Associate Veterinarian

Essential Job Functions

• Provide excellent patient care by performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating diseases, and delivering preventive care tailored to each patient’s signalment, lifestyle, and environment.
• Use a problem‑based approach: develop a complete problem list for every patient, generate a list of differential diagnoses, create a diagnostic plan, and select appropriate treatments based on diagnostic results to achieve confirmed or suspected diagnoses.
• Document all patient observations, exam findings, diagnostics, treatments, medications, client interactions, and tentative and confirmed diagnoses in the medical record promptly and in detail, following practice conventions.
• Perform routine and complex surgical procedures, including spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory surgeries, and mass removals.
• Perform routine and complex dental procedures, such as full dental examinations, radiographic evaluations, and simple or complex extractions and oral surgical interventions.
• Develop treatment plans for patients undergoing day hospitalization, transition patients to overnight care as needed, and communicate effectively with referral hospitals to ensure continuity of care.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in rounds as an incoming or exiting doctor at the beginning and end of shifts.
• Disseminate knowledge throughout staff to improve the quality of care and communication provided to patients and clients.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Nature of Supervision

In all patient‑care activities, the veterinarian reports directly to the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director. The veterinarian has discretion in patient‑care decisions but must uphold the standards set by Petco Veterinary SOPs and accept guidance from supervisors based on electronic medical record reviews.

Planning and Problem Solving

Problem solving is central to veterinary medicine; the successful candidate will possess excellent problem‑solving skills that enable rapid diagnosis and effective treatment of patient issues.

Impact

This role contributes to the growth of a productive practice and maintains high‑quality standards of care. The veterinarian’s work is critical for a cohesive, well‑trained team, fostering employee retention, patient well‑being, and client satisfaction.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but the veterinarian acts as a de‑facto leader within the hospital.

Education and Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an AVMA‑accredited veterinary school.
• Active licensure as a veterinarian with no contingencies in the state where the hospital is located, or the ability to obtain licensure by the start date.
• Current DEA license.
• Current Controlled Substance license, if applicable, in the state of employment, or the ability to obtain it by the start date.
• USDA Category I accreditation (or completion within two months of hire).
• Experience performing anesthesia and routine surgeries, including canine and feline spays, neuters, mass removals, and dental procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate, professional demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
• Computer and telephone proficiency.
• Team player who embraces new techniques, offers creative ideas, and accepts change.

Work Environment

The majority of duties are performed in the Vetco Total Care full‑service veterinary hospital. The role requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 lb), and standing for extended periods. Significant time is spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.

Contacts

The veterinarian will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and vendors that provide products and services used by the practice.

Salary Range

$87,700.00 – $186,100.00

Benefits

The salary range reflects state‑specific regulations. In addition to base pay, Petco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and financial benefits, 401(k), incentives, and paid time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Fair Chance Employment

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.