OPT Veterinarian Jobs
Veterinarian roles on OPT require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and active state licensure, two hurdles that take time to clear. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field, so your 12-month clock starts the day your employment begins. Most hiring happens through veterinary practices, animal hospitals, and university research programs.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Want to help pets live their best lives?
We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.
Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team.* We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.
ABOUT PETCO
We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years — from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we’re here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent must be able to perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation:
Provide excellent patient care by performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating diseases, and providing preventive care according to patient signalment, lifestyle, and environment.
Provide excellence in client communication and service.
Utilize a problem-based approach that includes developing a complete problem list for every patient examined, a complete list of differential diagnoses for each problem identified, a complete diagnostic plan, and appropriate treatments based on interpretation of diagnostic test results leading to confirmed or suspected diagnoses.
Document all patient observations, findings of exams and diagnostics, treatments and medications, client interactions, and tentative and confirmed diagnoses in the medical record in a concise and detailed fashion, according to practice convention.
* Develop treatment plans for patients undergoing day hospitalization based on complete problem-based assessment. Transition patients to overnight care as needed and communicate effectively with referral hospitals to ensure continuity of patient care.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Participate in rounds as incoming or exiting doctor at beginning and end of shifts.
Disseminate knowledge throughout staff to improve the level of care and communication provided hospital partners, to both the patient and the client.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Assure continuity of care and all diagnostic testing follow up is performed or delegated, consistent with state practice act guidelines.
Assure accurate controlled substance logbooks at end of each shift worked when utilized during your shift.
Surgical and dental capabilities preferred - perform routine and complex surgical and dental procedures including (but not limited to) spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory, and mass removals as well as simple and complex extraction and oral surgical procedures.
NATURE OF SUPERVISION
In all activities related to the care of individual patients, the Veterinarian will take direct supervision from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director. The Veterinarian has discretion related to decisions regarding patient care, however, it is imperative that the Veterinarian uphold the standards set forth in the Petco Veterinary SOPs. The Veterinarian should expect to receive direction and guidance based on electronic medical record review from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director regarding patient decisions and should accept such feedback as a means to elevate patient care in the hospital.
All hospital veterinarians should work together in a collegial fashion and are expected to behave in a professional and personable manner.
PLANNING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Problem solving is at the heart of veterinary medicine, and it is expected that any successful candidate will possess excellent problem-solving skills that allow expeditious diagnosis of patient problems.
IMPACT
This position will impact the organization by contributing to the growth of productive practice while focusing on a high-quality standard of care. From an overall hospital organizational standpoint, this position is critical to ensuring that we have a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated team. The desired result is the creation of an optimal environment that ensures employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities however, this position works closely with the Hospital Office Manager around standards of care, etc.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school.
Active licensure as a veterinarian without contingencies in the state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
Current DEA license.
Current Controlled Substance License, if applicable, in state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
USDA Category I (minimum) Accreditation or completion within two months of hire date.
Preferred skillset in performing anesthesia and routine surgeries including but not limited to: canine and feline spays, neuters, mass removals, and dentals.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must be compassionate and sympathetic and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
Must have telephone and computer skills.
Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The majority of job duties are conducted in the Vetco Total Care veterinary full-service hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary), and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of this partner’s time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.
CONTACTS
This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products and/or services that the practice utilizes.
LOCATION
Location: 1087 W Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063 United States
For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO - see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
INTRODUCTION
Want to help pets live their best lives?
We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.
Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team.* We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.
ABOUT PETCO
We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years — from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we’re here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent must be able to perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation:
Provide excellent patient care by performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating diseases, and providing preventive care according to patient signalment, lifestyle, and environment.
Provide excellence in client communication and service.
Utilize a problem-based approach that includes developing a complete problem list for every patient examined, a complete list of differential diagnoses for each problem identified, a complete diagnostic plan, and appropriate treatments based on interpretation of diagnostic test results leading to confirmed or suspected diagnoses.
Document all patient observations, findings of exams and diagnostics, treatments and medications, client interactions, and tentative and confirmed diagnoses in the medical record in a concise and detailed fashion, according to practice convention.
* Develop treatment plans for patients undergoing day hospitalization based on complete problem-based assessment. Transition patients to overnight care as needed and communicate effectively with referral hospitals to ensure continuity of patient care.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Participate in rounds as incoming or exiting doctor at beginning and end of shifts.
Disseminate knowledge throughout staff to improve the level of care and communication provided hospital partners, to both the patient and the client.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Assure continuity of care and all diagnostic testing follow up is performed or delegated, consistent with state practice act guidelines.
Assure accurate controlled substance logbooks at end of each shift worked when utilized during your shift.
Surgical and dental capabilities preferred - perform routine and complex surgical and dental procedures including (but not limited to) spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory, and mass removals as well as simple and complex extraction and oral surgical procedures.
NATURE OF SUPERVISION
In all activities related to the care of individual patients, the Veterinarian will take direct supervision from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director. The Veterinarian has discretion related to decisions regarding patient care, however, it is imperative that the Veterinarian uphold the standards set forth in the Petco Veterinary SOPs. The Veterinarian should expect to receive direction and guidance based on electronic medical record review from the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director regarding patient decisions and should accept such feedback as a means to elevate patient care in the hospital.
All hospital veterinarians should work together in a collegial fashion and are expected to behave in a professional and personable manner.
PLANNING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Problem solving is at the heart of veterinary medicine, and it is expected that any successful candidate will possess excellent problem-solving skills that allow expeditious diagnosis of patient problems.
IMPACT
This position will impact the organization by contributing to the growth of productive practice while focusing on a high-quality standard of care. From an overall hospital organizational standpoint, this position is critical to ensuring that we have a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated team. The desired result is the creation of an optimal environment that ensures employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities however, this position works closely with the Hospital Office Manager around standards of care, etc.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school.
Active licensure as a veterinarian without contingencies in the state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
Current DEA license.
Current Controlled Substance License, if applicable, in state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by start date.
USDA Category I (minimum) Accreditation or completion within two months of hire date.
Preferred skillset in performing anesthesia and routine surgeries including but not limited to: canine and feline spays, neuters, mass removals, and dentals.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must be compassionate and sympathetic and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
Must have telephone and computer skills.
Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The majority of job duties are conducted in the Vetco Total Care veterinary full-service hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary), and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of this partner’s time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.
CONTACTS
This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products and/or services that the practice utilizes.
LOCATION
Location: 1087 W Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063 United States
For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO - see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
See all 612+ OPT Veterinarian Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Veterinarian Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Veterinarian
Get your state license before you apply
Most employers won't extend an offer until you hold an active veterinary license for their state. Start the NAVLE and state board process as early as possible so your OPT authorization and licensure are ready at the same time.
Target employers familiar with OPT
Large veterinary groups like VCA, Banfield, and BluePearl have HR teams experienced with work authorization. Smaller independent practices often aren't, so prioritize corporate groups or university teaching hospitals when OPT sponsorship is a factor.
Frame H-1B sponsorship as a low-burden ask
Veterinarians qualify as specialty occupation workers under H-1B. Prepare a short, factual explanation of what sponsorship involves so employers understand the process isn't as complicated or expensive as they may assume.
Consider federal and research positions
USDA, FDA, and university research programs frequently hire veterinarians and have established processes for sponsoring work visas. Government and academic roles often offer more flexibility around visa timelines than private clinical practices do.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Credentialing, background checks, and state license verification add weeks to the veterinary hiring process. Beginning your job search three to four months before your OPT authorization begins gives you enough buffer to start on day one.
Veterinarian OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Veterinarian role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Veterinary Medicine (CIP code 60.0401) is not on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, so you are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. If you want to continue working after that window closes, your employer will need to sponsor you for an H-1B or another visa category before your OPT expires.
Do I need a state veterinary license to work on OPT as a Veterinarian?
Yes. Every state requires a valid veterinary license to practice, regardless of your immigration status. You'll need to pass the NAVLE and meet your state board's requirements before you can legally see patients. Most employers will not finalize an offer until licensure is confirmed, so begin the process well before your OPT start date.
Can I work at multiple veterinary practices simultaneously on OPT?
OPT allows concurrent employment, meaning you can hold more than one position at the same time, but each job must be directly related to your degree field and must meet the minimum 20-hours-per-week requirement in aggregate. You must report all employers to your DSO, who will update your SEVIS record accordingly. Keep your documentation current for each position.
What visa options exist after my Veterinarian OPT ends?
The most common path is H-1B, which requires employer sponsorship and entry in the annual lottery held each March. Veterinarians also qualify for the J-1 exchange visitor visa through programs like ECFVG, and those with exceptional credentials may pursue an O-1A. Federal or research employers sometimes offer EB-1 or NIW green card pathways for veterinarians doing specialized public health work.
Where can I find Veterinarian jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so you can browse Veterinarian roles where employers have confirmed they are open to candidates who need work authorization support. Filtering by OPT eligibility on Migrate Mate saves you from applying to positions where your visa status will immediately disqualify you.