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 481+ Veterinarian jobs
Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out “Inside Modern Animal” for a glimpse into what makes Modern Animal different.
With a technology-forward approach and a deep commitment to our people, Modern Animal is building the next generation of general practice veterinary care—one that balances the needs of practitioners just as much as pet owners and their animals. Our veterinarians are equipped with the tools, structure and support they need to practice the highest quality of medicine, without compromising on the boundaries between work and life.
What makes this role unique?
- Explore greater Los Angeles: split time between multiple Modern Animal clinics. In particular - our Los Feliz and Pasadena locations.
- Flexibility in schedule: part-time or full-time hours available
- 4-20 shifts/month, shifts are 10-hours in duration
- Variety in practice: Provide care through our standard exams, drop offs, urgent care, and procedures.
What you can expect at Modern Animal:
- Warm, modern clinic environments that put you, the client, and the pet at ease
- A 24/7 virtual care team there for your patients as an added layer of support
- A dedicated in-clinic support team empowered to be involved more deeply in care
- Structured schedules that give you time to catch your breath
- Grow your skills and career path how you want with mentorship programs, support for CE, and clear career growth paths
- A growth-oriented organization ever evolving to build a better place for all
- Thoughtful onboarding and training that’s customizable for your individual needs
- An in-house technology platform built to reduce the time you spend on admin tasks and take the headache out of record-keeping
- A vibrant, supportive, blame-free culture made up of people who are all here to change veterinary medicine for the better
To help you live well:
- Guaranteed salaries
- Sign-on bonus
- No non-competes
- Annual CE allowance and paid CE days
- Paid time off, paid sick time, paid parental leave
- Stellar benefits package including health, dental, vision, and 401K with a company match (must work a minimum of 30 hours per week to be eligible for benefits)
- Access to behavioral and mental health services through Spring Health
- Free membership to Modern Animal and discount services for your pets
To be eligible you must have:
- Graduated from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school or completed requirements to practice in the United States
- Active license to practice veterinary medicine in California required at the start of employment
- License must be in good standing with no malpractice or disciplinary actions
The pay range for this position is $140,000 - $200,000 annually, and adjusted on a prorated basis for any non full time role; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A sign-on bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per the California Pay Transparency Act. Base pay information is based on geographic location.
By submitting your job application, you are opting into receiving emails and SMS text messages for this role and/or other roles our recruiting team determines you may be a fit for. If you decide you are no longer interested in receiving future communications for open roles at Modern Animal, you can opt out of receiving future communications at any time.
We believe an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. We’re not looking for candidates who are “culture fits.” We’re looking for candidates who can expand our culture and challenge business as usual. We strive to foster an environment where all staff can bring their whole selves to work, by their own definition, and we strive to provide all candidates with an equitable and accessible recruitment process.
We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics.
In addition to federal law requirements, we comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
If we can offer accommodations for you in the recruitment process, or if you have feedback on how to make our recruiting more equitable or accessible, please let us know!
Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out “Inside Modern Animal” for a glimpse into what makes Modern Animal different.
With a technology-forward approach and a deep commitment to our people, Modern Animal is building the next generation of general practice veterinary care—one that balances the needs of practitioners just as much as pet owners and their animals. Our veterinarians are equipped with the tools, structure and support they need to practice the highest quality of medicine, without compromising on the boundaries between work and life.
What makes this role unique?
- Explore greater Los Angeles: split time between multiple Modern Animal clinics. In particular - our Los Feliz and Pasadena locations.
- Flexibility in schedule: part-time or full-time hours available
- 4-20 shifts/month, shifts are 10-hours in duration
- Variety in practice: Provide care through our standard exams, drop offs, urgent care, and procedures.
What you can expect at Modern Animal:
- Warm, modern clinic environments that put you, the client, and the pet at ease
- A 24/7 virtual care team there for your patients as an added layer of support
- A dedicated in-clinic support team empowered to be involved more deeply in care
- Structured schedules that give you time to catch your breath
- Grow your skills and career path how you want with mentorship programs, support for CE, and clear career growth paths
- A growth-oriented organization ever evolving to build a better place for all
- Thoughtful onboarding and training that’s customizable for your individual needs
- An in-house technology platform built to reduce the time you spend on admin tasks and take the headache out of record-keeping
- A vibrant, supportive, blame-free culture made up of people who are all here to change veterinary medicine for the better
To help you live well:
- Guaranteed salaries
- Sign-on bonus
- No non-competes
- Annual CE allowance and paid CE days
- Paid time off, paid sick time, paid parental leave
- Stellar benefits package including health, dental, vision, and 401K with a company match (must work a minimum of 30 hours per week to be eligible for benefits)
- Access to behavioral and mental health services through Spring Health
- Free membership to Modern Animal and discount services for your pets
To be eligible you must have:
- Graduated from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school or completed requirements to practice in the United States
- Active license to practice veterinary medicine in California required at the start of employment
- License must be in good standing with no malpractice or disciplinary actions
The pay range for this position is $140,000 - $200,000 annually, and adjusted on a prorated basis for any non full time role; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A sign-on bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per the California Pay Transparency Act. Base pay information is based on geographic location.
By submitting your job application, you are opting into receiving emails and SMS text messages for this role and/or other roles our recruiting team determines you may be a fit for. If you decide you are no longer interested in receiving future communications for open roles at Modern Animal, you can opt out of receiving future communications at any time.
We believe an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. We’re not looking for candidates who are “culture fits.” We’re looking for candidates who can expand our culture and challenge business as usual. We strive to foster an environment where all staff can bring their whole selves to work, by their own definition, and we strive to provide all candidates with an equitable and accessible recruitment process.
We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics.
In addition to federal law requirements, we comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
If we can offer accommodations for you in the recruitment process, or if you have feedback on how to make our recruiting more equitable or accessible, please let us know!
See All 481+ 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
- DESORT STAFFING73
- Petco35
- VCA Animal Hospitals33
- PetVet Care Centers26
- VEG ER for Pets21
Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services
- Government & Public Sector
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 DESORT STAFFING, Petco, and VCA Animal Hospitals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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, Sacramento, and San Diego 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 17% of veterinarian openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 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 481+ Veterinarian Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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