1

Dvm Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Take referral calls when no DVM is available. * Create and manage the doctor's task list to ensure all items are completed by the end of the day. * Collaborate with CSR, Supervisors, and technical ...

Take referral calls when no DVM is available. * Create and manage the doctor's task list to ensure all items are completed by the end of the day. * Collaborate with CSR, Supervisors, and technical ...

Veterinarian (DVM) - Northern CA | Small Animal GP | $200,000 - $225,000 Base + Sign-On Bonus Up to $100K Practice high-quality medicine with a collaborative team while enjoying the outdoor adventure ...

Veterinarian (DVM) - Fresno, CA A veterinary practice is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Veterinarian (DVM) to join its team. This opportunity is ideal for both experienced veterinarians and ...

Veterinarian (DVM) - Merced, CA | Small Animal GP | $175,000 - $200,000 Base + Sign-On Bonus Up to $75K Looking for a veterinary role where you can practice great medicine, work with strong support ...

GP Veterinarian (DVM)

Sonora, CA · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Veterinarian (DVM) - Sonora, CA | Small Animal GP | $200,000 - $225,000 Base + Sign-On Bonus Up to $100K What if you could practice great medicine, work with a strong support team, and enjoy a ...

GP Veterinarian (DVM)

Benicia, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Veterinarian (DVM) - Benicia, CA | Small Animal GP | $175,000 - $200,000 Base + Sign-On Bonus Up to $75K Looking for a veterinary role where you can practice great medicine, work with a supportive ...

GP Veterinarian (DVM)

Modesto, CA · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Veterinarian (DVM) - Modesto, CA | Small Animal GP | $200,000 - $225,000 Base + Sign-On Bonus Up to $100K Practice great medicine with a supportive team while enjoying the lifestyle and affordability ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Dvm information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$163.4K

$290.2K

How much do dvm jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for dvm in California is $163,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $215,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a typical day look for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) working in a small animal clinic?

A typical day for a DVM in a small animal clinic involves a mix of scheduled appointments, walk-in emergencies, and routine surgical procedures. You’ll often start with patient check-ins, reviewing cases, and performing physical exams. Throughout the day, you may conduct diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and consult with pet owners about preventive care. Collaboration with veterinary technicians, assistants, and other veterinarians is essential to ensure high-quality patient care and efficient clinic operations. The pace can be fast and unpredictable, especially when dealing with urgent cases or complex medical issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), you need a veterinary degree and state licensure, along with strong diagnostic, surgical, and animal care skills. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, diagnostic imaging tools, and laboratory equipment is typically required. Compassion, problem-solving, and effective communication with pet owners and staff are essential soft skills. These competencies are crucial for delivering quality animal healthcare, ensuring accurate diagnoses, and fostering trust with clients.

What is the difference between Dvm vs Vet Technician?

AspectDvmVet Technician
Required CredentialsDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, licensing examAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in veterinary technology, certification
Work EnvironmentVeterinary clinics, hospitals, research facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, labs
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary practices, research institutionsVeterinary clinics, animal care facilities

The DVM is a licensed veterinarian responsible for diagnosing and treating animals, while vet technicians assist veterinarians with medical procedures and animal care. Both roles are essential in veterinary settings, but the DVM holds the primary medical authority.

What are DVMs?

DVM stands for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. DVMs are licensed professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries in animals. They provide medical care for a variety of animals, including pets, livestock, and sometimes wildlife. In addition to clinical work, DVMs may also be involved in research, public health, or education related to animal health.
What are the most commonly searched types of Dvm jobs in California? The most popular types of Dvm jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Dvm jobs? Cities in California with the most Dvm job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Dvm jobs in CA? For Dvm jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Dvm job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,360 per year, or $78.5 per hour.
DVM Assistant

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Alliance Animal Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 51 rated veterinary


Job description

Company Description

Horizon Veterinary Specialists, founded in August 2018 by five board-certified veterinarians, aims to drive positive influence in the veterinary community. With a state-of-the-art facility, a culture centered on inclusion and education, and a passion for excellent medicine, Horizon is committed to serving patients and clients, while supporting the dedicated professionals in veterinary medicine.

Our 24/7 emergency and critical care team serves small animal patients across Ventura and surrounding counties, accepting walk-ins and referrals. We have a large, fully equipped, multi-unit ICU that includes an isolation ward and quiet rooms. Our emergency department team is fortunate to have access to our Internal Medicine department six days a week, for consultation and supportive services.

We are a growing practice who is currently looking for a skilled, caring and compassionate doctor's assistant to join our team! Our team at Horizon Veterinary Specialists works in a collaborative, yet driven environment which provides abundant opportunities for growth, development, and patient/client service. We understand and embrace the importance of every pet as a family member and treat each one with the utmost care.

Learn more at about us at horizonvets.com

Job Description

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Monitor and stay updated on the current status of receiving, inpatient census, outdoor census, and triage board; track both inpatient and outpatient caseloads.
  • Request and review relevant records from referring DVMs for incoming ER cases.
  • Update patient records throughout the day, facilitate client communication, generate and present estimates, assist with send-out lab requests and lab data entry, and review PVL charges. Monitor inpatient financials, alert DVMs when patients are approaching estimate limits, and provide daily financial updates and continued care estimates to clients.
  • Create and present estimates in collaboration with DVMs and handle client financial transactions when required.
  • Prepare discharge instructions, ensuring medications and supplies are accurately gathered and provided. Streamline the discharge process when clients arrive.
  • Provide clients with updates on admitted/hospitalized patient status, both at the start and end of the day, under DVM guidance. Set discharge times, facilitate communication between clients and DVMs, and address client questions when the DVM is unavailable.
  • COMM Box Management: Assist DVMs in reviewing and managing their COMM boxes, triaging messages for urgency, pharmacy refill requests, and client communication. Check COMM boxes at least twice a day, prioritizing on-shift DVMs, but also triage off-duty DVM messages when possible. For urgent questions about off-duty DVM cases, consult the on-duty ER DVM for assistance. 
  • Take referral calls when no DVM is available.
  • Create and manage the doctor's task list to ensure all items are completed by the end of the day.
  • Collaborate with CSR, Supervisors, and technical staff to manage daily workflow and client communication needs (e.g., informing clients of delays).
  • Facilitate effective communication between DVMs and VetSurg for surgeries and critical anesthetic patients.
  • Maintain clear, efficient, and professional communication with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
  • Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste and potentially contagious diseases.

Whether you're looking to just be a master of your role or trying to grow into that next career move, you'll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands on, interactive training and continuing development!

Qualifications

We're Looking For:

  • At least 3 years of experience in an emergency / specialty veterinary hospital setting preferred.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Technical Skills:
    • Proficiency in using a Windows-based computer system, including email, internal communication platforms (Teams, M365, etc.), word processing, and spreadsheets.
    • Familiarity with Practice Management Software (EzyVet and Smart Flow) and basic office equipment (copy/fax/scanner machine, credit card/debit machine).
    • Accurate typing and spelling skills.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and push or pull up to 100 lbs.
  • Frequent sitting, standing, bending, squatting, crouching, reaching, and walking.
  • Ability to hold a phone handset and type on a computer for extended periods.
  • Strong reading comprehension and math skills at a high school graduate level or above.
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with keen attention to detail.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities (with guidance).
  • Professional communication skills, both with peers and clients.
  • Accountable, responsible, motivated, proactive, trustworthy, dependable, and punctual.
  • Ability to handle high-stress situations with poise.
  • Experience managing a caseload for 2 doctors simultaneously.
  • Adaptability in various situations, including interacting with clients in emotional states and supporting multiple doctors and staff for optimal patient and client flow.
  • Comfortable supporting the charge nurse in facilitating communication and patient management.
Additional Information

Pay Range: $24.50 - $28/hr. depending on experience level.

We offer our staff:

  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA) 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees 
  • Paid Bereavement Program 
  • Paid Parental Leave Program  
  • Competitive Compensation  
  • Continuing Education Allowance (applicable to licensed employees)
  • Tuition Assistance Program 
  • Access to a CVA/CVT/CVPM Partnership through Penn Foster
  • Career Development Opportunities 
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions! 
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc) 

*Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.

*Note - some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit: https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/


What Alliance Animal Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom