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Veterinary Practice Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

3M HEALTHCARE

Veterinary Practice Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Practice Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a veterinary practice, ensuring efficient and high-quality care for patients, delivering outstanding service to clients, and maintaining ...

Petco

Veterinary Practice Manager

Oceanside, CA

Microsoft Office suite Desired Requirements * 3- 5 years previous experience working in veterinary practice * Previous P&L management * Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience * 3+ years in a ...

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Veterinary Practice Manager information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$81.6K

$187K

How much do veterinary practice manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary practice manager in California is $81,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Veterinary Practice Manager vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary Practice ManagerVeterinary Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in business, management, or veterinary practice management certificationRequires a veterinary technician degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, management meetings, client interactionsAnimal treatment areas, clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary clinics, hospitals, animal care facilitiesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, animal shelters
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging staff, finances, client relations, operationsAssisting veterinarians, animal care, medical procedures

The Veterinary Practice Manager focuses on the administrative and operational aspects of a veterinary practice, overseeing staff and business functions. In contrast, the Veterinary Technician is involved in direct animal care and medical procedures. Both roles are essential but serve different functions within veterinary settings.

What Does a Veterinary Practice Manager Do?

A veterinary practice manager is responsible for the daily operations and staff management of a veterinarian’s office or animal hospital. As a veterinary practice manager, your primary duties include scheduling, taking inventory of supplies, and basic bookkeeping. You may have the additional responsibilities of training staff, implementing clinic policies, and updating animal medical records. You need excellent organizational and communication skills and a passion for animal care to succeed in a veterinary practice management career.

What does a veterinary practice manager do?

A veterinary practice manager oversees the daily operations of a veterinary clinic, including staff management, scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They coordinate between veterinarians, staff, and clients to maintain efficient and high-quality animal care, often using practice management software and possessing strong organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Practice Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Practice Manager, you need strong leadership, organizational, and financial management skills, often supported by a degree in business or veterinary practice management and relevant experience. Familiarity with veterinary management software, scheduling systems, and sometimes certification such as CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager) is highly beneficial. Excellent interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing staff and client relations. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring efficient clinic operations, high-quality patient care, and a positive work environment.

What are Veterinary Practice Managers?

Veterinary Practice Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of veterinary clinics or animal hospitals. They handle administrative duties such as staffing, budgeting, client relations, and regulatory compliance, allowing veterinarians to focus on animal care. Their role is crucial in ensuring the clinic runs efficiently, maintains high standards of service, and provides a positive environment for both staff and clients.

Can I be a practice manager with no experience?

Veterinary practice managers typically need some experience in veterinary medicine, customer service, or office management, but entry-level candidates with strong organizational and communication skills can sometimes start in assistant or coordinator roles and advance. Gaining relevant certifications or training in practice management can also improve chances of qualifying without prior direct experience.

What is the highest paid veterinarian position?

The highest paid veterinarian positions are typically specialized roles such as veterinary specialists in fields like surgery, cardiology, or oncology, often working in private practices, teaching hospitals, or research institutions. These roles usually require advanced certifications and extensive experience, with salaries significantly higher than general practice veterinarians.

What are some common challenges faced by Veterinary Practice Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Veterinary Practice Managers often juggle a variety of responsibilities, including staff coordination, client relations, and business operations. Common challenges include managing team dynamics, ensuring excellent client service, and keeping up with regulatory requirements. To address these, strong communication skills, ongoing staff training, and staying updated with industry best practices are essential. Building a supportive work culture and leveraging veterinary management software can also streamline operations and improve overall practice efficiency.

Is a CVPM worth it?

A CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager) credential can enhance a veterinary practice manager's professional credibility, leadership skills, and earning potential. It demonstrates expertise in practice management, finance, and team leadership, which can benefit career advancement and job performance.
More about Veterinary Practice Manager jobs
What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Practice Manager jobs in California? For Veterinary Practice Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Practice Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Practice Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Veterinary Practice Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Veterinary Practice Manager job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Practice Manager jobs in CA? For Veterinary Practice Manager jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Veterinary Practice Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Practice Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,642 per year, or $39.3 per hour.
Veterinary Practice Manager

Veterinary Practice Manager

Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital

Thousand Oaks, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description

Veterinary Practice Manager, Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital
Thrive Pet Healthcare  is looking for a Veterinary Practice Manager to join our team as part of the Thrive Pet Healthcare community.   
  
At Thrive, we understand that your pet is a member of your family. Our experienced and compassionate staff is devoted to caring for your pet at every stage of its life. We provide personalized, attentive medical and surgical care to all of our patients. 
  
About You   
The Veterinary Practice Manager (PM) is critical to the success of the hospital, ensuring a positive culture built on shared values and direct communication, creating operational efficiencies, and problem solving to improve client service and employee engagement.    
  
Key to the PM’s role is the ability to create and maintain a positive culture and work environment, in alignment with the hospital’s plan. This person is creative yet able to develop and implement practical programs. The manager exercises sound judgment, time management, and the willingness and capability to make decisions.     
  
The PM oversees the business activities of the hospital. These duties include hiring and training hospital staff; working with leadership and finance to prepare and manage budgets; monitoring and analyzing key performance indicators; setting fees; maintaining inventory and an inventory control system; managing the hospital software; and implementing safety and security procedures.    
  
Compensation negotiable based on credentials and experience with an annual salary. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.   
  
Experience & Skills Requirements:    
  • Required: 3+ years of hospital management or Supervisory experience in Veterinary Medicine   
  • Bachelor's degree in business and/or equivalent business experience    
  • CVPM encouraged to apply   
  • Experience managing an ER veterinary healthcare.   
  • Sound personal judgment in decision-making.   
  • Capable of leading, managing, and coaching staff at all levels.   
  • Demonstrated competence in all aspects of staff management, including hiring, coaching and disciplinary action.   
  • Demonstrated ability to show empathy toward clients and treat animals with respect and compassion.   
  • Demonstrates competence in budgeting and financial reporting, including reading and analyzing a P&L Statement.   
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills.   
  • A commitment to outstanding client service.   
  • Solid math and Excel/spreadsheet skills.   
  • Ability to lift objects weighing 40 pounds without assistance and objects weighing more than 40 pounds with assistance.     
 
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 pay 
  • 401(k) with employer match    
  • Mental health resources, including 24/7 access to Lyra Health    
  • Paid parental leave   
  • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet   
  • Employer-sponsored childcare and elder care    
  • Personalized care for every family-forming journey    
  • Discretionary funds and FREE CE courses   
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts    
  • Student loan management tools and assistance   
   
Provide your best care with more bridges and less barriers.   
  
We listen to your needs and then meet them. Through training and free CE experiences, your career development can flourish. And in our locally rooted, nationally connected community, you’ll be able to make connections, access opportunities and find support with ease.   
   
Support for you is as vital as the support you provide.   
   
You’ll Thrive with Us   
At Thrive, you have the opportunity to develop your career in a way that best suits your goals. Take advantage of our comprehensive learning and skill-building programs to enhance your expertise. You can build your skills and earn credentials through:   
  • Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU   
  • Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills    
  • A program to designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital    
  • Scholarship opportunities and tuition reimbursement     
  • Move into any specialty, hospital type, or environment – across the nation.   
  • Leadership training for a thriving and long career in the veterinary profession.    
   
About Thrive   
 
Thrive Pet Healthcare is one of the first veterinary services offering a comprehensive continuum of care for pets’ primary, specialty, and acute needs. Through a nationwide community of over 360 veterinary providers, and an industry-leading membership program, Thrive Pet Healthcare provides personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. Founded by veterinarians, the organization provides industry-first benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs of care providers and professional collaboration, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence.
Who We Are 
Thrive Pet Healthcare is united by our mission to create the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. We exist to nurture both pets and people through meaningful relationships and exceptional veterinary care.
Our Support Office teams power that mission by supporting our hospitals through operational excellence, innovative programs, people-centered culture, and forward-thinking business solutions — all while having plenty of fun along the way.
We nurture pets & people through meaningful relationships and exceptional pet care—and we are united by a shared set of values.
  • Service – delivering exceptional service
  • Empathy – leading with care
  • Accountability – achieve meaningful outcomes
  • Joy – be a source of light
  • Exploration – learn to fuel growth
  • Team – connect for success
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