Veterinarian - Petaluma, CA
Listed compensation
$140k-$200k
The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday
Ask the employer about the work setting, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Who We Are
Associate Veterinarian at Petaluma Veterinary Hospital | Petaluma, CA (North Bay Area)
Full-Time | Part-Time | Relief
Practice Great Medicine in a Hospital That Feels Like Home
Petaluma Veterinary Hospital is seeking a compassionate Veterinarian to join our close-knit, client-focused team. Housed in a charming historic building dating back to 1946, our small animal practice has proudly served the Petaluma community for over 75 years. Our philosophy is simple and sincere: we treat every pet like our own and every client like family.
This is an exceptional opportunity to practice high-quality, personalized medicine in a supportive environment that truly values work–life balance.
- Why You’ll Love Practicing Here
- Well-established small animal hospital with a loyal, long-term clientele
- Cozy, family-oriented practice with a strong sense of teamwork
- Average of 12–16 patients per day with 30-minute appointments
- Two-doctor practice with a 1:2 doctor-to-technician/assistant ratio
Modern, Well-equipped Facility Including
- 2–3 exam rooms
- Fully equipped treatment area
- Digital radiography (standard & dental)
- Ultrasound
- Dedicated surgical and dental suite
- Paper-light practice using Cornerstone software
- Schedule Designed for Balance
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm
- No weekends
- Two consecutive days off
- Shorter hours that support a sustainable, fulfilling career
- Who We’re Looking For
- A compassionate veterinarian who values client relationships and quality care
- Experience preferred, but new graduates are encouraged to apply
- Interest in practicing current, evidence-based medicine
- A collaborative team player who enjoys a small-practice environment
If you’re looking for a practice where your work is valued, your schedule is respected, and your patients are treated like family, Petaluma Veterinary Hospital would love to meet you.
What's in It for You
Compensation & Benefits
- We believe in recognizing and rewarding dedication, skill, and heart.
- Base salary: $140,000–$200,000, depending on experience, schedule, and skill set
- Quarterly production bonus w/ no negative accrual
- Sign-on and/or relocation bonus available
Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- CE allowance and paid CE time
- Professional dues and license reimbursement
- Liability coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Mentorship and Professional Growth Support
Apply today or submit your resume to Vanessa at vsanchez@vetcor.com
Where We Are
Petaluma offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience. Known for its welcoming community, beautiful surroundings, and vibrant local culture, the area provides:
- Easy access to vineyards, hiking, and outdoor recreation
- A relaxed lifestyle with a strong sense of community
- Convenient proximity to the greater San Francisco Bay Area
- It’s an ideal place to build a career and a life!
Key Responsibilities
Provide high-quality, compassionate medical care to small animal patients in a client-focused environment. Perform examinations, surgeries, and dental procedures while maintaining accurate medical records using practice management software.
Requirements
Candidates must be compassionate veterinarians with an interest in evidence-based medicine and strong client relationship skills. While experience is preferred, new graduates are encouraged to apply.
Key Skills
Veterinary Medicine Career Context
In California, the Veterinary Medicine weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$163k (167 salary observations; 606 listings), vs ~$140k nationally (873 salary observations; 7,060 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-02-01 through 2026-11-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$170k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $154k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 6.0 / 10 · above average in veterinary | ranked against 4,493 Veterinary listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | $140k–$200k | Veterinary Medicine median $170k (middle half $154k–$190k)78 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| California vs national | $163k median in California | $140k nationally (+16%)167 state / 873 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$154k in purchasing power | California index 110.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Veterinary Medicine listings in California | 242 active | 3,421 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 74% no call · 60% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | sign-on bonus | California healthcare professional listings (all specialties): 47% state a sign-on bonus (median $38k) · 14% offer loan repayment366 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Veterinary Medicine listings | 1,251 in the last 30 days | 492 the 30 days before (+154%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Veterinary Medicine pay trend | +3.7% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
| Vet Cor | #8 of 14 for pay | Top Employers work-life index |
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Veterinarian - Petaluma, CA at Vet Cor a 6.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Veterinary — ranked against 4,493 active Veterinary listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.
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