Veterinarian

Summary:

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are not listed in general order of importance. They include, but are not limited to:  

 

Veterinary Care & Medical Practice 

• Provide timely, practical, high-quality veterinary care in accordance with ASPCA protocols, R&R SOPs, shelter medicine principles, and best practices, including oversight and direct patient care delivered by medical team members.  

• Develop skilled, efficient, low-stress diagnostic and treatment plans for a wide variety of illnesses and injuries.  

• Perform HVHQSN surgeries, dental procedures, and other surgical procedures using appropriate techniques, anesthesia, and multimodal analgesia.  

• Administer vaccines and preventatives according to established protocols.  

• Guide appropriate and timely decisions about humane euthanasia and perform humane euthanasia as needed.  

• Work with partner veterinary clinics and hospitals as needed, including referrals for advanced care.  

• Complete certificates of veterinary inspection, as appropriate, for transfer of animals between facilities and/or placement of animals released from care.  

 

Shelter Population Health & Daily Medical Oversight 

• Play a leading role in daily rounds alongside behavior and sheltering staff; ensure individual patients and the shelter population are assessed daily, and that treatment or intervention recommendations are implemented in a timely manner. 

• Monitor the health and welfare of the shelter population, identify potential disease outbreaks, and implement appropriate control measures.  

• Ensure effective use of quarantine and isolation to address individual animal needs and protect population health, while balancing animals’ physical and behavioral well-being.  

• Keep the Senior Director of Veterinary Services apprised of patient medical progress, population health concerns, and significant medical or welfare issues.  

 

Collaboration, Communication & Meetings 

• Maintain regular and close communication with veterinary colleagues in other ASPCA programs, including the Adoption Center, Animal Recovery Center, ASPCA Animal Hospital, and Community Medicine, to support the welfare of animals in our care, share information in a timely manner, and ensure decisions regarding treatment, pathway plans, and outcomes are informed by all relevant considerations.  

• Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff.  

• Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders.  

• Competently and compassionately explain animals’ medical conditions to staff and volunteers using clear, easily understood language.  

• Regularly attend Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings.  

 

Records, Legal Documentation & Reporting 

• Maintain thorough, high-quality veterinary records, documenting all exam findings, test results, diagnoses, treatments, and relevant medical recommendations.  

• Maintain accurate chain of custody and evidence disposition records.  

• Provide expert testimony in court, if requested.  

• Maintain strict confidentiality with criminal case information 

• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses.  

 

Animal Welfare, Safety & Compliance 

• Provide a safe, compassionate environment for animals in our care, staff, volunteers, and clients by using low-stress handling techniques.  

• Adhere to all protocols put forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  

• Follow and ensure compliance with all ASPCA R&R SOPs.  

• Provide input on written SOPs and related materials, including information sheets and data sheets.  

• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets.  

 

Training, Mentorship & Continuous Improvement 

• Assist in staff training across all areas to ensure staff understand shelter disease control protocols, nutritional guidelines, preventative care and vaccination schedules, and the importance of daily monitoring.  

• Teach and mentor staff on shelter medicine principles and R&R shelter medicine protocols.  

• With the Senior Director of Veterinary Services, contribute to a culture of learning at the R&R Center, modeling a standard of continual improvement in all aspects of animal care.  

• Stay current on shelter medicine practices and trends and ensure their consistent application.  

• Obtain relevant continuing education as required by the ASPCA and the state licensing board.  

 

Cross-Program Support 

• Deploy with other ASPCA teams, including but not limited to Community Engagement, Community Medicine, National Field & Disaster Response, and the Cruelty Recovery Center, based on availability and programmatic needs. 

 

Education and Work Experience 

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent from an accredited veterinary college 

• Eligibility for NYS licensure required; current licensure in NYS strongly preferred 

• Minimum 2 years clinical practice as a small animal DVM 

• Shelter medicine experience strongly preferred 

• Fear Free® Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) and shelter certification within 60 days or hire 

• USDA certification within 1 year of hire 

 

Language 

• English (required) 

 

Qualifications  

• Solid veterinary medical knowledge, clinical judgment, and surgical skills necessary to perform the essential responsibilities of the role, including shelter medicine, diagnosis and treatment, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, humane euthanasia, and population health management. 

• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally 

• Ability to successfully work efficiently and calmly in a high-volume, fast-paced environment and effectively multi-task with a high degree of integrity and accountability and without loss of attention to detail 

• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress 

• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas 

• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand 

• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others  

• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others  

• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions  

• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same  

• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly 

• Ability to set a clear direction and inspire others to work towards shared goals 

• Sets a high standard by modeling transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles 

• Values ongoing training and education  

• Able to work in a physically demanding environment and in a variety of environments  

• Able to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies 

• Able to comfortably handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations  

• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties 

• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.  

  

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience:

Doctorate: Veterinary Medicine (Required)

  

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About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission.Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives.They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals.We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives.

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

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