Small Animal Oncologist

Vetcancersociety; California (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

WAVES Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in San Leandro, CA seeks a Veterinary Oncologist to lead cancer care with compassion and clinical excellence. You will collaborate with Surgery and Internal Medicine teams and coordinate with referring veterinarians to deliver integrated treatment plans.

The role emphasizes evidence-based chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, with a focus on patient comfort, family communication, and mentorship of technicians and staff on the

Qualifications

• Board-certified or board-eligible veterinary oncologist
• Proven ability to communicate with pet parents with empathy
• Mentor and support technicians and staff on the oncology service

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, diagnose, and stage cancers across a range of sarcomas and carcinomas.
• Develop and implement tailored treatment plans including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
• Collaborate with Surgery and Internal Medicine teams for integrated cancer care and coordinate with referring veterinarians.

Skills

Board-certified oncologist

Clinical oncology

Tools

Cytology

Biopsy

Molecular diagnostics

Job description

Veterinary Small Animal Oncologist

WAVES Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital | San Leandro, CA

Job Type: Full-time

A Little About Us

WAVES (Washington Avenue Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital) is a locally owned, veterinarian-led emergency and specialty hospital serving the San Francisco East Bay. Founded by longtime East Bay veterinary clinicians and leaders, WAVES was created to restore advanced emergency and specialty care to a community that relied on it for nearly three decades.

We offer Emergency Care, Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Surgery, with specialty care available throughout the week and 24/7 emergency and critical care every day. At WAVES, we pride ourselves on being more than doctors—we're partners in care, serving a connected community of pet parents and veterinary professionals who believe the highest level of medicine is delivered with both clinical excellence and genuine human connection.

Our culture is rooted in intentional kindness, clear communication, and expertise delivered with respect and humility. We are inclusive, supportive, and united by a shared purpose: medical excellence, compassion, teamwork, and honest communication, in every interaction, especially in the most stressful and emotional moments.

A Supportive, Collaborative Team

At WAVES, you will join a tight-knit team of experienced specialists and hospital professionals who show up for each other and for every patient.

Our team members are supported by:

• A locally owned, veterinarian-led hospital where every clinical decision is guided by the patient's best interests
• Close collaboration across Emergency, Internal Medicine, Oncology, and Surgery services under one roof
• A culture of intentional kindness, honest communication, and mutual respect
• Continuous patient monitoring, including overnight and post-operative care, backed by a dedicated team
• Leadership committed to medical excellence and long-term partnership with referring veterinarians

Your Role

As a Veterinary Oncologist at WAVES, you will guide pets and their families through a cancer diagnosis with compassion, clarity, and expertise, partnering closely with referring veterinarians and our Surgery and Internal Medicine teams to deliver comprehensive cancer care under one roof.

Clinical Responsibilities

Evaluate, diagnose, and stage a wide range of cancers, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, etc. Develop tailored treatment and monitoring plans using the latest evidence-based approaches, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy

• Perform and interpret cytology, biopsy, and molecular diagnostics in coordination with advanced imaging
• Provide palliative and supportive care focused on each patient's comfort and quality of life

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate closely with the Surgery and Internal Medicine teams to provide fully integrated cancer care
• Partner with referring veterinarians to coordinate ongoing case management
• Communicate diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment options to pet parents with honesty and empathy, especially in emotionally difficult moments
• Mentor and support technicians and support staff on the oncology service

This role is a great fit for a board-certified (or board-eligible) veterinary oncologist who wants to practice advanced, collaborative medicine within a hospital built on both clinical excellence and genuine human connection.

Scheduling & Work-Life Balance

We are committed to creating a schedule that supports both professional fulfillment and personal well-being.

• Full-time opportunity available
• Daytime flexible hours
• Collaborative schedule planning with hospital leadership
• Supportive leadership that values work-life balance

San Leandro offers convenient access to the greater San Francisco Bay Area, with a lower cost of living than San Francisco proper, a diverse and welcoming community, and easy access to the Bay's parks, waterfront, and culture.

Build your career at WAVES—where medical excellence and genuine compassion come together to guide East Bay pets and their people through every critical moment.