Step into a thriving small-animal practice as an Associate Veterinarian in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, with compensation up to $200,000. This is a chance to join a well-reviewed, team-centered hospital delivering high-quality, compassionate care.
The Hospital This established, association-member practice is known locally for a warm, welcoming culture where pets are treated like family and teamwork drives great outcomes. The multi-disciplinary team includes veterinarians, credentialed and support technicians, client service specialists, and dedicated kennel/daycare staff. Clinicians benefit from a comprehensive in-house toolkit that supports high-standard medicine and efficient case management, including: - In-house laboratory - Digital radiology and dental radiography - Ultrasound and echocardiography - Dedicated surgical suite and full dental care capability - In-house pharmacy - Select advanced therapy options and orthopedic surgery capability The hospital operates primarily daytime hours Monday to Friday with shorter Saturday coverage and is closed on Sundays. Client reviews consistently highlight attentive service and thorough patient care.
Location Rancho Santa Margarita offers an enviable Southern California lifestyle in a safe, family-friendly community with excellent connectivity across Orange County. Candidates will find lakeside leisure, abundant parks and trails, quality schools, and a lively town center close to work. - Consistently ranked among California’s safest cities, offering peace of mind for families - Outdoor access on the doorstep: adjacent 3,300+ acre regional park with camping, equestrian areas, and miles of trails - Signature local amenity: Lago Santa Margarita with a beach, boating, events, and a scenic lakeside path - Strong public schools served by Saddleback Valley and Capistrano Unified districts - Convenient commuting via SR-241 with quick links to major job hubs - About 15–20 miles to John Wayne Airport and Orange County beaches - Active town center with plentiful dining, coffee, and retail options - Affluent, well-educated community with robust local services and amenities
Benefits - Medical, dental, and vision coverage - 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution or match - Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and sick time - Continuing education allowance and paid CE days - Reimbursement for state licensure, DEA, and professional dues - Professional liability coverage - Employee pet care discounts - Flexible scheduling with daytime shifts and occasional Saturdays; no Sundays - Career development pathways, mentorship support, and a team-first culture - Potential relocation assistance for qualified candidates
The Role - Provide preventive care, diagnostics, and internal medicine for companion animals - Perform general surgery and dentistry within a well-equipped surgical and dental suite - Utilize in-house lab, radiography, and ultrasound to develop timely, effective treatment plans - Communicate clearly with clients to educate and guide medical decisions - Collaborate with technicians and support staff to ensure seamless, compassionate patient care - Maintain accurate medical records and uphold high standards of safety and compliance - Contribute to a positive, team-based environment; occasional Saturday coverage required
Requirements - DVM or VMD degree from an accredited institution - Current California veterinary license (or eligibility to obtain) - DEA registration (or eligibility to obtain) - Authorization to work in the United States - Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and a collaborative mindset - All experience levels are encouraged to apply
Apply If this opportunity aligns with your goals, click apply. A member of our team will be in touch shortly.
Rancho Santa Margarita 
California 
USD150K
- USD200K / Year
Competitive Salary, 
Paid Vacations, 
Relocation assistance
