Description

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

Local autonomy with national support
Career mobility and development opportunities
A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first
You care for pets. We care for you.

 
Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Full or Part-time Associate Veterinarian to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.

Apple Valley Animal Hospital is ready to welcome an Experienced Associate Veterinarian with strong surgical skills to join our busy, progressive, energetic, client-centered hospital. Veterinarians with 2-3 years experience are encouraged to apply as we provide a comfortable, collaborative environment. 

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a warm, friendly, full-service hospital. We offer a very competitive starting salary, $160K-$180K (2-3+ years exp.), plus an additional quarterly no deficit carryover production plan, generous sign-on, retention and relocation bonuses, along with a comprehensive benefits package. With our flexible schedule options, you can maximize your professional development and career satisfaction while building a fulfilling, eventful life outside of work.

Our hospital, located in Apple Valley, California, has been voted 'Best in the Desert' for the past 20 years. Our goal is to provide the highest level of veterinary medicine through excellence in patient, client, and staff care. We are proud of our highly leveraged, well-trained technical staff. We have six exam rooms and the latest medical equipment; including digital x-ray, laser surgery, ultrasound, endoscopy, dental x-ray, and videoscope.

We are located in the high desert area of Southern California, approximately 90 miles east of Los Angeles.  This region has approximately 327 days of sunshine annually, clean air, and a generally mild climate.  We are a one-hour drive to the local mountains for snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. We are located just 1½ hours from downtown Los Angeles, breath taking southern California beaches, world class attractions and about a 2½ hours' drive to San Diego or Las Vegas.

 Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Sonni Nevarez, RVT at snevarez@petvetcarecenters.com

Key Responsibilities

Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
Client communication and education
Performing diagnostic procedures and surgery
Maintaining accurate medical records
Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Qualifications (Required)

Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
Current State Veterinary License
DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
2-3+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
Excellent surgical and dental skills.
Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
401(k) with discretionary contribution
Team Member Pet Discounts
Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
CE stipends and career development resources
Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
Local hospital culture backed by national resources