Associate Veterinarian - Small Animal Practice | Lake Forest, California (South Orange County) Associate Veterinarian - Small Animal Practice | Lake Forest, California (South Orange County)

We’re working with a well-established, AAHA-accredited and Fear-Free certified veterinary hospital in Lake Forest, California that is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join its collaborative and supportive clinical team. This opportunity offers the chance to practice high-quality companion animal medicine in a modern, fully equipped facility with strong mentorship and a focus on professional growth.

About the Practice

This small animal hospital provides comprehensive care for dogs and cats in a well-resourced and efficiently managed clinical environment. The facility is designed to support both preventive care and advanced medical and surgical services.

On-site capabilities include:

• In-house laboratory diagnostics
• Digital radiography (x-ray)
• Ultrasound imaging
• Fully equipped dental suite
• Fully equipped surgical suite
• Cold laser therapy
• In-house pharmacy and prescription nutrition support

The hospital is both AAHA accredited and Fear-Free certified, reflecting a strong commitment to patient comfort, clinical excellence, and low-stress handling techniques. Students and new graduates are welcomed and supported through structured mentorship.

Schedule

• Full-time position
• Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Rotational scheduling within hospital hours

Caseload

• Small animal practice (dogs and cats)
• Balanced mix of wellness care and medical cases
• Opportunity to build skills across preventive medicine, diagnostics, and general surgery

Team & Culture

• Supportive, team-oriented environment
• Strong emphasis on collaboration and mentorship
• Encouragement of lifelong learning and professional development
• Inclusive culture focused on trust-based client and team relationships

Location – Lake Forest, California

Lake Forest is a scenic and highly desirable community in South Orange County. Nestled near the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, it offers a suburban lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, hiking, and nature preserves. The city is approximately 20 minutes from the Pacific coastline, providing easy access to beaches, coastal activities, and year-round mild weather. The area is known for its safety, strong community atmosphere, and proximity to larger Orange County hubs.

Ideal Candidate

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Licensed in California, or eligible for licensure
• Strong interest in small animal medicine and surgery
• Collaborative and team-focused mindset
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills
• Commitment to high-quality, Fear-Free, ethical veterinary care
• Interest in continuous learning and professional growth

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $80,000 – $180,000 annually (based on experience and credentials)
• Additional eligibility for variable compensation programs

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time
• Mental health and well-being resources (including digital wellness tools)
• Continuing education allowance and paid CE days
• Access to extensive training and professional development programs
• Opportunities to participate in clinical research initiatives

This role offers a strong balance of mentorship, modern medicine, and lifestyle benefits in one of Southern California’s most desirable coastal regions.