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Veterinary Social Worker Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Oncologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$220K - $280K/yr

Veterinary Oncologist - BluePearl Irvine, CA Competitive Compensation and Sign-On Bonus Available ... Regional social worker support * LYRA mental health resources with 12 complimentary sessions ...

Veterinary Oncologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$220K - $280K/yr

Veterinary Oncologist - BluePearl Irvine, CA Competitive compensation and sign-on bonus available ... Regional social worker support * LYRA mental health resources with 12 complimentary sessions ...

Veterinary Cardiologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$270 - $330/hr

Regional Social Workers. * LYRA - confidential care for your emotional and mental health. 12 FREE ... BluePearl Library - FREE access to 2,000+ veterinary and health science journals. * BluePearl ...

Regional Social Workers. * LYRA - confidential care for your emotional and mental health. 12 FREE ... BluePearl Library - FREE access to 2,000+ veterinary and health science journals. * BluePearl ...

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Showing results 1-20

Veterinary Social Worker information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$36K

$79.6K

$122.1K

How much do veterinary social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary social worker in Riverside, CA is $79,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,600.00 and $95,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do veterinary social workers commonly face in their daily work?

Veterinary Social Workers frequently encounter emotionally intense situations, such as helping clients cope with pet loss, making difficult treatment decisions, or managing end-of-life care discussions. They may also serve as mediators between veterinary staff and clients to ensure concerns are addressed compassionately and effectively. Balancing the needs of diverse clients, managing stress, and maintaining professional boundaries can be challenging but also rewarding for those passionate about supporting both people and animals. Collaborating closely with veterinarians and clinic staff, they contribute valuable expertise in mental health and client support within animal care settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary social worker?

Veterinary Social Workers need a solid background in social work, knowledge of animal welfare, and typically hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with specialized training in veterinary settings. Certification from organizations like the American Association of Veterinary Social Work and familiarity with confidential case management systems are common requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and effective communication enable them to support clients and collaborate with veterinary teams. These competencies are crucial for navigating sensitive human-animal relationships, grief counseling, and crisis intervention in veterinary practices.

What is a veterinary social worker?

A Veterinary Social Worker (VSW) is a professional who supports the emotional and psychological well-being of pet owners, veterinary staff, and animal caregivers. They help clients cope with pet loss, grief, and difficult medical decisions while also providing mental health support to veterinary professionals facing stress and burnout. VSWs may work in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or private practice, offering crisis intervention, counseling, and educational resources. Their role bridges the gap between human and animal care, ensuring compassionate support for both pet owners and veterinary teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Social Worker jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Veterinary Social Worker jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Social Worker jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Social Worker jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Veterinary Social Worker jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Veterinary Social Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Veterinary Social Worker job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $79,565 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Full Time Associate Veterinarian - Riverside, CA

IndeVets

Riverside, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Practice great medicine without sacrificing life outside the clinic. 

Veterinary medicineshouldn'tcome at the expense of your wellbeing.AtIndeVets, itwon't.We'vereimagined what it means to be an associate veterinarian by replacing rigid contracts with sustainable career paths, putting you in control of your schedule and guaranteeing your income, backed by hands-on support and a trusted community. Whether you want to work one day a week or five,you choose the days that work for you while receiving a biweekly salary, benefits, and dedicated scheduling support â€” so your career finally works for your life, not the other way around.  

 

How It Works 

As a full-time W-2 veterinarian working 4–5 days per week, you’ll build a schedule you control by choosing the days you want to work. Your schedule is built in advance  around those preferences by a dedicated scheduling coordinator, giving you the clarity and predictability to plan your life outside the clinic. We handle scheduling, logistics, and coordination, so you can focus on practicing medicine. 

You’ll have a guaranteed salary as your foundation, with the option to earn even more by picking up additional shifts when it works for you. Extra shifts can be paid out or converted into additional PTO, giving you flexibility in how you’re rewarded. 

You’ll practice across a network of trusted hospital partners, building meaningful relationships with teams while gaining diverse clinical experience. Interested in surgery, dentistry, ER, or urgent care? We’ll work to include those types of shifts in your schedule when possible. At the same time, you’ll have the consistency, benefits, and professional support of a full-time employer. 

No chasing shifts. No income uncertainty. No last-minute schedule gaps. Just a structured, sustainable way to practice veterinary medicine full-time, with the support and stability to make it last. 

 

Practice Medicine Your Way 

  • No production quotas 
  • No negative accrual 
  • No restrictive non-competes 
  • Clinical autonomy with a focus on patient care, not numbers 

 

You practice independently butyou'renever on your own.You'llhave dedicated medical leadership and mentorship behind you every step of the way, plus a collaborative community of fellow veterinarians who genuinely get whatyou'regoing through. And when life gets heavy,you'llhave something most employersdon'toffer:access to a veterinary social worker. Add in ongoing CE and professional development opportunities, and this is the kind of support system thatactually helpsyou grow. 

A Career That GrowsWithYou 

  • Leadership and mentorship opportunities 
  • Exposure to diverse clinical settings 
  • Flexibility to evolve your schedule over time 
  • A model designed to prevent burnout, not cause it 

 

Compensation & Benefits(Full-time, 4 or 5 days/week) 

  • Guaranteed salary with consistent, predictable pay 
  • Multiple medical plan options (including fully paid plans) 
  • Dental + vision insurance 
  • Generous, guilt-free PTOand paid holidays