Veterinarian - Merced, CA

Valley Animal Hospital of Merced; Merced, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonus

Tuition assistance

CE allowance

Job summary

Valley Animal Hospital in Merced, CA is seeking a full-time or part-time veterinarian to join a small, close-knit community practice. You will provide comprehensive medical care for dogs, cats, exotics, and pocket pets while building strong client relationships in a supportive team environment.

We offer a balanced schedule with no mandatory after-hours shifts, opportunities for growth, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and relocation

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary care for dogs, cats, exotics, and pocket pets in a community-focused practice.
• Collaborate with a dedicated team of veterinarians and technicians to deliver high-quality care.

Job description

Since 1985, Valley Animal Hospital (VAH) has proudly served dogs, cats, exotics, and pocket pets in Merced, CA, delivering top-notch veterinary care. We’ve been named “Favorite Veterinary Clinic” in the Merced Sun-Star Reader’s Choice Awards three years in a row!

Our welcoming hospital features superb veterinarians, 3 licensed veterinary technicians, and a dedicated support staff committed to patients, clients, and community. VAH is actively involved in local outreach and animal rescue initiatives, and we provide low-cost spay/neuter services through a local non‑profit program.

We are seeking a Full-Time or Part-Time Veterinarian to join our community-focused practice.

Where We Are

Merced is a growing, affordable community with a bright future. With UC Merced nearby, there are exciting opportunities to grow your clientele if you enjoy building strong client relationships. Residents and visitors enjoy lakes, reservoirs, wildlife wetlands, and the historic Castle Air Museum. For outdoor lovers, Yosemite National Park is just a couple of hours away.

This is a great opportunity for a veterinarian who wants to stay and grow in a small, close‑knit community.

Our Facility

• Comfortable, stand‑alone hospital – designed for a smooth, efficient workflow.
• Exam rooms: 6 (one small, closet‑sized).
• Surgical suite: 3 tables, ideal for up to 2 veterinarians at a time.
• Boarding: small on‑site facility.

What We Offer

• Work/life balance – no after‑hour requirements.
• Flexible Schedule Options:
• Part‑time or relief work welcome.
• No on‑call, flexible shifts.
• Bovie electrocautery unit.
• Advanced procedures: soft tissue, orthopedic, dental surgeries, chemotherapy.
• In‑house lab testing: IDEXX CBC/Chem.
• Client engagement: Rover Rewards Loyalty Program.

We value growth and hands‑on learning! While our clinic pace is busy, we provide a gradual onboarding process for new graduates to ease into managing a full caseload. You’ll have the opportunity to learn by doing, steadily building your confidence and skills while integrating into our workflow.

Success in this role is enhanced by excellent communication skills, as building strong relationships with clients and our team is essential for providing top‑notch care.

We also support Large Animal Veterinarians transitioning to small animal medicine and provide resources for new graduates to connect, collaborate, and thrive:

• Structured orientation with 1‑on‑1 surgical guidance.
• Zoom calls and roundtables with other recent graduates.
• Peer advisors for networking and career guidance.
• Dedicated Slack group for case reviews and collaboration.
• Salary: $170,000 – $200,000 annually (DOE).
• Generous sign‑on bonus.
• Relocation assistance.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid parental leave (birth/adoption).
• Licensing, dues, and liability coverage.
• FSA, EAP, staff discounts, and referral bonuses.
• Exclusive Perks Through Resources for Living – savings on electronics, travel, entertainment, fitness, and more.

We have a positive, well‑being‑focused culture and a supportive, collaborative team. Join us and grow your career while making a real impact in our community!

Prioritize your work‑life balance and enjoy a fulfilling time away from work with our generous offerings.

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Training & Development

Unleash your potential and foster professional growth through our comprehensive education and training programs.

• Vetcor University - training for skill development and career growth
• CE Allowance and opportunities
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Lend a Hand Program – increased pay to help a sister hospital
• VetLife Days – rotate to a sister hospital

Enjoy exclusive benefits for you and your furry family members.

• Discounted Products

Health & Welfare

Take care of your well‑being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Optional Life Insurance, Disability, and Accidental Insurance
• EAP with counseling and mental health benefits
• DVM Professional Liability Insurance fully covered
• Licensure Fees, Professional & Association Dues

Financial Wellbeing

Secure your financial future with our range of offerings designed to promote your financial well‑being.

• 401K with company contribution
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• EAP with Financial & Legal Advice/Services
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus

Time Off/Work Life Balance

Prioritize your work‑life balance and enjoy a fulfilling time away from work with our generous offerings.

Training & Development

Unleash your potential and foster professional growth through our comprehensive education and training programs.

• Vetcor University - training for skill development and career growth
• CE Allowance and opportunities
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Lend a Hand Program – increased pay to help a sister hospital
• VetLife Days – rotate to a sister hospital

Enjoy exclusive benefits for you and your furry family members.

• Discounted Products

Health & Welfare

Take care of your well‑being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Optional Life Insurance, Disability, and Accidental Insurance
• EAP with counseling and mental health benefits
• DVM Professional Liability Insurance fully covered
• Licensure Fees, Professional & Association Dues

Financial Wellbeing

Secure your financial future with our range of offerings designed to promote your financial well‑being.

• 401K with company contribution
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• EAP with Financial & Legal Advice/Services
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus

Time Off/Work Life Balance

Prioritize your work‑life balance and enjoy a fulfilling time away from work with our generous offerings.