Part Time Associate Veterinarian

Montecitopethospital; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $50,000

Team Member Pet Discounts

License and dues reimbursement

CE stipends and career development resources

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Santa Barbara is seeking a Part-Time Veterinarian to join their dedicated team. The role includes flexible hours, a focus on client care, and a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will have a DVM degree, a current state license, and strong surgical and diagnostic skills. The practice is known for its supportive culture and is dedicated to exceptional pet care, offering competitive compensation and various benefits.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive patient exams and diagnostics.
• Client education and communication.
• Maintain accurate medical records.

Skills

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Excellent surgical skills

Client communication skills

Team-oriented approach

Ability to handle stressed animals

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

Care for pets. Maintain balance and flexibility. Nurture ongoing care.

Join our team as a Part‑Time Veterinarian with predictable hours and a consistent home hospital assignment. You’ll enjoy flexibility while working alongside a locally led care team supported by national resources.

Whether you’re balancing family commitments, pursuing personal interests, or simply seeking a more sustainable pace, we’re here to support you. This role allows you to stay clinically engaged without sacrificing balance, connection, or continuity of care. We’re flexible, open to conversation, and committed to understanding your availability and goals—and building a schedule that works for both you and the hospital.

Montecito Pet Hospital located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, is seeking a Part Time Associate Veterinarian for our small animal practice. Our well‑trained team members will allow you to focus on being a doctor and not technician, allowing you to make a difference in the lives of pets and our clients. You cannot beat our hospital’s friendly & professional culture as we have a 4.9‑star rating on Google! Our ideal candidate will have an interest in dentistry to compliment their general practice surgical skills and client service.

Located on a pristine stretch of California’s central coastline, Santa Barbara brings together the Golden State’s Spanish influence, laid‑back vibe, and upscale sensibility in a way few places can. Santa Barbara is best known for its broad, sandy beaches, and whether you’re looking to catch the perfect wave or the perfect sunset, there are plenty from which to choose. As a world‑class destination, Santa Barbara does not disappoint when it comes to food and drink, and the surrounding area now rivals Northern California’s Napa and Sonoma regions for wine production.

Compensation for Part‑Time roles is prorated based on experience and hours/shifts worked. Salary ranges listed in this posting reflect full‑time roles.

What We Offer

• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $50,000
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• License and dues reimbursement
• CE stipends and career development resources
• A supportive home hospital environment, backed by national resources and a strong Culture of Care

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 dischargeMonitor 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
• 1+ 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

$150,000 — $185,000 USD

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 our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.

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

Why Consider Our Montecito Hospital?

At Montecito Pet 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 Montecito Pet Hospital, where you'll be a respected member of a team that loves animals and values the contributions from every individual on the team.