About this opportunity
Pacificsantacruzvet lists this Small Animal Internist - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists opportunity in santa cruz, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Small Animal Internist - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide , we offer:
Local autonomy with national support
Career mobility and development opportunities
A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first
You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Board Certified or Residency Trained Internist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.
Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists in Santa Cruz, California has a collaborative, fun, and highly supportive team. We’re serious about excellent medicine— and just as serious about enjoying the people we practice it with. We foster a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and joy at work.
Why Join Us
You’ll partner closely with surgery, internal medicine, and ECC to deliver integrated cancer care.
Between the Pacific coastline and the redwoods, Santa Cruz blends laid‑back living with an active outdoor and cultural scene—surf in the morning, hike or ride after work, and enjoy a thriving food, arts, and tech community.
Live and work in a place that genuinely supports sustainability, diversity, and work‑life balance.
What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:
Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75,000
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
401(k) with discretionary contribution
Team Member Pet Discounts
Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
CE stipends and career development resources
Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
Local hospital culture backed by national resources
Key Responsibilities
Comprehensive patient exams and medical work‑ups
Client communication and education
Maintaining accurate medical records
Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheldParticipate in practice management updates and training at all levels
Perform other duties as assigned by Management.
Qualifications (Required)
Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
1‑year rotational internship in small animal medicine, surgery, ER (university or large referral practice).
Completed a 3‑year, AVMA approved residency program
Current State Veterinary License
DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
Ability to work well in a team‑oriented environment.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
Commitment to providing compassionate and high‑quality veterinary care.
Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
Board Certification
2‑5 years of experience post‑residency
Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Problem‑Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high‑quality veterinary hospital.
Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
Professionalism: Work as part of a high‑quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.
Pay Range
$250,000 — $275,000 USD
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
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Worksite address
santa cruz, CA, 95061, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.