Entry Level Associate Veterinarian Jobs
New grad associate veterinarian jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong clinical rotations or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Animal Care & Pet Services, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Consumer Goods, with employers like PetVet Care Centers, VCA Animal Hospitals, and Petco hiring at this level now.
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Location: Roanoke, Virginia, United States of America
Category: Veterinarian
Job Id: R-261032
Job Type: Full time
Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Valley Animal Hospital in Roanoke, VA, and you’ll quickly discover that you’re well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team. You’ll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.
Why join the team
- Established Multi-Doctor Practice: Join a team of experienced veterinarians dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary medicine.
- Comprehensive Veterinary Care: Practice a variety of medicine, including preventive care, internal medicine, dentistry, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery.
- Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities: Utilize in-house laboratory testing, digital radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopy to support patient care.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside knowledgeable veterinarians and veterinary support professionals who value teamwork and open communication.
- Commitment to Patient Comfort: A hospital that emphasizes compassionate care and incorporates Fear Free techniques.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities to expand your clinical interests and develop your skills in a well-rounded general practice setting.
- Students and new graduates are encouraged to apply and will receive dedicated mentorship.
Schedule
- Full-Time Schedule
- Hours of Operation: Monday, 7:30 am – 7:30 pm; Tuesday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:45 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am – 12:45 pm.
Cases
- Small animals
- A mixture of wellness and sick patients.
Community
- Nestled in the Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains: Enjoy breathtaking mountain views, scenic landscapes, and a wonderful balance of city conveniences and outdoor adventure.
- Outdoor Lover's Paradise: Explore miles of hiking and biking trails, kayaking, fishing, and camping along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail.
- Home to the Famous Roanoke Star: Discover the iconic Mill Mountain Star, which overlooks the city and offers spectacular panoramic views.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Enjoy a more affordable lifestyle compared to many larger metropolitan areas, with a variety of housing options and charming neighborhoods.
- Vibrant Downtown: Experience locally owned restaurants, breweries, boutique shops, farmers' markets, live music, and a thriving arts scene.
- Four Beautiful Seasons: Enjoy colorful fall foliage, mild spring weather, warm summers, and occasional winter snowfall.
- A Welcoming Community: Roanoke offers a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with the amenities of a larger city and the charm of a smaller town.
- Convenient Location: Enjoy easy access to Blacksburg, Smith Mountain Lake, and other beautiful destinations throughout Southwest Virginia.
- Great Work-Life Balance: Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, exploring local wineries, or relaxing with family and friends, Roanoke offers something for everyone.
Who we look for
- People obsessed with pets and their care.
- Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine.
- Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team.
- Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career.
- Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust.
Total Rewards
As a member of the VCA family, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:
Compensation
- Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other relevant credentials.
- This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.
Health & Well-being
- Innovative Associate health and well-being department (Headspace app subscriptions, Fidelity financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources).
- 401k retirement savings plan with company match.
- Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility benefits, gender affirmation services.
- Paid parental, vacation, and sick leave.
Professional Development
- Continuing Education Allowance and Paid Continuing Education Days.
- WOOF University – offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team.
- Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program.
Qualifications
- A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited university or equivalent.
- Licensure in good standing to practice in Virginia or the ability to obtain.
- A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.
About VCA
VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people, and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.
Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward, and make a lasting impact on our shared future.
VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Petsâ„¢.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.
VCA is committed to a diverse work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual or affectional preference, or gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, if you need assistance or accommodation because of a disability, please don’t hesitate to ask. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant or Associate will be penalized as a result of such a request. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page.
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Find JobsEntry Level Associate Veterinarian Job Market
Who's Hiring
- PetVet Care Centers34

- VCA Animal Hospitals34

- Petco11

- NVA5

- Chewy4

Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services66
- Healthcare & Medical Services33
- Consumer Goods29
- Technology & Software5
- Retail1
Entry Level Associate Veterinarian Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level associate veterinarian job?
Focus on completing your clinical rotations thoroughly and building relationships with supervising veterinarians who can provide references. Highlighting hands-on experience from externships, shelter volunteering, or mixed-practice exposure gives you an edge at this stage. Tailoring your cover letter to the specific patient population a practice sees, whether companion animals, exotics, or large animals, signals genuine fit to hiring managers.
Which companies hire entry level associate veterinarians?
Companies hiring entry level associate veterinarians right now include PetVet Care Centers, VCA Animal Hospitals, and Petco, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a mix of private general practices, corporate veterinary groups, and specialty hospitals that invest in onboarding and mentoring new graduates.
Are there remote entry level associate veterinarian jobs?
Yes, though most veterinary roles require in-person patient care, a small share of positions involve telehealth consultations or relief work with scheduling flexibility. About 0% of entry level associate veterinarian openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, so the majority of new grad opportunities are clinic-based and on-site.
Are these new grad associate veterinarian jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior associate veterinarian roles. A posting is typically new-grad friendly when it explicitly welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts clinical rotations or externships toward the requirement, or mentions a structured mentorship program. If a listing does not require prior independent caseload management, it is worth applying to as a new grad.
Which industries hire the most entry level associate veterinarians?
Entry Level associate veterinarian roles concentrate in Animal Care & Pet Services, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Consumer Goods, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they maintain high patient volume, often run multiple locations, and have established onboarding programs designed to bring new graduates up to speed quickly.