Veterinarian

Associate Veterinarian

Merced Animal Medical Center
Salary: $140,000–$160,000 (Depending On Experience) + production & benefits, and $20,000 sign-on bonus

We are a well-established, community-focused veterinary hospital in California’s Central Valley, and we’re excited to grow our doctor team. This is a great opportunity for a veterinarian who wants to practice high-quality medicine, build real confidence, and be supported every step of the way—whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced DVM.

About the Hospital

Merced Animal Medical Center is a well-supported GP clinic with surgery, urgent care, and emergency services, serving a diverse and loyal community. The hospital has undergone recent renovations, including updated exam rooms and new equipment, and continues to evolve with the needs of our patients and team in mind.

We’re open 7 days per week (9am–5pm), with doctors typically working 4-day work weeks, arriving between 7–8am. You’ll almost always be working alongside another experienced DVM, ensuring collaboration and support throughout the day.

Our Doctor Team

You’ll be joining a knowledgeable, down-to-earth group of veterinarians, including:

• Dr. Kafka (Managing DVM) – a long-tenured leader with a strong background in community practice, surgery, and mentorship
• Dr. Hannigan – UC Davis graduate with deep ties to the hospital and community
• Dr. Benson – sees cats, dogs, and exotics
• Dr. Hayer – a recent graduate with strong local roots and interests in behavior, preventative care, and internal medicine

Culture & Support

• Well-knit, collaborative team with long-tenured staff (some 10–20+ years)
• 2:1 tech-to-doctor ratio with experienced RVTs
• Team engagement meetings
• A mix of seasoned team members and newer staff bringing fresh energy
• A culture built around support, learning, and doing right by both clients and teammates
• This is a hospital where you’ll see a lot and do a lot. New graduates are given longer appointment times (up to 1 hour initially) and mentorship tailored to their comfort level.

The Role

• Mix of appointments, surgery, urgent care, and emergency cases
• Soft tissue and orthopedic surgery performed in-house
• In-house diagnostics and imaging interpretation
• Occasional weekend shifts as part of a shared schedule

Who We’re Looking For

• DVM licensed (or eligible) in California
• Open to new graduates and experienced veterinarians
• Interest in surgery and urgent care is preferred
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and eager to grow
• Someone who’s looking to build a long-term home

Why Animal Clinic of Merced?

• You’ll gain hands-on experience across a wide variety of cases
• Strong mentorship and emergency/urgent care support
• Almost always practicing alongside another DVM
• A hospital that values learning, teamwork, and realistic medicine
• A chance to truly make an impact in the community you serve

If you’re looking for a place where you can grow your skills, be supported by experienced teammates, and practice meaningful medicine every day, we’d love to connect. Apply today!

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is a leading North American pet health care company with nearly 1,300 locations spanning general practice veterinary hospitals, Ethos emergency and specialty hospitals, and pet resorts and equine veterinary care. With approximately 40,000 team members, we care for pets and support pet families in communities across the United States and Canada. Our purpose is to give pets and the people who love them more quality years together, and our mission is to make care more personal, easy and accessible while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life. Across NVA, we support our teams with the resources, expertise and opportunities they need to deliver exceptional care and help shape the future of veterinary and pet care.

Purpose: Give pets and the people who love them more quality years together

Mission: Transform the pet family experience to be personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life.

Values: Care Deeply, Do What’s Right, One Team, Own It, Shape What’s Next

One NVA: Bringing General Practice & Ethos Together

NVA is built to make care personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine across every stage of a pet’s life.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:

- We’ll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com- We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication- All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com- There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at hiringhub@nva.com. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act. NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.