Associate Veterinarian (Full-Time or Part-Time)

About the role

We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. As a Veterinarian at our Vetco Total Care Full Service Veterinary Hospitals, you’ll live and breathe quality in the pets you treat and the people you work with. You’ll be supported by quality equipment (ultrasound in every hospital, heated hydraulic surgery tables, DDXR), quality medical field leaders, and a paraprofessional team encouraged to expand their skill sets as subject matter experts in dentistry, nutrition, and more. Join a world-class organization focused on celebrating your success and unique practice of veterinary medicine as you lead your team through the next generation of full-service veterinary care.

All hospital partners are responsible for performing duties in a way that creates an environment in which:

• the patient’s needs always come first;
• every team member understands that they have the power to do what it takes to create an exceptional customer and patient experience;
• contentious issues are dealt with and resolved as they occur when possible, or as soon as is possible;
• exceptional teamwork and commitment to shared goals benefits the entire organization.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

• 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 that includes developing a complete problem list for every patient examined, a complete list of differential diagnoses for each problem identified, a complete diagnostic plan, and appropriate treatments based on interpretation of diagnostic test results leading to confirmed or suspected diagnoses.
• Document all patient observations, findings of exams and diagnostics, treatments and medications, client interactions, and tentative and confirmed diagnoses in the medical record in a concise and detailed fashion, according to practice convention.
• Perform routine and complex surgical procedures including (but not limited to) spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory, and mass removals.
• Perform routine and complex dental procedures including full dental examination, evaluation of dental radiographs, as well as simple and complex extractions and oral surgical procedures.
• Develop treatment plans for patients undergoing day hospitalization based on complete problem-based assessment. Transition patients to overnight care as needed and communicate effectively with referral hospitals to ensure continuity of patient care.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

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

Nature of Supervision

In all activities related to the care of individual patients, the Veterinarian will take direct supervision from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director. The Veterinarian has discretion related to decisions regarding patient care but must uphold the standards set forth in the Petco Veterinary SOPs. The Veterinarian should expect to receive direction and guidance based on electronic medical record review from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director regarding patient decisions and should accept such feedback as a means to elevate patient care in the hospital. All hospital veterinarians should work together in a collegial fashion and are expected to behave in a professional and personable manner.

Planning and Problem Solving

Problem-solving is at the heart of veterinary medicine, and it is expected that any successful candidate will possess excellent problem-solving skills that allow expeditious diagnosis of patient problems.

Impact

This position contributes to the growth of a productive practice while focusing on a high-quality standard of care. It ensures a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated team, creating an optimal environment that promotes employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school.
• Active licensure as a veterinarian without contingencies in the state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
• Current DEA license.
• Current Controlled Substance License, if applicable, in the state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
• USDA Category I (minimum) Accreditation or completion within two months of hire date.
• Comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries including but not limited to: canine and feline spays, neuters, mass removals, and dentals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate and sympathetic, able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
• Proficient telephone and computer skills.
• A team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Work Environment

The majority of job duties are conducted in the Vetco Total Care veterinary full-service hospital. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary), and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.

Contacts

This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products and/or services that the practice utilizes.

Benefits

For a detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO, see Petco Total Rewards.