Associate Veterinarian

Associate Veterinarian

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Santa Monica Dog and Cat Hospital and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities and a talented team. You'll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.

Why Join The Team

• Join a collaborative team of 3 doctors
• X-ray, dental x-ray, ultrasound
• Hands-free radiology
• Fear Free Certified associates
• AAHA accredited
• We believe that at VCA Santa Monica Dog & Cat is more than just a place to treat animals — it's a place where compassion meets care, trust is built, and every life matters. Our hospital is special because we treat every patient as if they were our own pet. We understand that behind every wagging tail, gentle purr, and worried visit is a family that loves their pet deeply. That's why we strive to provide not only excellent medical care, but also kindness, comfort, and reassurance to every pet and pet parent who walks through our doors. We value teamwork, empathy, continuous learning, and creating a supportive environment where our staff can grow, feel appreciated, and make a meaningful difference every day.
• Students and new graduates are encouraged to apply and will receive dedicated mentorship

Schedule

• Full-Time - 8am-6pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
• Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm, Saturday 8am-4pm
• Saturdays required

Cases

• Dogs and cats

Who We Look For

• People obsessed with pets and their care
• Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine
• Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team
• Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career
• Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust

Total Rewards

As a member of the VCA family, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $80,000 to $180,000.
• Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities and other relevant credentials.
• This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well-being

• Innovative Associate health and well-being department (Headspace app subscriptions, Vault financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources)
• 401k retirement savings plan with company match
• Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility benefits, gender affirmation services
• Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Professional Development

• Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days
• WOOF University – offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
• Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program

Qualifications

• A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
• Licensure in good standing to practice in California, or the ability to obtain
• A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

About VCA

VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.

Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.

VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets™. Learn more at or find us on social media.