Small Animal Internist - Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center

Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center of Thousand Oaks; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing, retention, and relocation packages

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

The Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center of Thousand Oaks is seeking a compassionate and skilled Board Certified or Residency Trained Internist. This role involves providing high-quality veterinary care and communicating effectively with clients.

The center offers a supportive environment with opportunities for career development and a range of benefits including medical insurance, paid parental leave, and a competitive salary range of $300,000 to $350,000.

Qualifications

• 1-year rotational internship in small animal medicine, surgery, ER.
• Current State Veterinary License is required.
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Client communication and education.

Skills

Strong diagnostic and clinical skills

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment

Client communication skills

Education

Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD)

Completed a 3-year AVMA approved residency program

Job description

Small Animal Internist – Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center

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 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.

Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (VSEC) in Thousand Oaks, CA is a 24‑hour specialty and emergency referral hospital.

Located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, CA, offers a blend of scenic beauty, vibrant community life, and business opportunity. The city is known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and extensive parks, making it an attractive setting for professionals and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Comprehensive patient exams and medical work‑ups
• Client communication and education
• Maintaining accurate medical records
• Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications 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 ensure the highest standards are upheld
• Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management

Required Qualifications

• 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
• 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, 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 require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling at times
• Some tasks involve moderately physically demanding work
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred Skills

• Board Certification
• 2‑5 years of experience post‑residency
• Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals, performing cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations, diagnosing and prescribing 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 and internal staff
• Professionalism: Work as part of a high‑quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive 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 facilitate learning for others

What We Offer

Benefits include:

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

$300,000 — $350,000 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 or mental disabilities, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V