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Associate Veterinarian

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $95,600.00 - $203,000.00
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401k
Paid Time Off
Employee Discounts
Incentive programs

Job Description

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is a leading pet specialty retailer entrenched in the pet care industry for over 60 years. With a nationwide network of more than 1,500 Petco stores in the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, as well as over 250 Vetco Total Care veterinary hospitals, Petco has become synonymous with comprehensive pet wellness and care. The company’s mission centers on supporting pets and their owners with high-quality products, services, and expert advice, helping animals live their best lives while fostering the human-animal bond. Petco's commitment extends beyond retail as demonstrated by its founding of Petco Love, a philanthropic initiative supporting animal welfare groups and facilitating the adoption of nearly 7 million animals.

Petco’s Vetco Total Care hospitals represent the pinnacle of Petco’s veterinary care services, offering full-service medical attention through state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical tools such as ultrasound machines, heated hydraulic surgery tables, and comprehensive dental care equipment. These hospitals are staffed by skilled veterinary professionals dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care and continuous learning. The working environment encourages teamwork, professional demeanor, and empowerment to ensure the highest standards of animal care and client service.

The veterinarian role at Petco Vetco Total Care is a critical leadership position requiring a balance of medical expertise, compassionate client communication, and collaborative teamwork. Full-time employment at the Livermore, CA location involves hands-on care encompassing physical examinations, diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, dentistry, and day-hospitalization care. Veterinarians are expected to employ a comprehensive problem-based approach to patient diagnosis and treatment, documenting detailed medical records and making informed decisions to optimize patient outcomes.

Continuous professional development and knowledge sharing are key components of the role, as veterinarians participate in rounds, mentor staff, and uphold Petco’s standards and policies under the supervision of hospital medical leaders. The position demands excellent problem-solving skills, strong communication abilities, and a compassionate demeanor, especially during emotionally challenging situations. The role supports Petco’s larger objectives of sustaining a motivated and productive veterinary team, fostering customer satisfaction, and advancing the quality and scope of veterinary services available to pets and their families.

Petco offers competitive salary ranges between $95,600 and $203,000 annually, reflecting experience, location, and regulatory requirements. Benefits include health and financial options, 401(k), incentives, and paid time off, contributing to an attractive overall compensation package. Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and workplace culture. Joining Petco means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to pet wellness and community impact through innovative veterinary services and compassionate care.

Job Requirements

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school
  • Active veterinarian licensure without contingencies in the practice state or ability to obtain before start date
  • Current DEA license
  • Current Controlled Substance License if applicable or ability to obtain by start date
  • USDA Category I accreditation or completion within two months of hire
  • Must be comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries such as spays, neuters, mass removals, and dentals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Compassionate and professional demeanor in emotional and stressful situations
  • Proficient telephone and computer skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a team player, learn new treatments, and embrace change

Job Qualifications

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school
  • Active licensure as a veterinarian without contingencies in the state of practice or ability to obtain by start date
  • Current DEA license
  • Current Controlled Substance License if applicable or ability to obtain by start date
  • USDA Category I accreditation or completion within two months of hire
  • Comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries including spays, neuters, mass removals, and dentals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Compassionate and professional attitude during emotional and stressful situations
  • Telephone and computer proficiency
  • Team player willing to learn new techniques, offer creative ideas, and accept change

Job Duties

  • 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 for developing complete problem lists, differential diagnoses, diagnostic plans, and treatments
  • Document all patient observations, exams, diagnostics, treatments, medications, client interactions, and diagnoses in medical records
  • Perform routine and complex surgical procedures including spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory, and mass removals
  • Perform routine and complex dental procedures including full dental exams, radiograph evaluations, extractions, and oral surgeries
  • Develop treatment plans for patients undergoing day hospitalization and coordinate overnight care with referral hospitals
  • Participate in rounds as incoming or exiting doctor and disseminate knowledge to staff to enhance care and communication

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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