We are especially proud of our highly leveraged, well-trained technical staff, allowing our veterinarians to focus on practicing high-quality medicine, performing surgery, and delivering exceptional care to their patients. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional veterinary medicine, building lasting client relationships, and working in a supportive environment with a highly skilled technical team, we would love to meet you.

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.

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Associate Veterinarian – Strong Surgical Skills

Apple Valley Animal Hospital | Apple Valley, California

Position Overview

Apple Valley Animal Hospital is seeking a compassionate, experienced Associate Veterinarian with strong surgical skills to join our dedicated and collaborative team! If you are passionate about delivering exceptional veterinary medicine, building lasting client relationships, and working in a supportive environment with a highly skilled technical team, we would love to meet you.

You will collaborate with experienced veterinarians, well-trained technicians, and professional support staff who share a commitment to outstanding patient care, client service, and teamwork. You will also work closely with our Hospital Manager and Regional Manager to support your professional growth and help ensure the continued success of the practice.

About Apple Valley Animal Hospital

Located in Apple Valley, California, Apple Valley Animal Hospital is a busy, progressive, and energetic, client-centered practice dedicated to providing the highest standards of veterinary medicine. We believe exceptional patient care begins with a strong team, excellent communication, and a commitment to supporting both our clients and our staff.

Our spacious, full-service hospital features six exam rooms, modern diagnostic capabilities, and advanced medical equipment, including:

• Digital radiography (X-ray)

• Dental radiography

• Laser surgery

• Ultrasound

• Endoscopy

• Videoscope technology

We are especially proud of our highly leveraged, well-trained technical staff, allowing our veterinarians to focus on practicing high-quality medicine, performing surgery, and delivering exceptional care to their patients.

Why Join Us?

• A Supportive, Collaborative Team: Work alongside experienced veterinarians and skilled veterinary professionals in a warm, friendly, and team-oriented environment.

• Surgical Opportunities: Utilize your surgical skills and continue developing your clinical expertise in a full-service hospital equipped with modern technology.

• A Strong Technical Team: Partner with highly trained technicians and support staff who help maximize efficiency and support excellent patient care.

• Professional Growth and Mentorship: Enjoy a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing, continued learning, and professional development.

• An Established Community Reputation: We are proud to have been voted "Best in the Desert" for the past 20 years!

Discover Life in Apple Valley, California

Enjoy the benefits of Southern California living in the beautiful High Desert! Located approximately 90 miles east of Los Angeles, Apple Valley offers abundant sunshine, fresh desert air, and a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

With approximately 327 days of sunshine annually, you can enjoy hiking, exploring nearby mountain communities, skiing in the winter, and water sports during the warmer months. You will also have convenient access to Southern California beaches, Los Angeles entertainment and attractions, and exciting weekend getaways to San Diego or Las Vegas.

Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, exploring local communities, or having access to big-city attractions while living at a more relaxed pace, Apple Valley offers a lifestyle with something for everyone.

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you are a veterinarian who enjoys surgery, values teamwork, and is committed to providing exceptional veterinary care, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity at Apple Valley Animal Hospital!

Apply today, or contact Sonni Nevarez, RVT, DVM Recruiter, directly at

snevarez@petvetcarecenters.com

to learn more about this opportunity.

 

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

• Salary $175,000 to $200,000
• Quarterly Production-No Negative Deficit Carryover Plan
• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $75,000
• 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

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.