Career Opportunities

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — 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.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Associate Veterinarian to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.

Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital is a full-service general practice veterinary hospital offering an impressive range of medical services for cats and dogs in Capitola, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding areas. It is our mission to provide state-of-the-art medical care with compassion and exceptional service to our clients. Our brilliant team of smart, caring veterinarians and experienced technicians proudly serve pet owners with high-quality care. Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital is a part of the PetVet Care Centers network; where each network hospital is unique and connected to its community. 

Capitola/Santa Cruz is located on the central California coast. Its long wharf, with eateries and shops, stretches into Monterey Bay. There is a great boardwalk downtown and Pacific Avenue has vintage clothing stores, cafes, and galleries. Along West Cliff Drive, Natural Bridges State Beach is known for its bridge-shaped rock formation. There is something for everyone in Capitola/Santa Cruz!

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary: $130,000 – $150,000 (negotiable based on experience!)
• Production based bonus structure
• No negative accrual and no non-compete!
• Generous sign-on bonus and relocation assistance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible scheduling with work-life balance
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education including reimbursement and time off for CE & license fees and more.
• Full benefits package, including but not limited to: Health, dental, vision, disability and liability insurance and 401k with company contribution.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on teamwork and collaboration
• Employee pet care discounts

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Heather Williams at hwilliams@petvetcarecenters.com or apply at www.petvetcareers.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.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Signing, retention, and relocation packages up to $75,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 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
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

About: Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital in Capitola is a full-service veterinary practice dedicated to compassionate, high-quality care for dogs and cats, offering a broad range of services from preventive wellness exams, vaccinations, and dental care to soft tissue and spay/neuter surgery, urgent care, diagnostic testing, and support for pets at every life stage. The experienced team of veterinarians and technicians focuses on delivering personalized, state-of-the-art medical care in a friendly, comfortable environment, treating every patient as if they were their own and serving the Capitola community with integrity, expertise, and genuine pet-centric commitment

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — 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.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

• The Hospital Manager works daily to develop an efficient and effective hospital support team by fostering an environment of trust, teamwork, and accountability. The Hospital Manager partners with the Veterinarian to provide an efficient and profitable operation by driving revenue and managing costs while creating a hospital culture based on high-quality patient care and excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises the staff within all hospital support departments; achieves and maintains all labor goals.
• Hires and trains office and technical clinic support staff; responsible for new hire paperwork.
• Orients and trains new clinic staff to the hospital and duties.
• Reviews work performance of direct reports, constructively delivers feedback, resolves personnel issues, and discussions with the Regional Manager weekly.
• Conducts timely performance appraisals.
• Documents and reports accidents; files appropriate reports.
• Writes policies/procedures relating to all technical aspects of the hospital and presents for approval.
• Manages schedules for technical and administrative staff coordinates the DVM.
• Monitors Workforce Management for missed punches and management of overtime hours daily.
• Administers the daily operations.
• Works with the PetVet Care Centers support team to ensure compliance with all administrative responsibilities.
• Monitors budgets, purchases equipment and supplies, and oversees the maintenance of the facility.
• Responsible for submitting contract veterinarian invoices, submitting all local vendor invoices, ensuring invoice accuracy, and obtaining w9’s from local vendors.
• Assists in resolving issues with pet owners where appropriate.
• Reviews revenue, labor, and employee issues with the PetVet leadership on a weekly conference call; achieve goals set in each area.
• Responsible for all local accounting functions; ensure daily financial information is accurate.
• Oversees the management of the inventory and ensures proper documentation and systems are in place.
• May establish and oversee billing practices; reviews and maintains the accuracy of billing and oversees charge capturing.
• May be responsible for contracts or negotiations with insurance providers.
• Maintain compliance of current licensure and the display of the same. Maintaining updated licenses for DVMs.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Manager.

Qualifications (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in business, health science or related field strongly preferred.
• At a minimum, five years of direct office management experience, including at least two years of supervisory experience is required.
• May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
• Ability to provide customer service in a courteous, prompt, and efficient manner.
• Computer proficiency in using Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable organization-specific software.
• Establish and maintain productive and cooperative working relationships.
• Active time management and organizational skills to complete work promptly.
• Excellent communications skills both orally and in writing.
• Must be flexible with scheduling and able to work some weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work with or around sick animals, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors.
• Depending on the functional area of assignment, tasks may involve extended periods at a keyboard or workstation and/or extended periods standing and/or walking.
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals (up to 50 pounds).
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) or Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is preferred.
• Analytical skills: strong ability to analyze information quickly and efficiently as it relates to the hospital’s finances.
• Strategic planning: the ability for financial forecasting, marketing plans, and long-term plans for the growth of the practice.
• Leadership: ability to effectively manage and direct hospital staff towards a common goal.
• Decision-making skills: possess the ability to make good decisions, solve problems, and decide on essential matters.
• Communications: demonstrate the ability to communicate, orally, and in writing, effectively to convey necessary information to hospital staff.
• Resourcefulness and adaptability: the ability to take the initiative and get things done as well as the ability to adapt to changes or new information.
• Compliance: ability to understand and manage important compliance regulations and requirements of the hospital.
• Planning and prioritizing: must be able to organize work efficiently, set priorities, and establish plans and timetables for achieving goals.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 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
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — 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.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Care for pets. Maintain balance and flexibility. Nurture ongoing care.

Join our team as a Part-Time Veterinarian with predictable hours and a consistent home hospital assignment. You’ll enjoy flexibility while working alongside a locally led care team supported by national resources.

Whether you’re balancing family commitments, pursuing personal interests, or simply seeking a more sustainable pace, we’re here to support you. This role allows you to stay clinically engaged without sacrificing balance, connection, or continuity of care. We’re flexible, open to conversation, and committed to understanding your availability and goals—and building a schedule that works for both you and the hospital.

Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital is a full-service general practice veterinary hospital offering an impressive range of medical services for cats and dogs in Capitola, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding areas. It is our mission to provide state-of-the-art medical care with compassion and exceptional service to our clients. Our brilliant team of smart, caring veterinarians and experienced technicians proudly serve pet owners with high-quality care. Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital is a part of the PetVet Care Centers network; where each network hospital is unique and connected to its community. 

Capitola/Santa Cruz is located on the central California coast. Its long wharf, with eateries and shops, stretches into Monterey Bay. There is a great boardwalk downtown and Pacific Avenue has vintage clothing stores, cafes, and galleries. Along West Cliff Drive, Natural Bridges State Beach is known for its bridge-shaped rock formation. There is something for everyone in Capitola/Santa Cruz!

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Heather Williams at hwilliams@petvetcarecenters.com or apply at www.petvetcareers.com

What We Offer

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

• Signing and retention incentives up to $50,000
• CE stipend
• Licensing and dues reimbursement
• 401(k) participation
• Team member pet discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support, including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• A supportive home hospital environment, backed by national resources and a strong Culture of Care
• Compensation for Part Time roles is prorated based on experience and hours/shifts worked. Salary ranges listed in this posting reflect full-time roles.

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.