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 187+ Veterinarian jobs
About us
Southern California Veterinary Group is a veterinary organization built by people who genuinely love what they do. We are a cool, collaborative, drama-free group of hospitals that believes great medicine happens when doctors are supported, respected, and given room to grow.
Our mission is simple:
- Help doctors grow as professionals
- Ensure doctors get out on time
- Provide exceptional management and staff support
- Create hospitals where people actually enjoy coming to work
We believe in one-size-fits-all doctors — there’s no single mold you must fit into here.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Veterinarian to join our growing team, practicing a mix of general medicine and urgent care. This role is ideal for both experienced veterinarians and those looking to expand their clinical confidence in a supportive environment.
You will have the opportunity to practice high-quality medicine while being backed by experienced teams, strong leadership, and a culture that prioritizes work-life balance.
What You’ll Practice
- General medicine and preventive care
- Urgent care cases (no overnight shifts)
- Diagnostics, treatment planning, and client education
- Collaboration with experienced technicians and support staff
- Medicine practiced at a pace that allows quality care and timely departures
Mentorship & Growth
We offer a robust mentorship program, including support in:
- Emergency medicine
- Surgery
- General practice medicine
Whether you’re a newer graduate or a seasoned doctor looking to expand your skills, mentorship is intentional, structured, and tailored to you.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary: $150,000–$190,000 + production
- Sign On Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- 100% employer-paid medical insurance for employee AND family
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- CE allowance
- Generous vacation policy
- Paid time off
- Strong leadership and operational support so you can focus on medicine
Why Doctors Choose Us
- Drama-free, respectful hospital culture
- Collaborative teams who support each other
- Doctors are not overbooked or rushed
- Management that listens and advocates for doctors
- A place where you can build a long-term career, not just fill a shift
Qualifications
- DVM or VMD from an accredited veterinary school
- Licensed (or eligible for licensure) in California
- Passion for high-quality medicine and teamwork
- Interest in general practice and/or urgent care
Ready to Join a Practice That Has Your Back?
If you’re looking for a veterinary role where your time, growth, and well-being truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today on Indeed and discover what practicing veterinary medicine should feel like.
Pay: $150,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- Veterinary License (Required)
Work Location: In person
About us
Southern California Veterinary Group is a veterinary organization built by people who genuinely love what they do. We are a cool, collaborative, drama-free group of hospitals that believes great medicine happens when doctors are supported, respected, and given room to grow.
Our mission is simple:
- Help doctors grow as professionals
- Ensure doctors get out on time
- Provide exceptional management and staff support
- Create hospitals where people actually enjoy coming to work
We believe in one-size-fits-all doctors — there’s no single mold you must fit into here.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Veterinarian to join our growing team, practicing a mix of general medicine and urgent care. This role is ideal for both experienced veterinarians and those looking to expand their clinical confidence in a supportive environment.
You will have the opportunity to practice high-quality medicine while being backed by experienced teams, strong leadership, and a culture that prioritizes work-life balance.
What You’ll Practice
- General medicine and preventive care
- Urgent care cases (no overnight shifts)
- Diagnostics, treatment planning, and client education
- Collaboration with experienced technicians and support staff
- Medicine practiced at a pace that allows quality care and timely departures
Mentorship & Growth
We offer a robust mentorship program, including support in:
- Emergency medicine
- Surgery
- General practice medicine
Whether you’re a newer graduate or a seasoned doctor looking to expand your skills, mentorship is intentional, structured, and tailored to you.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary: $150,000–$190,000 + production
- Sign On Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- 100% employer-paid medical insurance for employee AND family
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- CE allowance
- Generous vacation policy
- Paid time off
- Strong leadership and operational support so you can focus on medicine
Why Doctors Choose Us
- Drama-free, respectful hospital culture
- Collaborative teams who support each other
- Doctors are not overbooked or rushed
- Management that listens and advocates for doctors
- A place where you can build a long-term career, not just fill a shift
Qualifications
- DVM or VMD from an accredited veterinary school
- Licensed (or eligible for licensure) in California
- Passion for high-quality medicine and teamwork
- Interest in general practice and/or urgent care
Ready to Join a Practice That Has Your Back?
If you’re looking for a veterinary role where your time, growth, and well-being truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today on Indeed and discover what practicing veterinary medicine should feel like.
Pay: $150,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- Veterinary License (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 187+ 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
- PetVet Care Centers79
- Vetcor26
- Modern Animal21
- Petco12
- VCA Animal Hospitals10
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services92
- Animal Care & Pet Services90
- Consumer Goods80
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals3
- Education2
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 PetVet Care Centers, Vetcor, and Modern Animal, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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, San Jose, and San Francisco 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 1% of veterinarian openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 187+ Veterinarian Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Veterinarian Jobs