Description
Associate Veterinarian — Two Positions Available
Alder Veterinary Hospital | San Lorenzo, CA
Formerly Arroyo Veterinary Clinic | Established 1972 | AAHA Accredited | Independently Owned
ABOUT US
Alder Veterinary Hospital is a well-established, independently owned, AAHA-accredited small animal practice with over 100 combined years of community roots in San Lorenzo, CA. Our primary location, formerly known as Arroyo Veterinary Clinic, was founded in 1972 by Dr. Bonasch. Our second location, SLZ Community Pet Clinic (formerly San Lorenzo Veterinary Hospital), was established in 1965 by Dr. Vance. Dr. Pavneet Mavi acquired Arroyo Veterinary Clinic in 2011 and San Lorenzo Veterinary Hospital in 2025, uniting both practices under one mission.
We are NOT corporate-affiliated and remain committed to independence. At Alder and SLZ, we practice medicine guided by the Spectrum of Care (SOC) philosophy — the modern standard that moves away from a one-size-fits-all model toward a flexible, client-centered approach. We balance evidence-based medicine with each client's individual resources and values, ensuring every pet receives the right care for their situation.
We are moving into a stunning brand-new, purpose-built facility — and we are hiring two Associate Veterinarians to grow with us at the most exciting moment in our practice's history.
POSITION DETAILS
- Title: Associate Veterinarian (2 openings)
- Type: Full-time, Exempt Professional
- Schedule: 4-day work week | Clinic hours Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM | Sat 8:30 AM–2 PM (Urgent Care) | Sun & major holidays closed. DVM shifts are scheduled within clinic hours — you will not be working 12-hour days.
- Location split: ~75% Alder Veterinary Hospital + ~25% SLZ Community Pet Clinic (1.4 miles away, 4-minute drive)
- Experience: All levels considered — new graduates welcome
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Annual Salary: $120,000 – $165,000 (commensurate with experience and production bonus)
- Sign-On Bonus: $10,000 (paid in quarterly installments)
- Relocation Assistance: $5,000 moving stipend
- Health Insurance: Kaiser Permanente (employer-sponsored)
- Dental: Delta Dental — Gold plan (employer-sponsored)
- Vision: Available
- 401(k): Employer match
- PTO: Generous paid time off
- CE: Paid CE days + annual CE stipend
- License renewal: Employer paid
- VIN membership: Employer paid
- AI Scribe: Employer paid
NEW FACILITY & EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Brand-new purpose-built hospital designed with Fear Free principles. Moving in 1–3 months.
- IDEXX suite (latest generation): Catalyst One, ProCyte One, SediVue Dx, IDEXX inVue Dx (AI slide-free cytology) — two dedicated lab stations
- Imaging: Digital radiography (all rads read by board-certified radiologist), Butterfly handheld ultrasound for triage, Esaote full-function ultrasound with radiologist-review upload capability, CT scanner coming soon
- Surgery: Electrosurgery, LigaSure vessel sealing, dedicated specialist consultation suite
- Dental suite: Purpose-built dental room, iM3/Midmark equipment, two locoregional anesthesia stations
- Therapeutics: Class IV laser therapy, PRP for joint conditions
- Technology: Covetrus Pulse PIMS, AI scribe, electronic records, camera-enabled microscope
ON-SITE SPECIALIST ACCESS
- Resident Trained Dentist: Independent Contractor on Wednesdays (4 times/month) — root canals, vital pulp therapy, advanced dentistry
- Cardiologist: 1–2 times/month
- Radiologist: 1–2 times/month for ultrasounds — all radiographs reviewed by a radiologist with option for STAT reports (within 60-minute turnaround)
- Board-certified surgeon: 1–2 times/month, primarily for orthopedic surgeries
URGENT CARE — STRUCTURED, SCOPED & SCHEDULED
As the nearest emergency clinic in the area closes, we are proudly stepping in to serve our community—and doing so right. Our structured urgent care rotation (early and late DVM shifts with overlap) brings a rewarding variety of cases that meaningfully enrich your clinical experience, complementing your wellness and routine work with stimulating diagnostic challenges. Urgent care cases only — complex cases are transferred to emergency hospitals in Oakland, Dublin, or Fremont, so you are never overwhelmed. DVMs are encouraged to consult with our experienced colleagues on any case, and you will never face a challenging situation alone. No chaotic ER medicine. No surprise calls.
SURGERY INTEREST WELCOME
Candidates with an interest in developing soft tissue surgical skills are highly encouraged to apply. Our new facility, specialist relationships, LigaSure technology, and mentorship culture make this an exceptional environment to grow.
SUPPORT TEAM
- 3 Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs)
- 2 RVT-eligible veterinary assistants
- 1 team member in the alternate-path RVT program
- Well-trained technician assistants
- Experienced front office and client service team
WHY INDEPENDENT MATTERS
No corporate protocols. No production pressure from shareholders. Doctors have a real voice here. We have been voted a Nextdoor Local Favorite 4+ times in the last 5 years and carry a 4.7-star rating across review platforms. Medicine comes first — always.
Requirements
- DVM or VMD degree from an accredited institution
- California veterinary license (or eligibility to obtain)
- Passion for high-quality, fear-free, compassionate medicine
- Team player who thrives in a busy, collaborative environment
