Associate Veterinarian
Merced Animal Medical Center
Salary: $120,000–$140,000 (DOE) + production & benefits
We are a well-established, community-focused veterinary
hospital in California’s Central Valley, and we’re excited to grow our doctor
team. This is a great opportunity for a veterinarian who wants to practice
high-quality medicine, build real confidence, and be supported every step of
the way—whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced DVM.
About the Hospital
Merced Animal Medical Center is a well-supported GP
clinic with surgery, urgent care, and emergency services, serving a diverse
and loyal community. The hospital has undergone recent renovations, including updated
exam rooms and new equipment, and continues to evolve with the needs of our
patients and team in mind.
We’re open 7 days per week (9am–5pm), with doctors
typically working 4-day work weeks, arriving between 7–8am. You’ll
almost always be working alongside another experienced DVM, ensuring
collaboration and support throughout the day.
Our Doctor Team
You’ll be joining a knowledgeable, down-to-earth group of
veterinarians, including:
- Dr.
Kafka (Managing DVM) – a long-tenured leader with a strong background
in community practice, surgery, and mentorship
- Dr.
Hannigan – UC Davis graduate with deep ties to the hospital and
community
- Dr.
Benson – sees cats, dogs, and exotics
- Dr.
Hayer – a recent graduate with strong local roots and interests in
behavior, preventative care, and internal medicine
Culture & Support
- Well-knit,
collaborative team with long-tenured staff (some 10–20+ years)
- 2:1
tech-to-doctor ratio with experienced RVTs
- Team
engagement meetings
- A mix
of seasoned team members and newer staff bringing fresh energy
- A
culture built around support, learning, and doing right by both clients
and teammates
- This is a hospital where you’ll see a lot and do a lot.
New graduates are given longer appointment times (up to 1 hour initially)
and mentorship tailored to their comfort level.
The Role
- Mix of
appointments, surgery, urgent care, and emergency cases
- Soft
tissue and orthopedic surgery performed in-house
- In-house
diagnostics and imaging interpretation
- Occasional
weekend shifts as part of a shared schedule
Who We’re Looking For
- DVM
licensed (or eligible) in California
- Open
to new graduates and experienced veterinarians
- Interest
in surgery and urgent care is preferred
- Team-oriented,
adaptable, and eager to grow
- Someone
who’s looking to build a long-term home
Why Animal Clinic of Merced?
- You’ll
gain hands-on experience across a wide variety of cases
- Strong
mentorship and emergency/urgent care support
- Almost
always practicing alongside another DVM
- A
hospital that values learning, teamwork, and realistic medicine
- A
chance to truly make an impact in the community you serve
If you’re looking for a place where you can grow your
skills, be supported by experienced teammates, and practice meaningful medicine
every day, we’d love to connect. Apply today!