Associate Veterinarian - Flexible Scheduling Available | Montecito Veterinary Center

Practice exceptional medicine with more room for life | Three- or four-day workweeks, plus a five-day no-Saturday option | Full-time (40-hour) compensation structure: $160K–$170K + production | Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75K 

Position Overview 

Join PetVet Care Centers as a Veterinarian (DVM or VMD) supporting Montecito Veterinary Center. You'll practice alongside an experienced team of veterinarians, technicians, and support staff, in close partnership with the Care Center / Hospital Manager and Regional Director. It's the local heart of a care center with its own identity, team, and culture—backed by the support and resources of a national network. 

Montecito Veterinary Center has served the Sonoma County community since 1967. Our full-service hospital provides care for dogs, cats, birds, and exotic pets and is equipped with in-house laboratory capabilities, digital radiology, dental radiology, and cold laser therapy. We also offer PennHIP examinations and certification submissions. Our efficient, experienced team gives doctors the support they need to focus on delivering exceptional, compassionate care. 

You care for pets. We care for you. 

Why You'll Love Working Here 

Living and working in Santa Rosa means being surrounded by everything that makes Sonoma County special—from nearby redwood trails, vineyards, and the Northern California coast to a vibrant local food scene and welcoming community. With plenty of opportunities to explore or simply slow down and enjoy the scenery, it's a place where building a meaningful life outside of work comes naturally. 

At Montecito Veterinary Center, you'll also find: 

• A collaborative, fast-paced team that values every person's contribution  
• Experienced and efficient support staff who help doctors focus on practicing medicine  
• A diverse caseload that includes dogs, cats, birds, and exotic pets  
• Modern diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including in-house labs, digital and dental radiology, and cold laser therapy  
• A strong commitment to continuity of care and lasting client relationships  

Flexibility Options & Work-Life Harmony 

For Doctors interested in a different way to structure their role, Montecito offers flexible scheduling options, including: 

• Three- or four-day workweeks, including a rotating 3/4/3 schedule 
• Five shorter days; no Saturdays  

If flexibility is important to you, we'll work together to explore a schedule that aligns with how you want to work. 

Compensation for other schedule options will be commensurate with hours worked. Full benefit packages are available for schedules of 30+ hours per week. Select benefit packages are available for part-time team members. 

What We Offer 

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

• Full-time compensation (40-hours) structure: $160,000-$170,000 
• Quarterly production plan with no deficit carryover 
• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $75,000 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement 
• 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 

Ready to take the next step? Apply today. For questions or a confidential career conversation, contact Heather Williams at

hwilliams@petvetcarecenters.com

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 (based on a full-time, 40-hour workweek)  

$160,000-$170,000 USD 

About PetVet Care Centers 

Our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people by 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.