Veterinarian – Full-Service Pet Care Leader

Petco; Patchogue Highlands (NY); On-site; USD 76,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Petco Vetco Total Care is seeking a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to lead medical care in our full-service hospital. The role emphasizes patient-focused exams, surgical and dental procedures, and collaboration with a dedicated team to deliver outstanding care to pets and their families.

The position requires active licensure, DEA, and USDA accreditation, plus strong communication and teamwork. You’ll join a hospital culture that prioritizes quality care, education, and compassionate service.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school.
• Active licensure as a veterinarian without contingencies in the state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
• Current DEA license.
• Current Controlled Substance License, if applicable, in state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
• USDA Category I (minimum) Accreditation or completion within two months of hire date.
• Must be comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries including but not limited to: canine and feline spays, neuters, mass removals, and dentals.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be compassionate and sympathetic, and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
• Must have telephone and computer skills.
• Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent patient care by performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating diseases, and providing preventive care according to patient signalment, lifestyle, and environment.
• Utilize a problem-based approach that includes developing a complete problem list for every patient examined, a complete list of differential diagnoses for each problem identified, a complete diagnostic plan, and appropriate treatments based on interpretation of diagnostic test results leading to confirmed or suspected diagnoses.
• Document all patient observations, findings of exams and diagnostics, treatments and medications, client interactions, and tentative and confirmed diagnoses in the medical record in a concise and detail fashion, according to practice convention.
• Perform routine and complex surgical procedures including (but not limited) spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory, and mass removals.
• Perform routine and complex dental procedures including full dental examination, evaluation of dental radiographs, as well as simple and complex extractions and oral surgical procedures.
• Develop treatment plans for patients undergoing day hospitalization based on complete problem-based assessment. Transition patients to overnight care as needed and communicate effectively with referral hospitals to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Participate in rounds as incoming or exiting doctor at beginning and end of shifts.
• Disseminate knowledge throughout staff to improve the level of care and communication provided hospital partners, to both the patient and the client.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Telephone skills

Computer skills

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Job description

Petco Vetco Total Care is seeking a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to lead medical care in our full-service hospital. The role emphasizes patient-focused exams, surgical and dental procedures, and collaboration with a dedicated team to deliver outstanding care to pets and their families.

The position requires active licensure, DEA, and USDA accreditation, plus strong communication and teamwork. You’ll join a hospital culture that prioritizes quality care, education, and compassionate service.