When you join All Creatures Care Cottage, you become part of a tradition of veterinary excellence that dates back to 1985. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to pets in Costa Mesa and the surrounding communities, treating all patients—whether furry, feathered, or scaled—as our own. This commitment to patient comfort and client peace of mind is reflected in our outstanding reputation, earning us a remarkable 4.7-star rating within the community. If you are looking for a place where your professional dedication is highly valued and trusted by the people you serve, this is the environment where you can do your best work. We believe that professional growth is paramount to providing exceptional patient care. As one of our dedicated teammates, you will be joining a supportive environment that prioritizes stability and career advancement. We understand that working in a full-service clinic—offering everything from advanced diagnostics to urgent care—requires a highly skilled and collaborative team. We are committed to fostering a culture where every teammate can succeed, achieve their professional goals, and take pride in delivering comprehensive medical services in a facility that has served its neighbors for decades. You will have the opportunity to practice high-level medicine spanning wellness and prevention to complex Advanced Care and Surgical Procedures. All Creatures Care Cottage operates as a full-service veterinary clinic equipped for comprehensive Testing and Diagnostics, Urgent Care, and a robust array of surgical procedures. Crucially, we maintain a diverse case load, welcoming not only cats and dogs but also your "furry, feathered, and scaled friends," allowing you to maintain or expand your proficiency in exotics medicine. This depth of service ensures that every day presents meaningful clinical challenges and opportunities for professional fulfillment. Located in beautiful Costa Mesa, CA, your new professional home offers the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. Positioned in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa provides an exciting blend of culture, pristine coastline access, and dynamic community life. You will find yourself near premier arts districts, fantastic dining, and, most importantly, only a short drive from world-famous beaches. This ideal location means your off-hours are filled with opportunities for relaxation and recreation, ensuring an exceptional quality of life as you grow your career with us.

Your Impact as a Medical Lead Veterinarian

As the Medical Lead Veterinarian, you are the champion of medical excellence in your hospital. You will be responsible for mentoring and developing your associate veterinarians, partnering with your Practice Manager to build a healthy and engaged team, and driving the continuous improvement of patient care and client service. This is a key leadership role where you will set the standard for clinical quality and foster a culture of collaboration and growth.

Lead and Mentor Your DVM Team: You will manage all associate veterinarians, conducting regular performance discussions, coaching them on individual development goals (including production and PCT), and fostering a culture of teamwork and retention.
Role Model Medical Excellence: You will set the example for the highest quality of medicine, client service, and efficiency, while also practicing as an associate veterinarian and achieving your own production goals.
Drive Hospital Performance: In partnership with your Practice Manager, you will help develop the annual operating plan, manage hospital financial performance toward an EBITDA goal, and ensure compliance with all medical and DEA regulations.
Foster a Culture of Growth: You will lead monthly doctor meetings to discuss best practices, new services, and medical standards. You will also supervise externship and mentorship programs and champion a culture of recruitment.
Be an Ambassador: You will serve as an ambassador for your hospital and Mission Pet Health through community engagement at schools, universities, and local events.

What You'll Bring to the Team

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a valid state license in good standing.
A minimum of 2 years of practical clinical experience.
A servant leadership mentality with a commitment to our core values and the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
An understanding of (or willingness to learn) the financial and operating management of a hospital.
Proficiency in intermediate computer skills (MS Office, Outlook, etc.).
Enthusiasm and a desire to be part of a progressive, growth-oriented culture.

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the autonomy of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you as a leader, so you can focus on your team and your medicine.

Generous Compensation

A competitive annual base salary plus a monthly production bonus with no negative accrual.

Total Wellbeing

Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Life, and Accident insurance, plus Paid Parental Leave.

Financial Health

Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match (100% on the first 3%, 50% on the next 2%), plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance.

Leadership & Clinical Growth

Receive paid continuing education with dedicated days off, plus access to our comprehensive Leadership Training Program and structured mentorship.

Clinical Tracks Program

Access over 50 hours of in-depth, RACE-approved CE in Dentistry, Oncology, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Cardiology, facilitated by veterinary specialists.

The Power of a Network

Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration, support, and to grow your interests.

Peace of Mind

Company-paid professional liability coverage, license fees, and professional dues. Enjoy a flexible schedule, paid time off, and free 24/7 access to Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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All Creatures Care Cottage

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Lead Veterinarian Opportunity at All Creatures Care Cottage