Associate Veterinarian – Santa Cruz, California
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Salary: $125,000–$165,000 per year plus commission opportunities
Schedule: Full-time with no weekends
Benefits: Signing bonus, relocation assistance, medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) with employer match, continuing education stipend, paid time off, mentorship, paid professional fees, and professional liability coverage
About the Role
A veterinary practice is seeking a Full-Time Associate Veterinarian to join its collaborative small animal team in Santa Cruz, California.
Offering a $125,000–$165,000 salary plus commission opportunities, this position combines high-quality veterinary medicine, modern clinical facilities, professional development opportunities, and an excellent work-life balance with no weekend shifts.
The Associate Veterinarian will provide relationship-centred small animal care while working alongside an experienced and supportive team. Veterinarians are encouraged to develop their individual clinical interests, with opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and long-term career growth.
Located on California's Central Coast, the position also offers an exceptional lifestyle with easy access to beaches, hiking, surfing, mountain biking, wineries, state parks, and the wider San Francisco Bay Area.
About the Practice
This is a well-established small animal veterinary practice that has served the Santa Cruz community since 1985.
The recently remodelled hospital is an AAFP Certified Cat Friendly Practice and takes a low-stress, relationship-focused approach to veterinary care.
The clinical environment is equipped with new digital radiography, digital dental radiography, ultrasound, advanced patient monitoring equipment, and a comprehensive in-house laboratory, providing veterinarians with excellent resources for investigating and managing cases.
A specialty referral hospital is located nearby, providing convenient access to additional expertise when patients require advanced or specialist-level care.
The practice culture is built around collaboration, transparency, respect, empathy, and lifelong learning, with a strong emphasis on supporting both clinical excellence and professional wellbeing.
Responsibilities
The Associate Veterinarian will:
Provide high-quality medical, surgical, and preventive care to small animal patients.
Diagnose and treat a broad range of illnesses, diseases, and injuries.
Develop comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plans.
Perform appropriate routine surgical procedures.
Utilise digital radiography, dental imaging, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory testing.
Deliver preventive healthcare and promote long-term patient wellbeing.
Provide low-stress, relationship-centred veterinary care.
Build trusted, long-term relationships with clients through compassionate communication.
Clearly explain diagnoses, treatment options, prognoses, and home-care requirements.
Collaborate closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support professionals.
Refer complex cases for specialist care when appropriate.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient medical records.
Pursue continuing education and individual areas of clinical interest.
Contribute positively to a collaborative and supportive workplace culture.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent and possess, or be eligible to obtain, a California veterinary licence.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
A passion for high-quality small animal veterinary medicine.
Commitment to compassionate, relationship-centred patient care.
Excellent client communication and education skills.
Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities.
Sound clinical judgement and decision-making skills.
Genuine compassion for animals and their owners.
An interest in continued professional development.
A positive approach to lifelong learning and clinical improvement.
This opportunity would particularly suit a veterinarian looking for a supportive practice where they can develop clinical interests, access mentorship, explore future leadership opportunities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Compensation & Benefits
The position offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
$125,000–$165,000 annual salary
Commission opportunities
Signing bonus
Relocation assistance
No weekend shifts
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance
Short-term disability coverage
401(k) with employer match
Continuing education stipend
Paid time off
Reimbursement of veterinary licence fees
DEA fee reimbursement
Reimbursement of professional membership dues
Professional liability coverage
Employee Assistance Programme
Wellness initiatives
Personal pet discounts
In-house mentorship programmes
Leadership development and career growth opportunities
Apply Today
This is an excellent opportunity for a veterinarian seeking an Associate Veterinarian job in Santa Cruz, California, offering a $125,000–$165,000 salary plus commission, no weekends, modern clinical facilities, strong professional development support, and an outstanding coastal lifestyle.
Veterinarians looking for a small animal veterinary job on California's Central Coast with a collaborative culture, strong work-life balance, and access to the wider Bay Area are encouraged to apply.
Contact:
Matt Doyle – Associate Talent Partner
T: (213) 258-1399
E: matt@supreme-ss.com