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Veterinary Criticalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinary Criticalist information

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$49.5K

$165.5K

$294K

How much do veterinary criticalist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary criticalist in the United States is $165,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $218,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a veterinary criticalist do?

A Veterinary Criticalist’s typical workday involves managing patients in intensive care, making rapid clinical decisions, and coordinating with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff. You may lead rounds, perform specialized procedures, and consult on complex cases, often working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Collaboration with other specialists is frequent, especially in large hospitals or referral centers. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring veterinary staff and interacting with pet owners during emotionally charged situations. Flexibility is important, as shifts may include nights, weekends, or on-call hours depending on the practice.

What is a veterinary criticalist?

A Veterinary Criticalist is a board-certified specialist in emergency and critical care medicine for animals. They diagnose and treat life-threatening conditions, manage intensive care cases, and provide advanced medical interventions such as ventilator support, blood transfusions, and emergency surgery. Veterinary Criticalists typically work in specialty hospitals or university teaching facilities, collaborating with other specialists to ensure the best outcomes for critically ill pets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the veterinary criticalist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Criticalist, you need advanced veterinary medical knowledge, expertise in emergency and critical care, and board certification (DACVECC) in veterinary critical care. Familiarity with specialized diagnostic and life-support equipment, such as ventilators and advanced monitoring systems, is essential. Outstanding problem-solving skills, composure under pressure, and effective communication make a criticalist stand out. These competencies enable effective, timely care for critically ill animals and facilitate strong collaboration within multidisciplinary veterinary teams.

More about Veterinary Criticalist jobs
What cities are hiring for Veterinary Criticalist jobs? Cities with the most Veterinary Criticalist job openings:
What states have the most Veterinary Criticalist jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Criticalist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Veterinary Criticalist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $165,527 per year, or $79.6 per hour.

$200K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Criticalist Opportunity at Pacific Care Pet Emergency and Specialty


Join Our Growing Specialty Team in Sunny Irvine, CA!


Pacific Care Pet Emergency and Specialty is seeking a board-certified or residency-trained Veterinary Criticalist to join our expanding team in Irvine, California!


We are a thriving specialty and emergency hospital in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. Currently home to 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care, Surgery, Medical Oncology, and Internal Medicine services, Pacific Care is proud to be growing into a premier specialty center in Orange County.


Why Join Us?

We're all about care, collaboration, and comprehensive medicine. At Pacific Care, you'll find a warm, supportive team that's passionate about advancing veterinary care and helping each other grow-professionally and personally.


Our Facility Includes:

  • 10 spacious exam rooms
  • Dedicated radiology reading room
  • GE CT scanner & ultrasound capabilities
  • ICU and isolation ward
  • Separate feline waiting area
  • Endoscopy and scoping capabilities

We're excited to welcome Critical Care as a new service, with full support from our collaborative team and referring community.


Why Irvine?

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Irvine offers something for everyone:

  • Centrally located: 45 mins from Los Angeles, 85 mins from San Diego, and just 15 mins from Disneyland
  • Outdoor lovers can enjoy trails at Bommer Canyon, Turtle Rock, or paddleboarding at Newport Back Bay
  • Endless shopping and dining at Irvine Spectrum Center and The Trade Marketplace
  • Family-friendly activities like Pretend City Children's Museum and top-rated schools
  • A vibrant arts and culture scene, from classical music to contemporary art

Benefits: Our staff enjoy competitive compensation and benefits including Health & Dental, FSA, 401 (k), CE allowance, professional expenses.


Compensation: If you are looking for a collaborative team environment that works compassionately with pet owners, this is the hospital for you. We work in partnership with our primary care veterinarians to fulfill our mission of improving the quality of life of our patients through care, collaboration, and comprehensive treatment. The compensation range for this role will typically fall between $200,000 and $275,000 based on experience and qualifications.


Ready to make a move?

Join a hospital where your skills are valued and your growth is supported. To learn more or apply, contact jake.osborn@nva.com


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About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US