Welcome to Atlas Across America. Our new series, exploring veterinary careers across the United States, one state or city at a time.

First, stop… California, the ‘Golden State.’

Home to nearly 40 million residents, California is the most populous state in the U.S. and one of the largest pet-owning populations in the country. With world-class cities, advanced veterinary hospitals, and one of the strongest job markets in the profession, California is one of the most exciting places to build your veterinary career.

In this edition, we explore the veterinary landscape in California, including salaries, job demand, lifestyle benefits, licensing requirements, and why the Golden State is a standout destination for veterinary professionals.

The Veterinary Workforce in California:

California has one of the largest veterinary workforces in the United States, with thousands of DVM’s working across:

• Companion animal clinics
• Emergency and specialty hospitals
• Livestock and mixed practices
• Research and university settings

Because of the state’s size and population, demand remains strong for:

• Small animal veterinarians
• Emergency vets
• Specialists
• Relief/locum DVM’s
• Medical directors

Whether you’re a new graduate, an experienced veterinarian considering relocation, or a practice looking to hire, understanding the California veterinary market can help you identify where the biggest opportunities are.

Why Choose California? Benefits of living and working as a Vet in the Golden State

California is highly attractive to veterinary professionals due to career growth, advanced practice opportunities, and quality of life. The state is home to cutting-edge hospitals, corporate veterinary groups, and top veterinary schools, offering career progression in both urban and rural settings.

Iconic Cities & Culture: Where Could Your Veterinary Career Take You in California?

From sun-soaked coastal cities to thriving inland communities, the state offers a lifestyle and career setting to suit almost every veterinary professional.

Los Angeles

The entertainment capital of the world is also one of the most pet-obsessed cities in the country. LA is home to some of the most advanced specialty and emergency hospitals in the U.S., with exceptionally high demand for specialist vets and 24/7 emergency care, and salaries that reflect it.

View our latest vacancies in LA >>

San Francisco

Famously said to have more dogs than children, San Francisco is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. A high-earning, highly educated population means strong, consistent investment in pet healthcare.

View our latest vacancies in San Francisco >>

San Diego

A laid-back, coastal lifestyle with the best weather. This, combined with a growing veterinary job market, makes San Diego one of the most popular locations for relocating vets.

View our latest vacancies in San Diego >>

Sacramento

California’s capital offers a lower cost of living compared with coastal cities, making it one of the smartest options for vets looking to maximise their earning potential. Its proximity to UC Davis also gives it strong ties to veterinary academia.

View our latest vacancies in Sacramento >>

Cost of Living

California has a higher cost of living than most states, but this is often balanced by higher salaries.

• Housing is most expensive in coastal cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego
• Inland areas, including Sacramento and the Central Valley, offer more affordable living
• Salaries for veterinarians are among the highest in the U.S.
• Strong demand means sign-on bonuses and relocation packages are common

For many veterinarians, California offers the opportunity to earn more while working in advanced, well-equipped hospitals.

Veterinarian Salaries in California – Permanent and Relief Positions

California is consistently ranked among the highest-paying states for veterinarians. Below is a breakdown of average compensation across key roles:

Additional benefits:

• Permanent vets earn more in major metro areas, especially for specialists.
• Relief veterinarians can earn well above $140/hr in high-demand areas.
• Veterinary technicians in specialty or emergency hospitals often exceed the typical range.
• Sign-on bonuses, production bonuses, and relocation packages are common

Licensing Requirements in California

To practice as a vet in California, you must hold a license from the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB).

Requirements include:

• Graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school
• Passing the NAVLE
• Passing the California state law exam

Additional permits may be required for certain specialties.

Atlas Insights: California Edition

• The Atlas team is heading to California this July 2026 for AVMA Anaheim, our first time attending an event on the West Coast.
• To date, we have worked with over 2,343 Vets across California, supporting both permanent and relief placements throughout the state.
• We collaborate with leading corporate veterinary and private practices across California, representing a network of more than 300 hospitals.

Atlas State Experts: Oliver and Olivia

For this state spotlight, we spoke to our West Coast team specialists in the California veterinary market with first-hand knowledge of what practices are hiring for and where demand is growing.

Oliver, Associate Director for the West Coast, and Olivia, Junior Recruitment Consultant, work closely each day with private clinics and corporate hospitals across the region.

Here’s what they had to say:

Oliver:

“California undoubtedly is one of the busiest markets we cover. We have major cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, and San Diego. Just like many other areas across the USA, demand for veterinarians remains very high, with many hospitals crying out for more veterinarians to join them as pet parent numbers increase! 

We’re seeing a major influx of roles for New Graduate Veterinarians, Associate Veterinarians (GP, ER, and UC), Medical Directors, and even senior leadership roles such as Regional Medical Directors. While the cost of living is higher in California than in other regions, California offers higher salaries for veterinarians, worker-friendly laws, a growing market, and a diverse range of lifestyle options — from sandy beaches to beautiful mountain ranges. 

 There really is no other market like it in my opinion!”

Olivia:

“California continues to face a clear shortage of veterinarians, with demand particularly high for both associate and relief veterinarians across GP and emergency settings. We’re seeing especially strong need in areas like San Diego, where growing populations are putting added pressure on clinics. 

What makes the state stand out is that you’re not just stepping into a busy market, but a lifestyle — whether it’s coastal living, year-round sunshine, or access to some of the most advanced hospitals in the country. 

For many DVMs, the combination of career opportunity, strong earning potential, and quality of life makes California one of the most rewarding places to live and work ☀️.” 

Did You Know? Fun Veterinary Facts About California: 

• About 60% of California households own at least one pet. 
• Dogs are the most popular pets in California 
• Pet-friendly culture extends to workplaces and public spaces, with dog parks, pet cafés, and even “bring your pet to work” days 
• California is home to two of the most respected veterinary schools in the world. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences
   

Explore Veterinary Jobs in California with Atlas 

Whether you’re ready to make a move or simply exploring your options, the Atlas team is here to help. We work with veterinary professionals at every stage of their careers, connecting exceptional talent with outstanding opportunities across California and beyond.  

• View our current veterinary job vacancies in California
• Submit your CV to our team

Our Atlas Across America journey is just getting started. Stay tuned for more insights into veterinary careers across the United States, one state at a time.