Assistant director Jobs in Berkeley, CA

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

The Medical Director (MD) is responsible for providing strong leadership for the hospital, managing and mentoring associate veterinarians, and assuring regulatory compliance relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. The MD is also responsible for maintaining an environment of teamwork in which the highest quality veterinary medicine is delivered. In partnership with the hospital leadership team, the MD holds shared responsibility for the financial health of the hospital, directing staff and the overall management of practice operations. The MD also serves as a staff veterinarian in addition to the administrative and leadership duties of the MD role. Effective MDs demonstrate strong work and professional ethics, a positive attitude, and uphold a high standard of patient care. They are part of the foundation upon which successful veterinary practices are built and directly impact and influence hospital culture and morale.

Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital is currently looking for a Medical Director & Associate Veterinarian to join our established practice in beautiful Berkeley, CA. Our hospital is open to providing General Practice, Urgent Care & 24-Hour Emergency Services to our clients & their beloved pets. We are known for our vibrant, high performing, and incredibly rewarding workplace. We take pride in creating exceptional and meaningful work experiences, encouraging innovation, delivering award winning benefits to our patients, and being involved with our communities. Were ready to welcome an Experienced Medical Director with a passion for leadership to grow our team, improve medical standards & provide exceptional veterinary care to our clients & their family pets.

Within our 15,000 square foot facility, we have a fully stocked pharmacy, in house laboratory, helical CT scan, two X-ray suites, ultrasound, operating microscope, endoscopes, a comprehensive dental suite, and extensive specialty surgery equipment in two surgical suites.

Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley offers an unbeatable blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and progressive spirit. With easy access to scenic parks, hiking trails, and the stunning Bay shoreline, its a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is also known for its diverse food scene, thriving arts community, and intellectually rich atmospherehome to the world-renowned University of California, Berkeley. Whether youre strolling through the historic neighborhoods, exploring local farmers markets, or enjoying live music downtown, Berkeley offers an exceptional quality of life for individuals and families alike.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary: $190,000 $200,000 (negotiable based on experience)
• Production based bonus structure
• No negative accrual and no non-compete!
• Generous multi-year signing bonus and relocation assistance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible scheduling with work-life balance
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education including reimbursement and time off for CE & license fees and more.
• Full benefits package, including but not limited to: Health, dental, vision, disability and liability insurance and 401k with company contribution.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on teamwork and collaboration
• Employee pet care discounts

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Heather Williams at or apply at

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining a high quality of progressive veterinary care Oversees and gives directives regarding medical standards and quality of care Sets policies as they pertain to the practice of medicine Works toward making various services work as one team In conjunction with appropriate leadership team members, recommends additions to the hospital inventory Budgets for new equipment and provides a reasonable cost estimate and return on investment Sees patients and handles clinical practice Ensures positive communication with clients and between doctors, including the proper transfer of patient care responsibilities Reviews patient records for completeness and accuracy and uses them to promote medical excellence Appropriately manages controlled drugs Reviews and approves requests for alternatives to additional drugs and medical supplies Conducts regular doctor meetings Performs other duties as assigned by Manager
• Handles patient care problems, client complaints, and referral partner issues
• Manages veterinary, client, and board complaints and recommends resolutions
• Develops medical policies
• Assists in ensuring practice compliance with the State Veterinary Medical Practice Act, OSHA, and AAHA standards
• Monitors DVM performance and production, provides coaching when appropriate
• Serves as a mentor and role model for all staff veterinarians
• Leads candidate interviews of potential DVMs
• Identifies new service opportunities that do not currently exist in the hospital
• Holds ownership for the revenue and success of the practice through monitoring key performance indicators and works with the Hospital Manager to make adjustments to achieve positive results
• Helps identify and plan for upcoming challenges in maintaining hospital operations and possible temporary solutions (locum)

Qualifications (Required)

• Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
• Current State Veterinary License
• DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
• 3-5+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
• Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
• Excellent surgical and dental skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
• Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
• Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
• Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent time-management and delegation abilities
• Exercises sound judgment and demonstrates exemplary decision-making skills
• Professionalism and courtesy in all interactions with others
• Well-developed interpersonal skills

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range$190,000$200,000 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, were committed to a Culture of Care for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether youre providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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