Small Animal Internist - Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group

Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $100,000

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with discretionary contributions

Team member pet discounts

Emotional wellbeing support

CE stipends and career development resources

Job summary

Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group in Ventura, California is looking for a Board Certified or Residency Trained Veterinary Internist to provide high-quality care in a 24-hour specialty and emergency referral hospital. Responsibilities include comprehensive patient exams, client communication, and maintaining medical records. The position offers a generous pay range between $250,000 and $300,000, along with excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Join a collaborative team dedicated to animal care and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Veterinarian degree from an accredited college or university.
• Strong clinical skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills with clients and staff.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups.
• Communicate effectively with clients about care and treatment.
• Maintain accurate medical records and manage pharmacy duties.

Skills

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment

Client communication skills

Effective communication with staff

Commitment to providing compassionate care

Education

Veterinary degree (DVM or VMD)

1-year rotational internship in small animal medicine

Completed 3-year AVMA approved residency program

Current State Veterinary License

Job description

Position: Small Animal Internist - Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group

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 Board Certified or Residency Trained Veterinary Internist 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.

The Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (VMSG) in Ventura, California is a 24‑hour specialty and emergency referral hospital. Our 16,000‑square‑foot specialty center is set up for you to practice your best medicine. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment including ultrasound, C‑Arm, 64‑slice CT, MRI, and two digital radiology suites. We are also supported by skilled radiologists for radiographic interpretation & recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work‑ups
• Client communication and education
• Maintaining accurate medical records
• Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
• Promoting teamwork and staff efficiency
• Working with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
• Evaluating and monitoring protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
• Monitoring cases in the hospital and attending daily rounds when possible to ensure the highest standards are upheld
• Participating in practice management updates and training at all levels
• Performing other duties as assigned by Management

Qualifications (Required)

• Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
• 1‑year rotational internship in small animal medicine, surgery, ER (university or large referral practice)
• Completed a 3‑year, AVMA approved residency program
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills
• Ability to work well in a team‑oriented environment
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high‑quality veterinary care
• Effective communication with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff
• Client communication skills, including eliciting information, establishing rapport, and providing clear explanations to pet owners
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain
• Physical capability to perform tasks such as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; need to lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Board Certification
• 2‑5 years of experience post‑residency
• Demonstrated clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals, including cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological, and other examinations, and in diagnosing and prescribing appropriate treatments
• Problem‑solving ability to develop solutions related to the management of a high‑quality veterinary hospital
• Effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients and internal staff
• Professionalism and willingness to provide and receive constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback
• Business acumen – understanding the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice
• Ethical decision‑making guided by the principles that affect patients
• Commitment to continuing education and facilitating learning for others

What We Offer

• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $100,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster care
• 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

$250,000 — $300,000 USD

Location

Ventura, CA – a coastal gem with a relaxed, community‑focused vibe and an inspiring natural landscape. Known for its beautiful beaches, historic downtown, and mild Mediterranean climate, Ventura offers an exceptional quality of life with easy access to outdoor activities and a thriving arts and culture scene.

PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.

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