Forensic Veterinarian

ASPCA • New York, NY

7d • $165,000 - $176,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Veterinarian provides veterinary forensic expertise for animal cruelty cases in New York City. Working under the guidance of the Vice President of Forensic Sciences and the Senior Director of Forensic Sciences, and alongside three other forensic veterinarians, the role supports the NYPD, New York City District Attorney’s Offices, other law enforcement agencies, ASPCA teams, and the veterinary community. The position has no direct reports and no direct animal-care responsibilities, but works closely with animal-care teams to monitor case animals’ medical progress and the collection of necessary evidence.

The role includes forensic examinations, necropsies, medical-record and video reviews, case documentation, evidence management, field response, consultation, and expert testimony. It also contributes to forensic protocols, case coordination, research, teaching, training, and mentorship. The position is on site at the ASPCA location at 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY. The schedule may include one or two weekend days and one or two phone-only on-call nights per week.

Requirements

• DVM or VMD required.
• At least 3 years of veterinary medicine practice required; the posting also specifies 3–5 years of experience.
• Eligibility for veterinarian licensure in New York State is required; current New York State licensure is strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear and concise documentation.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interest in or experience with the prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA core values and behavioral competencies.
• English language proficiency required.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in or experience with animal cruelty cases, including neglect, abuse, animal fighting, and hoarding.
• Experience or training in forensic necropsy and/or clinical forensic examinations.
• Familiarity with evidence handling and basic forensic principles.
• Experience working with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, or legal teams.
• Interest in teaching, training, or mentoring others.
• Courtroom testimony experience.
• Research experience.
• Membership in veterinary or forensic professional organizations.
• Formal training in Veterinary Forensic Medicine, or interest in pursuing formal training.
• Experience in animal cruelty investigations, including neglect, abuse, animal fighting, and animal hoarding.
• Familiarity and experience with evidentiary issues related to prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases.

Responsibilities

• Provide forensic veterinary case support for New York City animal cruelty and fighting investigations and prosecutions, including clinical forensic exams, necropsies, veterinary statements, medical-record and video reviews, discovery production, and expert witness testimony in grand jury proceedings, hearings, and trials.
• Ensure proper evidence handling, including chain of custody, evidence transfer, and use of standardized forensic methods.
• Assist in planning ASPCA–NYPD case field responses and provide on-scene veterinary forensic support, including animal triage, documentation, and subject-matter expertise.
• Collaborate with ASPCA departments and external partners to support case management and case flow.
• Assist internal and local veterinarians in recognizing and reporting suspected animal cruelty cases.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and refinement of forensic protocols and procedures.
• Participate in large-scale case response and deployment as needed.
• Work with ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement and Criminal Practice and Investigations teams to facilitate forensic veterinary support for New York City animal-related investigations and prosecutions.
• Coordinate with the Animal Recovery Center and Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on the management and forensic follow-up care of animals from suspected criminal cases.
• Provide consultation across ASPCA departments on animal cruelty cases and contribute to changes in forensic protocols and procedures at the ASPCA Animal Hospital.
• Present cruelty case status at weekly Animal Health and Welfare meetings, represent the forensic team during tours and to media as requested, and maintain strict confidentiality about criminal cases.
• Collaborate with forensic team members in New York City and Gainesville on casework, research, teaching, and training initiatives.
• Support the development and oversight of veterinary forensic externship and internship programs.
• Train and mentor veterinarians and support staff involved in cruelty investigations.
• Develop and deliver training for law enforcement, veterinarians and other veterinary professionals, attorneys, and students; may teach or co-teach academic courses or other veterinary forensic science trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off, including vacation, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company-paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 4%, plus an additional 4% employer contribution each year.
• Professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching, mentorship, internal mobility, and field opportunities.
• Relocation bonus for non-local residents.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree