Veterinarian Jobs in California
Veterinarian jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand running from new graduates through board-certified specialists across companion animal practice, livestock and agricultural medicine, and academic research. The largest concentrations of openings are in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where established employers like VCA Animal Hospitals, Banfield Pet Hospital, and UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital maintain a steady presence. The most in-demand specialties are emergency and critical care, internal medicine, and shelter medicine, reflecting California's dense urban populations and extensive shelter networks. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 399+ Veterinarian jobs
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.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
The pay range for this role (full-time) is $ 124,587 - $ 179,959 annually. This role is also eligible for variable pay based on production.
The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area, with the specific rate determined based on the candidate’s experience, skill level, abilities, and education, and may vary depending on location and schedule.
Who we are
We’re Banfield. You’ve probably seen us around. We started in 1955 as a small practice with big ideas about preventive pet care. Now we’re the leading general veterinary care practice in America and we’d love to have you join our team.
We love pets. You know what else we love? Vets. We want to make sure our veterinarians feel supported so they can live their best lives AND practice medicine their own way. We do that by surrounding them with talented, passionate teammates and giving them amazing resources that help them stay fulfilled in and outside of work.
Banfield’s here for you so you can be there for pets!
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for veterinarians to add their passion, skills, and education to our team. We believe in hiring doctors with diverse perspectives, ideas, and cultures, and we support veterinarians who use their expertise in a way that benefits pets, clients, teams, and communities.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced veterinarian looking for a change, a new beginning at Banfield means an open door to explore the next best move in your professional career.
Role responsibilities
Provide furry, feathered, and scaled pets with the best possible care, especially preventive care
Build close relationships with pets and the humans who love them
Work closely with teammates and cultivate a positive, dynamic work culture
Impact the future of veterinary medicine with your own expertise and ways of practicing medicine
Exemplify the Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom
What we offer
Here at Banfield, we prioritize your well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets. We value work-life balance too ! Check out some of our “Meow-velous” benefits:
The good stuff:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We've got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered.
Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.*
Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long-term health of the veterinary profession.
Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break, recharge your wellbeing, and celebrate days of personal significance with paid time off and holidays.*
Top-Tier Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Your mental health matters. Access our industry-leading resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions, to support your overall wellbeing and help you thrive.*
Associate Life Insurance (company-paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones with our company-paid Associate life insurance and have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.
Company-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability: Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you’ll have financial protection.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Save on healthcare and dependent care expenses by setting aside pre-tax money. It's a smart way to manage your budget and take care of your needs.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Make the most of your healthcare dollars with a tax-advantaged HSA, allowing you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax funds.
Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with paid parental leave for both birth and adoption, giving you precious time to bond with your new family addition.
Continuing Education Allowance (for Eligible Positions): Banfield is committed to supporting the professional growth of our Associates. This allowance provides financial assistance to pursue continuing education opportunities.*
Back-Up Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources: When life's unpredictable moments arise, our backup care and family support benefits provide the help you need to keep things running smoothly.*
Fertility and Family Building Support: We're here for you on your journey to parenthood, offering comprehensive support for fertility treatments and family-building options.
Digital Exercise Therapy: Stay active and healthy with our digital exercise therapy program, designed to fit your busy lifestyle, and keep you moving.
Voluntary Protection Benefits: Get peace of mind with protection against the unexpected. You can purchase coverage to help support you financially during hospital stays, critical illness, and accidents.*
Legal Plan: Gain extra peace of mind with our affordable and accessible legal plan which includes coverage for a wide range of legal needs.*
Identity Protection: Identity Protection helps safeguard your personal information by alerting you to suspicious activity and providing support if your information is stolen.*
Commuter Benefits: Say goodbye to commuting stress with our commuter benefits, making your daily journey more convenient and cost-effective.*
Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets: We care about your furry friends too! Enjoy three free wellness plans to ensure your pets receive the best preventive and general care.*
Exclusive Discounts: Unlock a world of savings with our wide variety of exclusive discounts on products and services, making life more affordable and enjoyable.*
Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk (*).
Even more good stuff:
Flexible scheduling
Ability to practice autonomous medicine
Locations all over the US to choose from
Opportunities for growth and leadership roles at Banfield, Mars and other divisions of Mars brands
Dedicated coaching support so you can grow your career (or become a coach yourself!)
Equity, inclusion, and diversity resource s
Awesome opportunities to volunteer through Mars Volunteer Program, like volunteering at coral reef cleanups or on research vessels!
Full Veterinarian Job Description
WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Banfield Pet Hospital® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Banfield Pet Hospital complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.
We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity enables us to live our Purpose:
A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
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.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
The pay range for this role (full-time) is $ 124,587 - $ 179,959 annually. This role is also eligible for variable pay based on production.
The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area, with the specific rate determined based on the candidate’s experience, skill level, abilities, and education, and may vary depending on location and schedule.
Who we are
We’re Banfield. You’ve probably seen us around. We started in 1955 as a small practice with big ideas about preventive pet care. Now we’re the leading general veterinary care practice in America and we’d love to have you join our team.
We love pets. You know what else we love? Vets. We want to make sure our veterinarians feel supported so they can live their best lives AND practice medicine their own way. We do that by surrounding them with talented, passionate teammates and giving them amazing resources that help them stay fulfilled in and outside of work.
Banfield’s here for you so you can be there for pets!
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for veterinarians to add their passion, skills, and education to our team. We believe in hiring doctors with diverse perspectives, ideas, and cultures, and we support veterinarians who use their expertise in a way that benefits pets, clients, teams, and communities.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced veterinarian looking for a change, a new beginning at Banfield means an open door to explore the next best move in your professional career.
Role responsibilities
Provide furry, feathered, and scaled pets with the best possible care, especially preventive care
Build close relationships with pets and the humans who love them
Work closely with teammates and cultivate a positive, dynamic work culture
Impact the future of veterinary medicine with your own expertise and ways of practicing medicine
Exemplify the Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom
What we offer
Here at Banfield, we prioritize your well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets. We value work-life balance too ! Check out some of our “Meow-velous” benefits:
The good stuff:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We've got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered.
Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.*
Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long-term health of the veterinary profession.
Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break, recharge your wellbeing, and celebrate days of personal significance with paid time off and holidays.*
Top-Tier Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Your mental health matters. Access our industry-leading resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions, to support your overall wellbeing and help you thrive.*
Associate Life Insurance (company-paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones with our company-paid Associate life insurance and have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.
Company-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability: Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you’ll have financial protection.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Save on healthcare and dependent care expenses by setting aside pre-tax money. It's a smart way to manage your budget and take care of your needs.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Make the most of your healthcare dollars with a tax-advantaged HSA, allowing you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax funds.
Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with paid parental leave for both birth and adoption, giving you precious time to bond with your new family addition.
Continuing Education Allowance (for Eligible Positions): Banfield is committed to supporting the professional growth of our Associates. This allowance provides financial assistance to pursue continuing education opportunities.*
Back-Up Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources: When life's unpredictable moments arise, our backup care and family support benefits provide the help you need to keep things running smoothly.*
Fertility and Family Building Support: We're here for you on your journey to parenthood, offering comprehensive support for fertility treatments and family-building options.
Digital Exercise Therapy: Stay active and healthy with our digital exercise therapy program, designed to fit your busy lifestyle, and keep you moving.
Voluntary Protection Benefits: Get peace of mind with protection against the unexpected. You can purchase coverage to help support you financially during hospital stays, critical illness, and accidents.*
Legal Plan: Gain extra peace of mind with our affordable and accessible legal plan which includes coverage for a wide range of legal needs.*
Identity Protection: Identity Protection helps safeguard your personal information by alerting you to suspicious activity and providing support if your information is stolen.*
Commuter Benefits: Say goodbye to commuting stress with our commuter benefits, making your daily journey more convenient and cost-effective.*
Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets: We care about your furry friends too! Enjoy three free wellness plans to ensure your pets receive the best preventive and general care.*
Exclusive Discounts: Unlock a world of savings with our wide variety of exclusive discounts on products and services, making life more affordable and enjoyable.*
Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk (*).
Even more good stuff:
Flexible scheduling
Ability to practice autonomous medicine
Locations all over the US to choose from
Opportunities for growth and leadership roles at Banfield, Mars and other divisions of Mars brands
Dedicated coaching support so you can grow your career (or become a coach yourself!)
Equity, inclusion, and diversity resource s
Awesome opportunities to volunteer through Mars Volunteer Program, like volunteering at coral reef cleanups or on research vessels!
Full Veterinarian Job Description
WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Banfield Pet Hospital® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Banfield Pet Hospital complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.
We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity enables us to live our Purpose:
A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
See All 399+ Veterinarian Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Veterinarian JobsVeterinarian Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Veterinarian Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Heartstrings Pet Hospice, In-Home Euthanasia & Aftercare63
- DESORT STAFFING47
- Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice39
- VCA Animal Hospitals29
- Thrive Pet Healthcare23
Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in veterinarian jobs across California.
- Active California veterinary license issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college
- Current DEA registration for controlled substance prescribing privileges
- Experience in companion animal or mixed-practice clinical settings
- Proficiency with electronic medical record systems used in veterinary practice
- Strong client communication skills for patient consultations and care planning
Veterinarian Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a veterinarian in California?
You must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary college and then obtain licensure through the California Veterinary Medical Board, which requires passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination and the California Veterinary Practice Act examination. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is the state's primary DVM program. Once licensed, you may apply for a DEA registration if your practice will involve controlled substances.
How much do veterinarians make in California?
Veterinarians in California earn a median of about $163,920 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,850 for the lowest 10% to over $286,330 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire veterinarians in California?
Employers hiring veterinarians in California right now include Heartstrings Pet Hospice, In-Home Euthanasia & Aftercare, DESORT STAFFING, and Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's mix of large corporate practice groups, independent specialty hospitals, and university teaching institutions means openings appear across a wide range of practice environments throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most veterinarian jobs?
Los Angeles, Berkeley, and Riverside have the most veterinarian openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through dense pet-owning populations and large corporate practice networks, while the Bay Area reflects demand from specialty and emergency hospitals serving high-income communities, and Sacramento's openings are shaped by proximity to UC Davis and the state's central agricultural valley.
Are there remote veterinarian jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Clinical veterinary work requires hands-on patient care, so most positions are fully on-site. About 43% of veterinarian openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those roles are almost exclusively in veterinary telemedicine consulting, medical director oversight, or regulatory and public health positions that do not require direct patient handling.
How can I get hired as a veterinarian in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a rotating or specialty internship at a California veterinary teaching hospital or large specialty referral center, such as those affiliated with UC Davis or VCA Advanced Healthcare. Many new graduates also start as associate veterinarians at corporate group practices, which provide mentorship and structured caseloads. Completing your California Veterinary Medical Board license before applying and having a state DEA registration in process gives you a measurable edge over candidates who are still pending.
Where can I find and apply to veterinarian jobs in California?
You can find and apply to veterinarian jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across companion animal, specialty, shelter, and agricultural practice settings. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 399+ Veterinarian Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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