Hospital Veterinarian

Petco; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking health and wellness company dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners. As a veterinarian in a state-of-the-art facility, you'll deliver exceptional patient care, perform surgeries, and develop treatment plans tailored to each pet's unique needs. This role offers an opportunity to grow within a supportive team environment, where your contributions will directly impact the quality of care provided to pets. If you're passionate about veterinary medicine and looking to make a difference, this is the perfect place for you to thrive.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an AVMA-accredited school.
• Active veterinary license in the state of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent patient care through exams, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Perform routine and complex surgeries, including spays/neuters.

Skills

Veterinary Medicine

Anesthesia

Communication Skills

Surgical Procedures

Team Collaboration

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Tools

Ultrasound Equipment

Job description

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents, and people!

If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self, and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets, people, and our planet.

• We love all pets like our own
• We’re the future of the pet industry
• We’re here to improve lives
• We drive outstanding results together
• We’re welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents, and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate over 1,500 pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. We’re committed to purpose-driven work, believing that what’s good for pets, people, and our planet is good for Petco.

At our Vetco Total Care Full Service Veterinary Hospitals, our veterinarian role is the most immersive in the hospital. Our hospital veterinarians are dedicated to quality care—for pets and their owners—and are supported by advanced equipment (ultrasound in every hospital, heated hydraulic surgery tables, DDXR), skilled medical leaders, and a team of paraprofessionals encouraged to expand their expertise in areas like dentistry and nutrition. Join a world-class organization that celebrates your success and your unique approach to Veterinary medicine as you lead your team into the next generation of full-service Veterinary Care.

All hospital partners are responsible for creating an environment where:

• the patient’s needs always come first;
• every team member understands they can do what it takes to deliver an exceptional customer and patient experience;
• issues are addressed and resolved promptly;
• teamwork and shared goals benefit the entire organization.

Essential Job Functions:

Listed are the core duties and responsibilities of this position. The incumbent must be able to perform all duties with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Provide excellent patient care through physical exams, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care tailored to each pet’s signalment, lifestyle, and environment.

• Develop comprehensive problem lists, differential diagnoses, diagnostic plans, and treatments based on test results, leading to confirmed or suspected diagnoses.
• Document all findings, treatments, medications, client interactions, and diagnoses accurately in the medical records.
• Perform routine and complex surgeries, including spays/neuters, exploratory surgeries, and mass removals.
• Conduct dental procedures, including examinations, radiographs, extractions, and surgical interventions.
• Create treatment plans for day-hospitalized patients, coordinate overnight care, and communicate with referral hospitals for continuity of care.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in hospital rounds as the incoming or outgoing doctor.
• Share knowledge to improve care and communication among staff and with clients.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Supervision and Leadership:

While the Veterinarian will take direct supervision from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director regarding patient care, they are expected to uphold Petco’s standards, behave professionally, and collaborate collegially with colleagues.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an AVMA-accredited school.
• Active veterinary license without contingencies in the state of employment or ability to obtain one.
• Current DEA and Controlled Substance licenses, or ability to obtain them.
• USDA Category I accreditation or completion within two months of hire.
• Comfort with anesthesia and routine surgeries.
• Excellent communication skills and a compassionate, professional attitude.
• Team-oriented with willingness to learn and adapt.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Primarily based in the Vetco Total Care hospital, involving bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for extended periods, with significant client and pet interaction.

Contacts:

Regular communication with clients, specialists, and vendors.

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories.