Associate Veterinarian – Lake Forest, California
Location: Lake Forest, California | South Orange County
Schedule: Full-time | Practice open 7 days a week
Compensation: $80,000–$180,000 per year, negotiable based on experience, skills, qualifications, and credentials + potential variable pay
AAHA-Accredited | Fear-Free Accredited | New Graduate Mentorship | Advanced Diagnostics & Surgery
About the Role
A well-equipped small animal veterinary practice in Lake Forest, California is seeking a Full-Time Associate Veterinarian to join its collaborative clinical team.
Offering $80,000–$180,000 per year, with potential additional variable compensation, this position provides an excellent opportunity to practice high-quality companion animal medicine with access to modern diagnostics, surgical facilities, and comprehensive professional support.
The role involves a varied canine and feline caseload, with the resources available to manage preventive care, medical cases, dentistry, diagnostics, and surgery.
Students and new graduates are encouraged to apply, with dedicated mentorship available to help build clinical confidence and support long-term career development.
About the Practice
This established AAHA-accredited and Fear-Free accredited small animal practice provides comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats within a modern and well-equipped clinical environment.
Veterinarians have access to a full in-house laboratory, ultrasound, digital radiography, cold laser therapy, fully equipped dental suite, dedicated surgical facilities, comprehensive in-house pharmacy, and prescription nutrition options.
The practice's Fear-Free approach supports a more comfortable experience for patients and clients while providing veterinarians with an environment focused on compassionate, individualized care.
Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats
Perform wellness and preventive examinations
Diagnose and manage acute and chronic medical conditions
Develop individualized diagnostic and treatment plans
Perform routine general surgical procedures
Provide comprehensive veterinary dental care
Utilize digital radiography and ultrasound
Interpret laboratory and diagnostic imaging results
Utilize the in-house laboratory for appropriate diagnostic testing
Provide safe anesthesia and perioperative patient management
Utilize cold laser therapy where clinically appropriate
Prescribe appropriate medications and therapeutic diets
Apply Fear-Free principles to patient handling and care
Educate clients on preventive healthcare and treatment recommendations
Communicate diagnoses, treatment options, and prognoses clearly
Build trusted, long-term client relationships
Maintain accurate and comprehensive medical records
Collaborate effectively with veterinarians and support staff
Maintain high standards of veterinary medicine and professional ethics
Participate in continuing education and professional development
Candidate Profile
Candidates must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent from an accredited university.
Applicants must possess, or be able to obtain, California veterinary licensure in good standing.
Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to practicing high-quality veterinary medicine while maintaining appropriate professional and ethical standards.
Strong communication, empathy, teamwork, clinical judgment, and an interest in continued professional development are important for success.
Students and new graduates are encouraged to apply, with dedicated mentorship available. Experienced veterinarians looking for a well-equipped general practice environment with opportunities to utilize their medical, surgical, dental, and diagnostic skills are equally encouraged to apply.
Compensation & Benefits
Eligible full-time employees can receive a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including:
$80,000–$180,000 annual salary range
Potential additional variable pay
Full-time position
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
Paid vacation
Paid sick leave
Paid parental leave
Mental health and wellbeing resources
Financial wellness resources
Infertility benefits
Gender affirmation services
Continuing education allowance
Paid continuing education days
Extensive continuing education resources
Clinical research and study opportunities
Generous employee pet care discounts
Dedicated new graduate mentorship
AAHA-accredited clinical environment
Fear-Free accredited practice
Ongoing professional development
Apply Today
This is an excellent opportunity for a veterinarian searching for an Associate Veterinarian job in Lake Forest, CA offering advanced diagnostic capabilities, dedicated mentorship, modern surgical and dental facilities, and a supportive clinical environment.
With $80,000–$180,000 annual compensation, potential variable pay, comprehensive benefits, and access to ultrasound, digital radiography, in-house diagnostics, dentistry, surgery, and therapeutic laser technology, the position provides an excellent platform for continued clinical development.
New graduates and experienced small animal veterinarians interested in building their careers in South Orange County with convenient access to both the mountains and Southern California beaches are encouraged to apply.
Contact:
Matt Doyle – Senior Associate Talent Partner
T: (213) 258-1399
E: matt@supreme-ss.com