Associate Veterinarian

Petco•Blue Springs, MO

5d•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, treating, and providing preventive care to pets; developing problem-based diagnostic and treatment plans; maintaining complete medical records; and performing routine and complex surgical and dental procedures. Veterinarians collaborate with hospital partners and referral hospitals to support continuity of care, participate in shift rounds, and share knowledge to improve patient care and communication. The Veterinarian exercises discretion in patient-care decisions while following Petco Veterinary SOPs and receiving guidance from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director. The position contributes to a productive practice, a cohesive and motivated hospital team, employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction. There are no direct supervisory responsibilities, although the Veterinarian serves as a de facto leader in the hospital.

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 licensure by the start date.
Current DEA license.
Current Controlled Substance License, if applicable in the state where the hospital is located, or ability to obtain it by the start date.
USDA Category I (minimum) Accreditation, or completion within two months of the hire date.
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 manner, with the ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
Telephone and computer skills.
Team-oriented approach, willingness to 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

Provide patient care through physical examinations, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and preventive care tailored to each patient's signalment, lifestyle, and environment.
Use a problem-based approach to create 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 or confirmed diagnoses in the medical record.
Perform routine and complex surgical procedures, including spays, 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 ensure 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 quality of care and communication with patients and clients.
Perform additional duties as assigned.