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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
Paid Time Off
401k
Incentives
financial benefits

Job Description

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is a leading pet specialty retailer known for its deep commitment to improving the lives of pets and pet parents. Established over 60 years ago, Petco operates more than 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, alongside 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals and various preventive care clinics. Petco is recognized not just for its wide range of pet products including food, toys, and supplies, but also for its expert veterinary services and its role in animal welfare through adoption initiatives. The company cultivates a vibrant culture that embraces inclusivity, authenticity, and collaboration, positioning itself as a nurturing environment for both employees and customers. Petco’s mission revolves around putting pets first, fostering joyful experiences for pet owners, and strengthening the bond between humans and pets. This is reflected in their core values: Pet First – Protect and Empower; Foster the Fun – Connect and Bond; and Let’s Go! Own and Commit. These principles guide every aspect of their operations and interactions.

The role of Veterinarian at Petco’s Vetco Total Care Full Service Veterinary Hospitals is one of immense responsibility and impact. This position offers the opportunity to provide comprehensive veterinary care through physical exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, and preventive medicine tailored to each pet's needs. Veterinarians at Petco operate in a technologically advanced clinical setting equipped with ultrasound machines, heated hydraulic surgery tables, and digital radiography. They are supported by a skilled medical leadership and a knowledgeable paraprofessional team, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care. This role requires practitioners who are passionate about high-quality veterinary medicine and who seek to advance their skills in an innovative, supportive environment.

In this role, veterinarians are central players in ensuring pets receive the best possible care and experience while also guiding and collaborating with the hospital team. They perform routine and complex surgical and dental procedures, develop treatment plans for various conditions, and manage hospitalization cases effectively. Additionally, veterinarians participate in team rounds to ensure continuity of care, disseminate best practices to staff, and uphold Petco’s standards of patient care according to internal SOPs. The position demands excellent problem-solving capabilities to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions efficiently.

The environment at Vetco Total Care encourages veterinarians to lead with compassion, professionalism, and commitment. Although no direct supervisory responsibilities exist, veterinarians act as de facto leaders and role models within the hospital, promoting teamwork and shared goals that enhance employee retention and customer satisfaction. Communication with clients, veterinary specialists, and external service providers is a vital aspect of the position. This full-time, onsite role is based in Vacaville, California, and offers a competitive salary range from $95,600 to $203,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Overall, this opportunity is well-suited for veterinary professionals seeking to contribute meaningfully to pet healthcare in a dynamic, reputable organization focused on impactful veterinary services and community engagement.

Job Requirements

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent
  • Active veterinarian license without contingencies 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
  • Comfort performing anesthesia and routine surgeries including spays, neuters, mass removals, and dentals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Compassionate and professional attitude during stressful situations
  • Proficient telephone and computer skills
  • Team player open to learning new techniques and 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 employment or ability to obtain by start date
  • Current DEA license
  • Current Controlled Substance License if applicable
  • USDA Category I Accreditation or completion within two months of hire date
  • Comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries including spays, neuters, mass removals, and dentals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Compassionate and professional demeanor in emotional and stressful situations
  • Telephone and computer skills
  • 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 including developing a complete problem list, differential diagnoses, diagnostic plan, and appropriate treatments
  • Document all patient observations, exam findings, diagnostics, treatments, medications, client interactions, and diagnoses in the medical record
  • Perform routine and complex surgical procedures including spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory, and mass removals
  • Perform routine and complex dental procedures including dental exams, evaluation of dental radiographs, extractions, and oral surgeries
  • Develop treatment plans for patients undergoing day hospitalization and transition patients to overnight care as needed
  • Participate in rounds as an incoming or outgoing doctor
  • Disseminate knowledge to staff to improve care and communication
  • Perform additional duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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