Veterinarian

Petco is a category‑defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and partners. We operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals.

At our Vetco Total Care Full Service Veterinary Hospitals, the veterinarian plays the most immersive role in the hospital, delivering quality patient care and leading a multidisciplinary team.

• Provide excellent patient care by performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating diseases, and providing preventive care according to patient signalment, lifestyle, and environment.
• 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 the 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.
• Perform routine and complex surgical procedures including (but not limited to) spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory and mass removals.
• Perform routine and complex dental procedures including full dental examination, evaluation of dental radiographs, as well as simple and complex extractions and oral surgical procedures.
• 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.

• Participate in rounds as incoming or exiting doctor at the beginning and end of shifts.
• Disseminate knowledge throughout staff to improve the level of care and communication provided to hospital partners, patients and clients.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

The veterinarian reports directly to the Hospital Medical Leader or Area Medical Director. The veterinarian may make independent clinical decisions but must adhere to Petco Veterinary SOPs and accept direction and feedback from senior leadership.

Excellent problem‑solving skills are expected to allow expeditious diagnosis of patient problems and creation of effective treatment plans.

The role contributes to a high‑quality standard of care, fosters a cohesive, well‑trained and motivated team, and supports patient well‑being and customer satisfaction.

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities; however, the veterinarian is a de‑facto leader in the hospital.

• 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 the start date.
• Current DEA license.
• Current Controlled Substance License, if applicable, in the state in which the hospital is located or ability to obtain by the start date.
• USDA Category I (minimum) Accreditation or completion within two months of hire date.
• Comfortable performing anesthesia and routine surgeries including canine and feline spays, neuters, mass removals and dental procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate and able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
• Telephone and computer skills.
• Team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

The majority of duties are performed in the Vetco Total Care veterinary full‑service hospital. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for long periods. A large portion of time is spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.

Regular communication with clients, veterinary specialists, and product/service companies.

Not Applicable

Full‑time

Health Care Provider

Veterinary Services

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid maternity leave
• Paid paternity leave
• Disability insurance