Veterinarian

NVA General Practice; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced Animal Medical Center in California's Central Valley is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join a well-established GP clinic. The role offers a salary of $120,000–$140,000 DOE, with production incentives and benefits.

You will practice high-quality medicine and be supported as you build confidence, whether you are a new graduate or an experienced DVM. The hospital operates 7 days a week (9am–5pm) with 4-day work weeks and a typical start between 7–8am, often alongside another

Qualifications

• California DVM licensed or eligible
• Interest in surgery and urgent care is preferred
• Team-oriented and eager to grow

Responsibilities

• Mix of appointments, surgery, urgent care, and emergency cases
• Soft tissue and orthopedic surgery performed in-house
• In-house diagnostics and imaging interpretation
• Occasional weekend shifts as part of a shared schedule

Job description

Associate Veterinarian

Merced Animal Medical Center

Salary: $120,000–$140,000 (DOE) + production & benefits

We are a well-established, community-focused veterinary hospital in California’s Central Valley, and we’re excited to grow our doctor team. This is a great opportunity for a veterinarian who wants to practice high-quality medicine, build real confidence, and be supported every step of the way—whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced DVM.

About The Hospital

Merced Animal Medical Center is a well-supported GP clinic with surgery, urgent care, and emergency services, serving a diverse and loyal community. The hospital has undergone recent renovations, including updated exam rooms and new equipment, and continues to evolve with the needs of our patients and team in mind.

We’re open 7 days per week (9am–5pm), with doctors typically working 4-day work weeks, arriving between 7–8am. You’ll almost always be working alongside another experienced DVM, ensuring collaboration and support throughout the day.

Our Doctor Team

• Dr. Kafka (Managing DVM) – a long-tenured leader with a strong background in community practice, surgery, and mentorship
• Dr. Hannigan – UC Davis graduate with deep ties to the hospital and community
• Dr. Benson – sees cats, dogs, and exotics
• Dr. Hayer – a recent graduate with strong local roots and interests in behavior, preventative care, and internal medicine

Culture & Support

• Well-knit, collaborative team with long-tenured staff (some 10–20+ years)
• 2:1 tech-to-doctor ratio with experienced RVTs
• Team engagement meetings
• A mix of seasoned team members and newer staff bringing fresh energy
• A culture built around support, learning, and doing right by both clients and teammates
• This is a hospital where you’ll see a lot and do a lot. New graduates are given longer appointment times (up to 1 hour initially) and mentorship tailored to their comfort level.

The Role

• Mix of appointments, surgery, urgent care, and emergency cases
• Soft tissue and orthopedic surgery performed in-house
• In-house diagnostics and imaging interpretation
• Occasional weekend shifts as part of a shared schedule

Who We’re Looking For

• DVM licensed (or eligible) in California
• Open to new graduates and experienced veterinarians
• Interest in surgery and urgent care is preferredTeam-oriented, adaptable, and eager to grow
• Someone who’s looking to build a long-term home

Why Animal Clinic of Merced?

• You’ll gain hands-on experience across a wide variety of cases
• Strong mentorship and emergency/urgent care support
• Almost always practicing alongside another DVM
• A hospital that values learning, teamwork, and realistic medicine
• A chance to truly make an impact in the community you serve