Lead Veterinarian

Mission Pet Health; Laguna Niguel (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401k company match

Disability Insurance

Professional liability coverage

License fees covered

Paid time off

CE opportunities

Job summary

Mission Pet Health in Laguna Niguel, CA seeks a Medical Lead Veterinarian to guide a team of experienced DVMs in high-quality small animal care. You will mentor clinicians, drive clinical excellence, and participate in leadership training and mentorship programs.

You will oversee hospital performance, develop annual operating plans, and engage with the community while providing exceptional patient care and education to clients.

Qualifications

• DVM degree and a valid state veterinary license.
• Minimum 2 years of practical clinical experience.
• Servant leadership mentality with commitment to core values.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Understanding of financial and operating management of a hospital.
• Proficiency with MS Office and basic computer skills.
• Willingness to participate in leadership and growth programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor your DVM team, conducting performance discussions and development goals.
• Model medical excellence while practicing as an associate and achieving production goals.
• Partner with the Practice Manager to develop operating plans and EBITDA-aligned targets.
• Lead monthly doctor meetings, oversee externships and mentorship, and recruit talent.
• Represent the hospital and Mission Pet Health in community engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentorship

Team collaboration

Hospital management

Customer service

Education

DVM degree

State veterinary license

Tools

MS Office

Outlook

Job description

Marina Hills Animal Hospital invites you to join a supportive and dedicated team serving the beautiful Laguna Niguel community since 2002. Our mission is simple: to treat every pet like our own, partnering with clients for comprehensive small animal healthcare. The trust we have earned from our community is reflected in our excellent 4.7-star Google rating, demonstrating our commitment to quality service and communication. If you are ready to bring your passion for pet wellness, surgery, and advanced diagnostics to a practice where you can truly do your best work, this opportunity in Southern California is waiting for you. Joining our hospital means becoming part of a highly experienced team where collaboration is key. You will work alongside doctors who possess over 40 years of combined experience in small animal medicine, offering an invaluable knowledge base and mentorship opportunities. While we maintain a deeply local identity, we are supported by a commitment to your career development. This means you will have access to educational resources designed to help all teammates grow and succeed, whether you are pursuing credentialing as a technician or aiming for a leadership role. We prioritize a supportive environment where every teammate feels empowered to reach their professional goals. We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, cutting-edge veterinary medicine, utilizing high-quality patient care and advanced technology. At Marina Hills Animal Hospital, you will be involved in complex case management spanning wellness and prevention, sophisticated testing and diagnostics, advanced care, and surgical procedures. We also offer urgent care services, ensuring you are constantly challenged and engaged across a full spectrum of small animal medicine. Our focus is always on providing the best possible veterinary medicine through high quality patient care and exceptional client communication. Located in the desirable community of Laguna Niguel, California, this area provides an incredible backdrop for your professional life. Laguna Niguel offers exceptional Southern California living, placing you near stunning coastal scenery and a wide array of recreational opportunities. Our convenient location ensures easy access to the best Orange County has to offer. You will find that establishing roots here allows for a fantastic work-life balance, giving you access to both a highly professional medical environment and the quintessential California lifestyle.

Your Impact as a Medical Lead Veterinarian

• Lead and Mentor Your DVM Team: You will manage all associate veterinarians, conducting regular performance discussions, coaching them on individual development goals (including production and PCT), and fostering a culture of teamwork and retention.
• Role Model Medical Excellence: You will set the example for the highest quality of medicine, client service, and efficiency, while also practicing as an associate veterinarian and achieving your own production goals.
• Drive Hospital Performance: In partnership with your Practice Manager, you will help develop the annual operating plan, manage hospital financial performance toward an EBITDA goal, and ensure compliance with all medical and DEA regulations.
• Foster a Culture of Growth: You will lead monthly doctor meetings to discuss best practices, new services, and medical standards. You will also supervise externship and mentorship programs and champion a culture of recruitment.
• Be an Ambassador: You will serve as an ambassador for your hospital and Mission Pet Health through community engagement at schools, universities, and local events.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a valid state license in good standing.
• A minimum of 2 years of practical clinical experience.
• A servant leadership mentality with a commitment to our core values and the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• An understanding of (or willingness to learn) the financial and operating management of a hospital.
• Proficiency in intermediate computer skills (MS Office, Outlook, etc.).
• Enthusiasm and a desire to be part of a progressive, growth-oriented culture.

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the autonomy of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you as a leader, so you can focus on your team and your medicine.

Generous Compensation

A competitive annual base salary plus a monthly production bonus with no negative accrual.

Total Wellbeing

Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Life, and Accident insurance, plus Paid Parental Leave.

Financial Health

Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match (100% on the first 3%, 50% on the next 2%), plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance.

Leadership & Clinical Growth

Receive paid continuing education with dedicated days off, plus access to our comprehensive Leadership Training Program and structured mentorship.

Clinical Tracks Program

Access over 50 hours of in-depth, RACE-approved CE in Dentistry, Oncology, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Cardiology, facilitated by veterinary specialists.

The Power of a Network

Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration, support, and to grow your interests.

Peace of Mind

Company-paid professional liability coverage, license fees, and professional dues. Enjoy a flexible schedule, paid time off, and free 24/7 access to Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.

EEO Statement

Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.