Associate Veterinarian

Petco•Holly Springs, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Veterinarian provides veterinary care at a Vetco Total Care full-service hospital, delivering high-quality patient care and helping create an exceptional experience for clients and patients. The role includes examining, diagnosing, and treating patients; providing preventive care; performing routine and complex surgeries and dental procedures; and developing treatment plans for hospitalized patients. The veterinarian documents patient care in medical records, coordinates transitions to overnight care and referral hospitals, and participates in shift rounds. The veterinarian works under the direct supervision of the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director for patient-care activities, while exercising discretion in clinical decisions and following Petco Veterinary SOPs. The position is also expected to contribute to a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated team by sharing knowledge, communicating effectively, and working collegially with hospital partners. There are no direct supervisory responsibilities, though 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 it 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 accreditation at minimum, 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 manner, with the ability to maintain a professional attitude and 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.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and standing for long periods.

Responsibilities

Perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat diseases, and provide preventive care tailored to each patient’s signalment, lifestyle, and environment.
Use a problem-based approach to develop a complete problem list, differential diagnoses, diagnostic plans, and appropriate treatments based on test 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 surgery, 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 undergoing day hospitalization based on a complete problem-based assessment.
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 patient care and communication with hospital partners, patients, and clients.
Perform additional duties as assigned.