Part-Time Associate Veterinarian

Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing and retention incentives up to $50,000

CE stipend

Emotional wellbeing support

Job summary

Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital is looking for a compassionate Part-Time Associate Veterinarian in Capitola, CA. The ideal candidate will provide high-quality veterinary care, work with a skilled team of veterinarians, and possess excellent communication skills. Responsibilities include patient exams, diagnostics, and client education. Benefits include signing bonuses and a supportive work culture. The position offers competitive compensation ranges from $130,000 to $150,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary practice.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Communicate effectively with clients and team.

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups.
• Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery.
• Client communication and education.

Skills

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Excellent surgical and dental skills

Interest in high-quality veterinary care

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Team-oriented environment

Education

Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD)

Current State Veterinary License

Job description

Part‑Time Associate Veterinarian - Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital

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.

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 Part‑Time Associate Veterinarian to join our team at Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital in Capitola, California. 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 Director.

Our mission is to provide state‑of‑the‑art medical care with compassion and exceptional service to our clients.

Why Join Us

• Capitola/Santa Cruz is located on the central California coast with a long wharf, eateries, and shops, stretching into Monterey Bay.
• The team of smart, caring veterinarians and experienced technicians proudly serve pet owners with high‑quality care.

We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Signing and retention incentives up to $50,000
• CE stipend
• Licensing and dues reimbursement
• Emotional wellbeing support, including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• A supportive home hospital environment, backed by national resources and a strong Culture of Care
• Compensation is prorated based on experience and hours/shifts worked. Salary ranges listed in this posting reflect full‑time roles.

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 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 ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the medical and hospital staff
• Client communication skills, able to elicit information, establish rapport, and offer explanations to 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 requires 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. Diagnose 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

$130,000 — $150,000 USD

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