Associate Veterinarian

Petco•Osceola, FL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Veterinarian provides high-quality veterinary care at a Vetco Total Care full-service veterinary hospital. The role includes examining, diagnosing, and treating patients; providing preventive care; developing problem-based diagnostic and treatment plans; documenting patient care; and performing routine and complex surgical and dental procedures. Veterinarians collaborate with hospital teams, communicate with clients and referral hospitals, and help maintain continuity of care. They are expected to uphold Petco Veterinary SOPs and contribute to a cohesive, well-trained, motivated team and a positive patient and client experience. The Veterinarian receives direct supervision for individual patient care from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director, while exercising discretion in patient-care decisions. The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but the Veterinarian is a de facto leader in the hospital. Most duties take place in a Vetco Total Care hospital, with substantial direct contact with clients and their pets.

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school.
Active veterinarian licensure without contingencies in the state where the hospital is located, or ability to obtain it by the start date.
Current DEA license.
Current state Controlled Substance License, if applicable, or ability to obtain it by the start date.
USDA Category I (minimum) Accreditation, or completion within two months of hire.
Comfort performing anesthesia and routine surgeries, including canine and feline spays, neuters, mass removals, and dental procedures.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Compassionate and sympathetic approach, with the ability to maintain a professional demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
Telephone and computer skills.
Willingness to work as a team player, learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.
Excellent problem-solving skills to support prompt diagnosis of patient problems.
Ability to bend, kneel, lift up to 30 pounds as necessary, and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

Examine patients, diagnose and treat diseases, and provide preventive care based on each patient's signalment, lifestyle, and environment.
Use a problem-based approach by developing problem lists, differential diagnoses, diagnostic plans, and appropriate treatments based on diagnostic results.
Document patient observations, examination and diagnostic findings, treatments, medications, client interactions, and tentative and confirmed diagnoses in the medical record.
Perform routine and complex surgical procedures, including spays and neuters, abdominal exploratory procedures, and mass removals.
Perform routine and complex dental procedures, including dental examinations, evaluation of dental radiographs, extractions, and oral surgery.
Develop treatment plans for patients receiving day hospitalization.
Transition patients to overnight care as needed and communicate with referral hospitals to support continuity of care.
Participate in rounds as the incoming or exiting doctor at the beginning and end of shifts.
Share knowledge with staff to improve the care and communication provided to patients and clients.
Perform additional duties as assigned.