Forensic Veterinarian

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • New York, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Veterinarian provides veterinary forensic expertise for animal cruelty cases in New York City, supporting the NYPD, District Attorney’s Offices, other law enforcement agencies, ASPCA teams, and the veterinary community. The role includes forensic examinations, necropsies, evidence management, case consultation, field response, and expert testimony. Although the position has no direct animal-care responsibilities, the veterinarian works with animal-care teams to monitor the medical progress of case animals and ensure necessary evidence is collected.

The veterinarian works under the guidance of the Vice President of Forensic Sciences and the Senior Director of Forensic Sciences, alongside three other forensic veterinarians. The role also contributes to forensic protocols, research, teaching, training, and outreach, and collaborates with ASPCA departments and external partners on case management and prosecution support. This position has no direct reports.

The position is on-site at the ASPCA location at 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY. The schedule may include one to two weekend days and one to two phone-only on-call nights per week. The expected hiring salary range is $165,000–$176,000. Relocation bonus eligibility is available for non-local residents.

Requirements

• DVM or VMD degree.
• At least 3 years of veterinary medicine practice experience; the posting also describes 3–5 years of experience.
• Eligibility for veterinarian licensure in New York State; 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 prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases.
• Interest in or experience with animal cruelty cases, including neglect, abuse, animal fighting, and hoarding.
• Familiarity with evidentiary issues related to prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases.
• Familiarity with evidence handling and basic forensic principles.
• English language proficiency.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA core values and behavioral competencies.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide forensic veterinary support for New York City animal cruelty and animal-fighting investigations and prosecutions, including clinical forensic examinations, necropsies, veterinary statements, medical-record and video reviews, discovery production, and expert 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 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 responses and deployments 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 departments including the Animal Recovery Center and Rescue and Rehabilitation Center to support proper management and forensic follow-up care for 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; 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 development and oversight of veterinary forensic externship and internship programs for national and international students.
• 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 medical coverage, employer-paid dental coverage, 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 opportunities to support field work.
• Relocation bonus eligibility for non-local residents.
• Eligible 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