Lead Veterinarian Opportunity at All Creatures Care Cottage

Job Description

Job Description

Joining our organization means becoming part of a legacy of veterinary excellence that has been established since 1985. Our goal is to deliver comprehensive, high-quality care to pets in Costa Mesa and its neighboring areas, treating every patient—whether furry, feathered, or scaled—as if they were our own. This dedication to ensuring patient comfort and client satisfaction is evident in our stellar reputation, reflected in an impressive 4.7-star rating within the community. If you seek a workplace where your professional commitment is genuinely appreciated and trusted by those you serve, this is the ideal setting for you to excel.

We prioritize professional development as essential for delivering outstanding patient care. As a valued member of our team, you will enter a nurturing environment that emphasizes stability and career progression. We recognize that operating a full-service clinic—offering everything from advanced diagnostics to urgent care—demands a highly skilled and cooperative team. Our commitment lies in cultivating a culture where every team member can thrive, achieve their career aspirations, and take pride in providing comprehensive medical services in a facility that has been a community staple for decades.

In this role, you will have the chance to engage in high-level medical practices, ranging from wellness and preventive care to intricate advanced treatments and surgical procedures. Our clinic functions as a full-service veterinary facility, equipped for extensive testing and diagnostics, urgent care, and a wide variety of surgical interventions. Importantly, we handle a diverse range of cases, welcoming not just cats and dogs but also your ‘furry, feathered, and scaled companions,’ allowing you to either maintain or enhance your expertise in exotic animal medicine. This breadth of service guarantees that each day brings meaningful clinical challenges and opportunities for professional satisfaction.

Situated in the picturesque Costa Mesa, CA, your new workplace offers the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. Located in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa boasts a vibrant mix of culture, beautiful coastline access, and a lively community atmosphere. You will be close to premier arts districts, excellent dining options, and, most importantly, just a short drive from world-renowned beaches. This prime location ensures that your leisure time is filled with opportunities for relaxation and recreation, contributing to an exceptional quality of life as you advance your career with us.

Your Role as a Medical Lead Veterinarian

As the Medical Lead Veterinarian, you will be the advocate for medical excellence within your clinic. Your responsibilities will include mentoring and developing associate veterinarians, collaborating with your Practice Manager to cultivate a healthy and engaged team, and driving the ongoing enhancement of patient care and client service. This pivotal leadership position will allow you to set the benchmark for clinical quality and promote a culture of collaboration and growth.

• Lead and Mentor Your DVM Team: You will oversee all associate veterinarians, conducting regular performance evaluations, guiding them on individual development objectives (including production and PCT), and nurturing a culture of teamwork and retention.
• Role Model Medical Excellence: You will exemplify the highest standards of medical quality, client service, and efficiency, while also practicing as an associate veterinarian and meeting your own production targets.
• Drive Hospital Performance: Collaborating with your Practice Manager, you will assist in formulating the annual operating plan, managing the hospital's financial performance towards an EBITDA goal, and ensuring adherence to all medical and DEA regulations.
• Foster a Culture of Growth: You will lead monthly meetings with doctors to discuss best practices, new services, and medical standards. Additionally, you will oversee externship and mentorship programs and advocate for a culture of recruitment.
• Be an Ambassador: You will represent your clinic and our mission through community involvement at schools, universities, and local events.

What You Bring to the Team

• A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a valid state license in good standing.
• At least 2 years of hands-on clinical experience.
• A servant leadership approach with a commitment to our core values and the ability to forge strong, collaborative relationships.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A grasp of (or willingness to learn about) the financial and operational management of a veterinary practice.
• Intermediate proficiency in computer skills (MS Office, Outlook, etc.).
• A passion for being part of a progressive, growth-oriented culture.

How You’re Supported

As a member of our family, you will enjoy the independence of a local practice backed by the extensive benefits and resources of a larger network. Our focus is on investing in you as a leader, allowing you to concentrate on your team and your medical practice.

Generous Compensation

A competitive annual base salary along with a monthly production bonus featuring no negative accrual .

Total Wellbeing

Comprehensive coverage that includes Health, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Life, and Accident insurance, plus Paid Parental Leave.

Financial Health

Prepare for your future with a 401k plan that includes a generous company match (100% on the first 3%, 50% on the next 2%), along with Long & Short-Term Disability insurance.

Leadership & Clinical Growth

Receive paid continuing education with dedicated days off, plus access to our comprehensive Leadership Training Program and structured mentorship.

Clinical Tracks Program

Gain access to over 50 hours of in-depth, RACE-approved continuing education in Dentistry, Oncology, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Cardiology, led by veterinary specialists.

The Power of a Network

Connect with a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration, support, and to expand your interests.

Peace of Mind

Enjoy company-paid professional liability coverage, license fees, and professional dues. Benefit from a flexible schedule, paid time off, and free 24/7 access to telehealth services.

About Us

Our organization was founded by veterinarians who believe that local practices flourish with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. We provide world-class support to our hospital teams on a hyper-local level, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture.

Our award-winning culture is driven by the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow . We are veterinarian-led, people-focused, and committed to being the best workplace in veterinary medicine.

EEO Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.