Description

Veterinary Criticalist Opportunity in San Luis Obispo, CA

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is seeking a Small Animal Criticalist to join our dynamic team at the only comprehensive specialty and emergency hospital in beautiful San Luis Obispo County!

About Us

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is a privately owned practice that is committed to both healing and education. As a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, we are dedicated to providing advanced medical care for pets while fostering a collaborative and friendly environment for our team. Our board-certified specialists and skilled emergency veterinarians are supported by a team of highly trained registered technicians and nursing staff, ensuring you have the resources needed to provide each patient with compassionate, individualized care. 

We are deeply committed to ground-breaking research and continuing education, ensuring that every team member has the support and tools to reach their fullest potential and stay at the forefront of veterinary medicine. Our doctors will have access to 128-slice CT, fluoroscopy, digital radiology, ultrasound, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and endoscopy.

At Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, we prioritize career fulfillment while promoting a healthy work-life balance. We understand the demands of veterinary medicine and strive to provide an environment where our team members feel valued, supported, and empowered—both professionally and personally.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Small Animal Criticalist to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is a compassionate, skilled professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to advancing veterinary medicine. 

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose and manage complex emergency and critical care cases, including gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, hematologic, and respiratory disorders.
• Perform procedures like emergency intubation, mechanical ventilation, thoracentesis, pericardiocentesis, central line placement, CPR/code leadership, point-of-care ultrasound, and advanced pain management techniques.
• Training of staff and emergency DVMs in critical care protocols, advanced life support techniques, ventilator management, point-of-care ultrasound, and evidence-based emergency medicine to ensure high-quality patient care and continuous professional development.
• Interpret diagnostics such as blood gas analysis, point-of-care ultrasound, electrocardiography (ECG), thoracic and abdominal radiographs, computed tomography (CT), coagulation profiles, and advanced laboratory diagnostics to guide critical patient management and treatment decisions.
• Collaborate with referring veterinarians to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
• Work alongside emergency and specialty veterinarians to provide multidisciplinary patient care.
• Educate pet owners on diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term care.
• Contribute to the development and growth of our specialty and emergency departments.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of a residency program in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care.
• Board certification (or board eligibility) by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC). 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Dedication to high-quality, compassionate patient care.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and production-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Generous CE allowance and paid professional development.
• Paid vacation time and sick leave. 
• A full-time surgery service with a boarded surgeon.
• A full-time radiology service with a boarded radiologist.
• A 24/7 ER with full-time ER doctors.
• A culture of innovation and career growth in a supportive team environment.
• A commitment to work-life balance and a team that values your well-being. We invest heavily in our teams' growth and development.  We nurture an emotionally intelligent workplace and strive to maintain a positive work/life balance.
• Profit sharing and potential for minority equity ownership as part of our long-term team success.
• The opportunity to live and work in beautiful San Luis Obispo, with access to stunning outdoor recreation, wineries, and a vibrant community.
  Join Our Team!

If you're a passionate Criticalist looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in San Luis Obispo County’s only comprehensive specialty and emergency hospital, while enjoying career fulfillment and work-life balance, we’d love to hear from you!

Requirements

• DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of a residency program in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care.
• Board certification (or board eligibility) by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC). 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Dedication to high-quality, compassionate patient care.