Vetco Total Care DVM Extern

About Petco

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years — from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we’re here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way.

We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.

Our vision is healthier pets, happier people, and a better world. We obsess about providing complete care for pets by supporting their physical, mental, social, and emotional needs.

About the Role

Gain valuable experience in one of our state-of-the-art hospitals. Grow your skill set and explore future career paths while under direct supervision from one of our highly skilled doctors. If you participate in our externship program, you can expect to be exposed to, or gain hands-on experience with a plethora of medical, surgical, diagnostic, and dental skills. Vetco Total Care is committed to the development of veterinary students and welcomes participation in accredited university externship programs.

Potential Services

Each hospital varies based on doctor/mentor. Exposure may include:

• Anesthesiology
• Cardiology
• Clinical Pathology
• Dentistry (including DDXR)
• Dermatology
• Neurology (limited)
• Ophthalmology (limited)
• Pathology (limited)
• Imaging/Radiology/Ultrasonography
• Small Animal Emergency Critical Care (limited)
• Small Animal Medicine
• Small Animal Surgery
• Zoo/Exotic Animal Medicine (limited)

Responsibilities

• Work closely with mentor for guidance and development of hands-on veterinary experience and knowledge.
• Learn components of the physical examination.
• Observe (first) then assist during surgeries.
• Continue to develop technical skills such as blood draws, fecal analysis, urine analysis, catheter setting, ET tube placement.
• Learn all aspects of hospital environment by observing and participating in procedures with your mentor:
  • Review patient history, differential, diagnosis and costs.
  • Create treatment protocols.
  • Calculate drug dosages and fluid rates.
  • Support mentor with client communication.
• Ensure safety of pets, clients and team members by adhering to all medical standard operating protocols.
• Gain understanding in safety and restraint procedures.
• Follow sterility procedure.
• Understand radiation and controlled substance compliance.
• Perform only care that is outlined in a State Practice Act and only under direct supervision of a DVM &/or Licensed Veterinary Technician.
• Timely submission of all paperwork and licenses required.

All responsibilities and duties will be dependent on education level and experience.

Skills

• Must love dogs, cats and people too!
• Team player who thrives in supporting the team in every way.
• Strong observational and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a respectful and professional manner at all times.
• Initiative: willingness to learn and take direction.
• Problem solving skills: ability to identify, analyze and provide solutions.
• Flexibility: adaptable to changing situations.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an AVMA accredited program.
• Must be able to provide proof of medical and professional liability insurance.

Work Environment

Vetco Total Care hospital located inside of a Petco pet care center. Remember to have fun! Where else will you find four-legged companions sharing a workspace after all? Jump in and enjoy this experience—it’s a special one!

Pay

The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.

Salary Range: $20.50 - $33.00 Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above.

Benefits

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO, see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits.