Associate Veterinarian - AAHA-Accredited GP/UC Hospital
SAN FRANCISCO SPCA·San Francisco, California
SAN FRANCISCO SPCA·San Francisco, California
The Associate Veterinarian will coordinate medical care protocols and provide surgical care for patients. They will also assess animal health, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with various departments.
Description At the San Francisco SPCA, we believe every pet deserves compassionate, high-quality veterinary care—regardless of their guardian’s financial circumstances. As a nonprofit organization, we focus on mission-driven care, putting animals and families first rather than profit margins. Our Mission Hospital is a full-service AAHA-accredited General Practice/Urgent Care veterinary hospital where veterinarians can provide meaningful, impactful care in a supportive, collaborative environment.
As an Associate Veterinarian at our Mission Hospital, you’ll provide preventive, diagnostic, medical, and surgical care in a supportive, nonprofit environment that values empathy, collaboration, and clinical excellence. You’ll partner with clients to develop realistic treatment plans that balance patient welfare, best medical practices, and real-world circumstances, while working alongside a dedicated team that believes excellent medicine can—and should—be accessible. Our nonprofit model allows you to offer financial assistance to clients in need, helping ensure that pets receive the care they deserve.
This position isn’t just about treating patients—it’s about caring for animals, supporting people, and strengthening community.
What you’ll love about working here Four 10-hour days for predictable scheduling and real work–life balance No production, no negative accrual—focus on patients, not quotas The ability to offer financial assistance, helping pets receive care they otherwise couldn’t access A collaborative, collegial team with strong camaraderie among experienced DVMs The opportunity to practice innovative spectrum-of-care medicine, tailoring plans to each family’s needs The satisfaction of being part of San Francisco’s safety-net system of care for client-owned pets Comprehensive benefits including PTO, medical/dental/vision, retirement plan, student debt relief, CE support, commuter benefits, and generous veterinary care discounts
What We’re Looking For DVM (or equivalent) from an AVMA-accredited program California veterinary license (or ability to obtain) and DEA registration (or ability to obtain) Experience in general practice and/or urgent care strongly preferred A collaborative clinician committed to compassionate, accessible care and continuous improvement and learning Location: San Francisco, CA (on-site).
$150,000-$250,000, depending upon experience.
Why SF SPCA? Here, you can practice medicine with heart, collaborate with like-minded colleagues, and go home knowing your work truly mattered—to your patients, your clients, and your community.
The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds who share our commitment to compassionate, inclusive care. This job ad reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.
Market context
California continues to show steady demand for associate veterinarians, especially in general practice and urgent care settings where client volume and continuity of care matter. These roles are competitive because employers often look for a California license, several years of experience, strong communication skills, and comfort delivering high-quality care in a fast-paced hospital. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, and confirm your fit before applying.