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Pet Associate Jobs in Tehachapi, CA (NOW HIRING)

Tehachapi Veterinary Hospital is looking to add a great associate veterinarian to their amazing ... Pet perks include free exams, discounts on products and services, and more at all Thrive Pet Health ...

Valid Registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical ... Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance program * Perks @Clarvida - national discounts on shopping ...

Valid Registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical ... Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance program * Perks @Clarvida - national discounts on shopping ...

Pre Licensed Therapist

Mojave, CA · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

Valid Registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical ... Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance program * Perks @Clarvida - national discounts on shopping ...

Valid Registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical ... Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance program * Perks @Clarvida - national discounts on shopping ...

Pet Associate information

See Tehachapi, CA salary details

$11

$21

$35

How much do pet associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet associate in Tehachapi, CA is $21.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pet associate?

Pet Associates are professionals who work in pet stores, veterinary clinics, or animal shelters, assisting with the care, feeding, and well-being of animals. They help customers find the right products for their pets, provide information on pet care, and maintain a clean and safe environment for animals. Pet Associates may also assist with basic grooming and handling of animals, ensuring their comfort and safety. This role often requires a passion for animals, good customer service skills, and some knowledge of animal behavior.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pet associate?

To thrive as a Pet Associate, you need basic animal care knowledge, customer service skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and pet care products is often required. Strong communication, patience, and attention to detail help you build rapport with customers and ensure the well-being of animals. These skills are crucial for providing excellent service, maintaining animal health, and ensuring smooth store operations.

What are some common challenges faced by pet associates when handling animals in a retail environment?

Pet Associates often encounter challenges such as managing animals with varying temperaments, ensuring the health and safety of both pets and customers, and maintaining clean and sanitary habitats. They must be attentive to signs of stress or illness in animals and respond quickly to any issues that arise. Additionally, balancing animal care with customer service responsibilities, such as answering questions and assisting with product selection, requires strong multitasking and communication skills.

What is the difference between Pet Associate vs Pet Groomer?

AspectPet AssociatePet Groomer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; on-the-job trainingCertification or training in grooming techniques
Work EnvironmentPet stores, shelters, clinicsGrooming salons, pet stores
Employer & Industry UsagePet retail and care facilitiesSpecialized grooming services
Common Search & Comparison IntentCustomer service, pet handlingGrooming skills, styling

Pet Associates primarily focus on customer service, pet handling, and assisting in pet care within retail or shelter environments. Pet Groomers specialize in grooming, styling, and maintaining pets' coats, often requiring specific grooming certifications. While both roles involve working with pets, Pet Associates handle a broader range of tasks, whereas Pet Groomers focus on grooming services.

What cities near Tehachapi, CA are hiring for Pet Associate jobs?

Cities near Tehachapi, CA with the most Pet Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Pet Associate job openings in Tehachapi, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,717 per year, or $21 per hour.

Associate Veterinarian

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Tehachapi, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Thrive Pet Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 139 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Description
Associate Veterinarian
Tehachapi Veterinary Hospital
Sign-on Bonus and/or Relocation Bonus Available!
About You
You'll get to know the family and care for the pet year after year. From delivering reliable care, to preventative visits, to being the first one they call when something just feels wrong.
The Ideal Candidate would be willing and able to uphold high standards of medical excellence and foster collaboration within our team environment.
We offer superior mentorship for any new doctors!
Experience & Skills Requirements
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM / VMD) or equivalent degree required.
  • State Veterinary Board License and must be in good standing for the state in which they intend to be hired, prior to their start date.
  • Active DEA license or DEA licensure eligible.

As a hospital deeply rooted in the local community, you will experience the best of both worlds: a genuine local feel with the benefits of Thrive's national resources.
About The Hospital
Tehachapi Veterinary Hospital is a small animal practice located in Tehachapi focusing on routine check-ups, vaccinations, non-urgent illness exams, blood, urine, and fecal testing as well as other everyday care , q uiet number of emergency cases come, and l imited orthopedics . Our hospital has a close , experienced team with a high patient volume and a committed client base . We pride ourselves on evolving with our profession and fostering an environment that supports our hospital's core values .
Our hospital consists of a complete in-house diagnostic lab, digital radiology (including dental radiology), ultrasonography, and a complete surgical suite. We currently have four veterinarians and an incredible support staff.
We are located in the beautiful Tehachapi Mountains. Our community offers the best in small towns while being close to large cities without high-cost living. Tehachapi's location is ideal as national parks, beautiful deserts, and the incredible California coastline are all only a few hours away. If you want to get away from hectic city life and enjoy the safety and charm of small-town living, then Tehachapi might be a great fit for you.
We are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm and Saturday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Serving Tehachapi, Golden Hills, Stallion Springs , Heart flat/Keene, and Bear Valley .
Provide your best care as a Thrive Pet Healthcare veterinarian.
At Thrive Pet Healthcare, you'll c are for a pet's whole life, foster strong human-animal bonds and connect with your local community - all while backed by our coast-to-coast support . Thrive's full operational support, innovative technology, and advanced training allow you to focus on providing exceptional care for pets' health and well-being. We'll meet you where you are and invest in your growth as a professional and leader.
The success of your patients' care matters to you, and your success matters to us. Our progressive compensation model includes competitive base salaries with production compensation opportunities. Plus, no negative accrual .
Benefits - our care in action
Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members' emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive health benefits
  • Mental health resources, including 24/7 access to Lyra Health
  • Paid parental and purr-ental leave
  • Employer-sponsored childcare and elder care
  • Personalized care for every family-forming journey
  • 401(k) match
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
  • Student loan management tools and assistance

Thrive's Medical Excellence and Education Department leads training and mentorship programs designed to support and empower you with the knowledge, tools, and resources to strengthen and nurture your professional journey.
Plus, we offer rich Medical Excellence through Education programs including Meant to Thrive doctor mentorship, comprehensive RACE-accredited dental education, team and patient safety resources and guidance - and more!
To learn more about this amazing opportunity, apply today or reach out to us at GPrecruiting@thrivepet.com .
Compensation negotiable based on credentials and experience with an annual PROSAL full-time range starting at $ 140,000 /year. The actual salary offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
About Thrive
Vet-founded and Austin-born, Thrive Pet Healthcare has expanded to over 380 partner hospitals nationwide, united by a mission to shape the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community.
We bridge general practice, urgent care, specialty, and emergency care, and our locally rooted, nationally connected hospitals benefit from Thrive's extensive resources while maintaining their unique identities.
We believe that supporting our people is the key to helping pets thrive through every stage of life.
Join us where #WeThriveTogether . We provide customizable professional development opportunities, a supportive work environment that values work-life rhythms, and 24/7 mental health support.
At Thrive Pet Healthcare, we celebrate and embrace the uniqueness and diversity of all of our team members, pet owners, and pets. We strive to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where all team members are empowered and feel a sense of belonging.

What Thrive Pet Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


Thrive Pet Healthcare logo

About Thrive Pet Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Thrive Pet Healthcare, located in Austin, TX, US, operates within the veterinary services industry, providing high-quality healthcare solutions for pets. The company offers an extensive range of pet care services, from vaccinations and routine exams to dental care and surgical procedures. Founded on the principle of making pet healthcare both affordable and convenient, Thrive Pet Healthcare has become an integral part of the pet care community, upholding this mission with unmatched dedication. They believe in providing comprehensive care that benefits the overall well-being of pets and have made substantial progress in incorporating advanced methodologies and equipment in their facilities.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US

Year founded

2003