Full - Time Associate Veterinarian

Pasadena Veterinary Urgent Care • Full-time • Pasadena, CA, US • USD $180k - USD $200k / year • 2m ago

Who We Are

At Pasadena Veterinary Urgent Care, we are a privately owned, walk-in only practice dedicated to providing high-quality, same-day medical care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets (ex. birds, small mammals, reptiles. We operate in the crucial space between general practice and emergency medicine – offering prompt, comprehensive diagnostics and treatment in a calm, supportive environment. Our modern facility features five spacious exam rooms, a large treatment area, and a brand-new surgical suite. We are fully equipped with in-house and reference laboratory testing, digital radiography and ultrasound capabilities, and we maintain fully electronic medical records. To help you focus on what matters most – your patients – we utilize ScribbleVet, an AI-assisted scribe system that streamlines your record keeping.

Our mission is simple: to provide excellent, compassionate care to every pet and person who walks through our doors. We uphold core values of trust, collaboration, integrity, and lifelong learning. Our team fosters a positive, team-oriented atmosphere that supports professional growth, mutual respect, and a true work-life balance. We pride ourselves on being a close-knit group that believes in working together to achieve the best outcomes for our patients and clients.

About the Position

We’re looking for a kind, skilled, and motivated Associate Veterinarian to join our growing urgent care team. The ideal candidate is an experienced clinician (minimum 2 years of clinical practice) who is confident managing a wide range of medical cases (including occasional exotic pet cases) and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You should value open communication and teamwork, and have a genuine passion for providing exceptional patient care alongside compassionate client service.

In this role, you’ll be surrounded by dedicated veterinary professionals who share your passion for quality care – without the overnight or on-call hours typical of emergency medicine. Our urgent care model means you will handle same-day sick visits and non-life-threatening emergencies during daytime and evening hours, bridging the gap between routine general practice and full ER care. Because we do not operate overnight, you can practice high-quality medicine with no overnight shifts, supporting a healthier work-life balance for you. If you have experience or interest in exotic animal medicine, you will have the opportunity to put those skills to use here – our patient mix is primarily canine/feline, but also includes a variety of exotic companions. (Mentorship in exotic pet practice is available for those eager to learn.)

Key Responsibilities (Your Day-to-Day)

Provide high-quality medical and surgical care to urgent and non-emergent patients, from triaging walk-in cases to stabilizing and treating a variety of illnesses and minor injuries.
Perform thorough evaluations, diagnostics, and treatment planning to effectively manage each case.
Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients about their pets’ condition and care options, ensuring they understand treatment plans and recommendations.
Maintain accurate, detailed medical records in accordance with hospital policies and standards.
Collaborate with fellow veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to ensure excellent patient outcomes and a seamless client experience.
Uphold hospital safety and infection control protocols to maintain a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
Contribute positively to our team culture, supporting a professional, supportive – and yes, fun – workplace.

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) degree from an accredited institution.
Active California veterinary license (in good standing).
At least 2 years of clinical experience in veterinary practice. (Due to the nature of urgent care, this is not an entry-level position.)
DEA license (active or eligibility to obtain).
Strong diagnostic and clinical skills, with confidence in handling urgent cases and making sound medical decisions under pressure.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to educate clients and express empathy during stressful situations.
A genuine passion for teamwork, continuous learning, and compassionate care for both pets and their people.
Calm and adaptable in a fast-paced environment, able to multitask and maintain composure during busy urgent care shifts.

Preferred/Bonus Skills (Not Required)

Experience or interest in exotic pet medicine (e.g. treating small mammals, birds, reptiles) – mentorship can be provided to expand your skills in this area.
Background in urgent care, emergency, or high-volume general practice, which will be advantageous in our fast-paced setting.
Proficiency with digital radiography, ultrasound, in-house lab diagnostics, and electronic medical record systems (EMRs).
Comfort with routine soft-tissue surgeries (such as laceration repairs, abscess care, or other minor surgical procedures).

Schedule

4-day workweek (four 10-hour shifts per week for full-time).
Flexible scheduling of day, evening, and weekend shifts to meet your needs and our hospital’s hours.
No overnight hours – we do not require overnight or on-call duty, ensuring you have your nights free.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Base Salary: $180,000 – $200,000 per year (commensurate with experience), plus annual performance-based bonuses.
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: 75% of premiums covered by employer.
Paid Time Off: 3 weeks (120 hours) of vacation annually, plus 1 week (40 hours) for CE and plus 1 week (40 hours) of sick leave.
Continuing Education (CE) Allowance: $3,500 per year for CE courses, conferences, and travel.
Licensing & Dues: We cover your state veterinary license, DEA registration, AVMA membership, and professional liability (AVMA PLIT) premiums.
401(k) with employer match to help you save for retirement.
Generous staff pet care discounts for your furry (or feathered/scaled) family members.
Supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture with a team that genuinely cares about each other’s well-being.

Why Join Us?

Your Voice Matters – As a privately-owned, startup clinic, we offer you a unique opportunity to help shape our practice as we grow. We encourage your ideas and feedback on hospital protocols, services, and improvements. Unlike in a large corporate hospital where decisions are made by distant management (often limiting individual input), our leadership team is communicative and receptive. You’ll have direct influence on daily operations and the medical care we provide, which means your opinions and suggestions will truly be valued. We are excited to have an associate who wants to be a part of building something special here in Pasadena.

Mentorship & Growth – We are committed to lifelong learning and supporting your professional development. Our experienced team is eager to mentor and collaborate, whether you’re looking to sharpen your urgent care skills or explore new areas like exotic animal medicine. In a private practice, owners are often hands-on in supporting their team’s growth – and our clinic is no exception. You’ll have access to guidance and continuing education to expand your expertise, and a leadership team that listens and invests in your goals. Have an idea for a new service or want to implement the latest best practice? Let’s explore it together. We believe that when you grow, our practice grows.

Strong Team Culture – You’ll be joining a strong, cohesive team that truly enjoys working together. Smaller independent clinics like ours foster a personal, family-like environment where team members develop strong working relationships. We maintain a supportive, inclusive culture built on mutual respect, humor, and a shared passion for veterinary medicine. Our team-oriented approach means everyone’s role is valued – we collaborate, we communicate, and we have each other’s backs. We are dedicated to finding the right fit for our team, so we’re looking for someone who will embrace our values and contribute positively to our positive and fun work atmosphere. If you appreciate a workplace where you know your colleagues well and feel like part of a family, you’ll fit right in with us.

Work-Life Balance – Veterinary medicine is demanding, but we believe it shouldn’t come at the cost of your personal life. We take work-life balance seriously – with a 4-day workweek, no overnights, and flexible scheduling, we make sure you have time to recharge and take care of yourself. Our no overnight or on-call policy means you can leave work at work, a rare benefit in urgent/emergency medicine. We want our doctors and staff to be happy and healthy, so they can deliver their best care to our patients. When you’re off duty, we truly want you to be off – enjoying all that sunny Southern California and the Pasadena area have to offer!

If you’re ready to bring your skills, compassion, and positive energy to a team that truly values you, we’d love to meet you. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them. Please include a cover letter with your apllication. We can’t wait to welcome the right candidate into the Pasadena Veterinary Urgent Care family!