Medical Director - Surfside Animal Hospital

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Position Overview

Surfside Animal Hospital  is excited to welcome an Experienced Associate Veterinarian who is ready to take the next step in their career as our Medical Director.

If you're passionate about delivering exceptional veterinary medicine, mentoring and leading a collaborative team, developing clinical protocols that promote the highest standards of care, and building lasting relationships with clients, we'd love to meet you.

As our Medical Director, you'll have the opportunity to shape the medical direction of the practice while continuing to provide outstanding patient care . This leadership role is ideal for a veterinarian who enjoys fostering a positive hospital culture , ensuring medical excellence, and inspiring a team committed to compassionate , high-quality medicine.

If you're looking for a rewarding leadership opportunity where your experience, expertise, and vision can make a lasting impact, Surfside Animal Hospital is the perfect place to grow your career.

Surfside Animal Hospital in Oceanside, California is proud to bring high-quality veterinary care, coupled with affordable foundational services to our loyal clients & their pets. Our hospital offers general practice medicine & emergency/critical care services by our experienced veterinarians. 

Why Join Us:

• Our team of compassionate technicians & support staff are here to provide exceptional patient care & customer service.
• Our experienced veterinarians are here to take on those urgent cases & will support you with critical case management.  

Oceanside is a true Southern California beach town community with a tangible laid-back vibe. The city boasts spectacular year-round weather, gorgeous beaches, a historic wooden pier, quaint New England-style harbor, and charming bungalow neighborhoods. Oceanside is centrally located in the heart of Southern California and is perfectly situated between San Diego and Los Angeles, making it easy to visit our many family-favorite attractions, like Legoland, Sea World & the World-Famous San Diego Zoo. Oceanside's beautiful beaches will provide great outdoor events & activities and every sort of water-sport activity you desire! Come have some fun in the Sun!

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to  Sonni Nevarez at View email address on ziprecruiter.com

What We Offer

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

• Competitive Salary $180,000-$215,000 (DOE)
• Quarterly Production No Deficit Carryover
• Annual Medical Director Stipend
• Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $100,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Competitive salary and Production Bonus - no negative accrual option available
• 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
• 1+ 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.

Pay Range

$180,000—$215,000 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a  Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals , including 1700+ veterinarians , we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy , empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.  Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.