Description
Associate Veterinarian – Full Time
Privately Owned Small Animal Practice | Mentorship-Focused | No Corporate Pressure
Are you a new graduate or early-career veterinarian looking for real mentorship, strong support staff, and a positive, team-oriented culture?
Our privately owned small animal hospital is seeking a full-time Associate DVM who wants to practice high-quality medicine in a collaborative, low-drama environment where patient care comes first.
About Our Practice
We are a well-established, community-focused small animal hospital providing comprehensive care including:
Preventative medicine
Dentistry
Soft tissue surgery
Digital radiography
In-house diagnostics
Ultrasound
We were voted best veterinarian in Sonoma County in 2024!
Our support team is experienced, engaged, and genuinely enjoys working together. We have excellent team retention. We prioritize:
Longer appointment times
Thoughtful case workups
Client education
Sustainable workloads
This is not a high-volume burnout environment.
You will see on average 8-10 cases per day.
Mentorship & Growth (New Grads Welcome)
We provide structured mentorship including:
Gradual schedule build-up
Case review discussions
Surgical mentoring
Open-door policy for questions
Regular feedback meetings
You will not be “thrown into” a packed schedule on day one.
We are looking for someone who:
Is curious and eager to grow
Values teamwork
Communicates clearly and kindly with clients
Wants to build long-term relationships
Compensation & Benefits
We offer:
Competitive base salary ($125/hr)
CE allowance + CE days
Paid license and professional dues
Paid time off
Health insurance
401(k) with match
Relocation assistance
Compensation is competitive and based on experience.
Schedule & Work-Life Balance
Full-time schedule (4–5 days/week)
No after-hours emergency
Protected lunch breaks
Supportive team culture
2-3 support staff per veterinarian
Average appointment length 30 minutes
We believe excellent medicine requires a healthy doctor.
Why Join a Privately Owned Practice?
Direct mentorship from the owner
Clinical autonomy
No corporate production quotas
Ability to influence protocols and growth
Location
Nestled along California’s stunning North Coast, Sonoma County offers an exceptional quality of life that blends natural beauty, small-town charm, and vibrant culture. Known for its rolling vineyards, redwood forests, rugged coastline, and year-round outdoor recreation, the region is ideal for veterinarians who value balance between a fulfilling career and a rich personal life.
Sonoma County features welcoming communities, excellent schools, and easy access to hiking, biking, beaches, and world-class food and wine. With a mild Mediterranean climate, residents enjoy outdoor living nearly year-round. The area also offers proximity to the Bay Area while maintaining a relaxed, less congested pace of life.
Veterinarians here serve a community that deeply values animal care and long-term client relationships, making it a rewarding place to practice high-quality medicine. Whether you’re raising a family, pursuing outdoor adventures, or simply looking for a beautiful place to call home, Sonoma County offers an unmatched lifestyle to complement your veterinary career.
Structured Mentorship (New Grads Welcome)
We are passionate about developing confident, capable veterinarians.
Why we stand apart
We practice high-quality, thoughtful medicine — not high-volume production medicine. Our appointments allow time for proper workups, client education, and collaboration.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief introduction describing your career goals and what you are looking for in your next role.
We are excited to welcome a veterinarian who wants to grow, contribute, and build a fulfilling career in a supportive environment.
If you’re seeking strong mentorship, clinical autonomy, and balance in one of California’s most desirable regions, we’d love to connect.
Requirements
Education & Licensure
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited veterinary school
Licensed (or eligible for licensure) to practice veterinary medicine in the state of employment
Current DEA license (or ability to obtain) for prescribing controlled substances
Clinical Skills
Proficiency in general veterinary medicine, including diagnostics, treatment planning, and preventive care
Ability to perform routine surgical procedures (e.g., spay/neuter, soft tissue surgery)
Experience with anesthesia monitoring, pain management, and post-operative care
Strong diagnostic skills, including interpretation of laboratory results and imaging
Commitment to practicing high-quality, evidence-based medicine
Patient & Client Care
Compassionate approach to animal care and welfare
Excellent client communication skills, including the ability to explain diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive care clearly
Ability to build long-term client relationships and maintain a high standard of customer service
Teamwork & Professionalism
Ability to work collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff
Strong work ethic and reliability
Willingness to mentor, be mentored, and contribute positively to clinic culture
Commitment to ethical practice and continuous learning
We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate veterinarian who values teamwork, long-term relationships, and making a positive impact in their community.
