Veterinarian

Aliso Beach Animal Clinic; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Desert Forest Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, AZ is seeking an experienced Associate Veterinarian. This full-time, on-site role focuses on high-quality small-animal medicine, client relationship building, and collaborative care with a strong support team.

Ideal candidates have a DVM/VMD, at least two years of clinical experience, and eligibility for Arizona licensure. Experience with exotics is a plus but not required, with opportunities to expand into new services as desired.

Qualifications

• DVM, VMD, or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of two years of clinical veterinary experience.
• Current Arizona veterinary licensure or eligibility to obtain licensure.
• Strong competency in small‑animal internal medicine, preventive care, diagnostics, and management of common canine and feline conditions.
• Excellent communication skills and commitment to compassionate client relationships.
• Ability to collaborate with experienced veterinary technicians and team members.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive wellness, preventive, diagnostic, and medical care for dogs and cats.
• Diagnose and manage acute illnesses, chronic conditions, and urgent concerns.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical judgment and current medical evidence.
• Interpret laboratory results, imaging, and other clinical findings.
• Perform medical and surgical procedures consistent with experience and interests.
• Communicate clearly with clients and educate them to support informed decisions.
• Maintain accurate medical records and uphold professional and ethical standards.

Skills

Small-animal medicine

Preventive care

Diagnostics

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Continuing education

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD, or equivalent)

Job description

Cave Creek, Arizona | Full-Time | Privately Owned Practice

About Desert Forest Animal Hospital

Associate Veterinarian – Desert Forest Animal Hospital

Some veterinary hospitals are more than places where pets receive medical care. They become part of the community. Desert Forest Animal Hospital is one of those places.

For more than 40 years, Desert Forest Animal Hospital has been a trusted part of Cave Creek, Arizona. Established in 1984, our independently owned practice has built lasting relationships with generations of local families. Some of our clients are now third-generation clients, bringing their own pets to the same hospital their parents and grandparents trusted.

What makes Desert Forest special is not simply our history, but the people who have made that history possible.

Our hospital is home to an exceptionally dedicated, long-tenured staff, including team members who have cared for our clients and patients for more than 20 years. Our experienced, capable veterinary technicians and support team provide a strong foundation for excellent medicine, efficient patient care, and meaningful collaboration.

We believe veterinary medicine is at its best when doctors have the support, time, and professional respect to practice thoughtful, individualized care. Our clients are not numbers, and our patients are not treated with one-size-fits-all protocols. We value relationships, clinical judgment, compassion, and the trust that develops when a veterinary team truly knows the families it serves.

Under the supportive ownership and medical leadership of Bryan Hayter, DVM, Desert Forest Animal Hospital combines modern veterinary medicine with the warmth and personal attention of a genuine neighborhood practice.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate Associate Veterinarian to join our team in Cave Creek.

This is a full-time, on-site position for a veterinarian who enjoys practicing high-quality small-animal medicine, developing lasting client relationships, and working alongside a knowledgeable and supportive team.

Our ideal candidate appreciates the rewards of community-based veterinary medicine and wants to become part of a practice with an established identity, loyal clientele, and a remarkable history.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing comprehensive wellness, preventive, diagnostic, and medical care for dogs and cats.
• Diagnosing and managing acute illnesses, chronic medical conditions, and urgent concerns.
• Developing individualized treatment plans based on sound clinical judgment, current medical evidence, and each patient's circumstances.
• Interpreting laboratory results, diagnostic imaging, and other clinical findings.
• Performing medical and surgical procedures consistent with experience and professional interests.
• Communicating clearly and compassionately with clients, emphasizing education, collaboration, and informed decision-making.
• Working closely with our experienced veterinary technicians and support staff to deliver coordinated, efficient patient care.
• Maintaining accurate medical records and upholding high professional and ethical standards.

Interested in exotic animal medicine? While our established practice primarily serves dogs and cats, we welcome veterinarians who have an interest in seeing exotic pets. A veterinarian who wishes to develop or expand exotic-animal services at our location would have the opportunity to discuss doing so with ownership. Experience with exotics is not required.

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD, or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of two years of clinical experience practicing veterinary medicine.
• Current Arizona veterinary licensure OR eligibility and ability to obtain Arizona licensure before beginning clinical practice. An existing Arizona license is not required to apply, and veterinarians currently licensed in other states are encouraged to apply.
• Strong competency in small-animal internal medicine, preventive care, diagnostics, and management of common canine and feline conditions.
• Excellent communication skills and a commitment to compassionate, respectful client relationships.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with experienced veterinary technicians and fellow team members.
• Sound clinical judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to continuing education.

Preferred but not required:

• Experience with soft tissue surgery and dentistry.
• Interest in urgent-care medicine and diagnostic workups.
• Experience with or interest in exotic companion animals.
• Interest in expanding clinical skills and contributing to the practice's continued growth.

Why Join Desert Forest Animal Hospital?

A practice with deep roots. More than four decades of service to Cave Creek have created extraordinary loyalty and trust within the community. You will have the opportunity to care for families who have known this hospital for generations.

A genuinely experienced team. Work alongside a knowledgeable technical and support staff, including colleagues with more than two decades of commitment to the hospital and its clients.

Supportive, accessible ownership. Our privately owned practice values professional collaboration, thoughtful medical decisions, and the individual strengths of its veterinarians.

Medicine that remains personal. We believe exceptional veterinary care begins with listening, understanding the patient, and building relationships with the people who love them.

Room to grow. Whether your interests include internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, urgent care, or potentially exotic-animal medicine, we welcome veterinarians who want to continue developing professionally.

A unique community. Cave Creek offers the character of the Sonoran Desert, a strong sense of local identity, and a wonderful setting in which to build both a career and lasting relationships.

Join a Hospital That Has Been Part of Cave Creek for Generations

We are proud of the practice Desert Forest Animal Hospital has become and of the extraordinary people who have helped build it.

We are looking for a veterinarian who values the same things we do: excellent medicine, kindness, integrity, teamwork, and relationships that last.

If you are seeking more than simply your next veterinary position—and would like to become part of a hospital with genuine history, heart, and community,we would love to meet you.

Desert Forest Animal Hospital

6554 E Cave Creek Road

Cave Creek, AZ 85331

• Full-time Associate Veterinarian | Minimum two years of experience required | Out-of-state applicants welcome