation Package

• Competitive Salary Up to $200,000
• Lucrative High Earning Production Plan
• Flexible Schedule of 10-12 shifts per 4 weeks
• Generous Signing and Retention packages available - up to $75,000 for experienced veterinarians!
• Additional Signing incentive until 12/31/2025
• Relocation or Travel Stipend Assistance
• Quality Health Insurance & Retirement Plans
• Paid time off, Generous CE allowance and additional CE paid time off
• Reimbursement for Membership Dues and License Fees

Location: Visalia, CA

Nestled in the foothills below the majestic Sierra Nevada’s, Visalia is the “Gateway” to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and is a great home base as you explore the nearby Sequoia National Forest, Sequoia National Monument and public lands. A true outdoors enthusiast & hikers paradise! The city's natural charm and gracious, vibrant community captivate visitors year-round with experiences highlighted by live entertainment, stunning art, rich history, and world‑class restaurants. With beautiful weather, friendly people, and hundreds of options to explore, all we need is the explorer – You!

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
• Perform 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.

Benefits

• 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

$180,000 — $200,000 USD

Culture of Care

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