What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Veterinarian: Irvine Emergency position at Irvine Valley Veterinary Hospital?
Associate Veterinarian
Irvine Valley Veterinary Hospital | Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-time
A Little About Us
Irvine Valley Veterinary Hospital is a full-service, AAHA-accredited animal hospital serving Irvine, California, staffed by Fear Free Certified professionals who make every pet’s comfort and well-being their top priority. Our team believes that quality veterinary medicine goes hand-in-hand with gentle, low-stress treatment and an environment designed around each pet’s needs.
The hospital is led by Dr. Mike Cao, DVM and Owner. Our Primary Care location operates on a membership model, which allows our doctors and team to slow down, spend real one-on-one time with each patient and family, and focus on building long-term relationships with pet owners in our community.
Our hospital is also part of a two-location Irvine practice with a dedicated 24/7 emergency hospital, giving our primary care team a trusted partner for the cases that need more.
A Supportive, Collaborative Team
At Irvine Valley Veterinary Hospital, you will join a close-knit team of doctors and hospital professionals who share a commitment to gentle, compassionate care.
Our doctors are supported by:
- An owner-led hospital with an established team of veterinarians to collaborate with
- A Fear Free Certified, AAHA-accredited environment built around patient comfort
- A membership-based primary care model that supports longer, more meaningful appointments
- A sister emergency hospital in Irvine for seamless referral and continuity of care
- A workplace culture built on respect, communication, and teamwork
This is an excellent opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys practicing high-quality, relationship-driven medicine with the time to do it well.
Your Role
As an Associate Veterinarian, you will provide thoughtful, personalized primary care to dogs and cats, building lasting relationships with the families in our membership community.
Clinical Medicine
- Perform wellness exams and preventive care, including vaccinations and parasite prevention
- Diagnose and manage medical conditions, including pet allergies and skin disease, using in-house diagnostics and imaging
- Perform spay and neuter procedures and soft tissue surgery
- Provide comprehensive dental care to keep patients healthy
- Offer integrative medicine options, including laser therapy, for pain relief and healing
- Provide compassionate guidance through senior care and end-of-life decisions, including euthanasia
Client Care & Team Collaboration
- Use Fear Free handling techniques to create calm, positive experiences for every patient
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with pet owners about diagnoses and treatment options
- Collaborate with fellow doctors on case discussion and complex medical decisions
- Work alongside technicians and support staff, and coordinate with our emergency hospital when higher-level care is needed
This role is a great fit for a compassionate veterinarian who values low-stress medicine, enjoys building long-term client relationships, and wants the time and support to practice thorough primary care.
Scheduling & Work-Life Balance
We are committed to creating a schedule that supports both professional fulfillment and personal well-being.
- Full-time opportunity available
- Primary care hospital open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays
- Collaborative schedule planning
- Supportive leadership that values work-life balance
Irvine offers an outstanding quality of life, with beautiful year-round weather, top-rated schools, parks and trails throughout the city, and easy access to the beaches of Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area.
Join Our Team
If you are a veterinarian who is passionate about gentle, relationship-centered primary care and looking for a supportive, owner-led hospital, we would love to connect with you.
Build your career at Irvine Valley Veterinary Hospital—where compassion, Fear Free care, and strong client relationships come together to provide exceptional care for Irvine’s pets and the people who love them.
Pay: $160,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $160,000 - $200,000