Shelter Veterinarian (Full-Time)

Animal Friends•Kilbuck Township, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Shelter Veterinarian plays a vital role in supporting Animal Friends’ mission by providing high-quality medical and surgical care to homeless dogs, cats, and rabbits in our shelter and foster programs. This position serves as an advocate for animals in our care, ensuring they receive progressive, compassionate, and evidence-based veterinary treatment while helping Animal Friends maintain its commitment to lifesaving. Working closely with the Shelter Medicine team, Behavior Department, Humane Investigations staff, and foster volunteers, the Shelter Veterinarian contributes to positive outcomes for animals while advancing best practices in shelter medicine, animal welfare, and population health.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD).
Demonstrated experience in small animal medicine and surgery.
Current Pennsylvania veterinary license in good standing.
Current DEA license.
Strong medical, surgical, and diagnostic skills.
Knowledge of veterinary medicine, animal disease prevention, treatment, and population health principles.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
Strong computer proficiency and ability to maintain accurate medical records.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, law enforcement personnel, and community stakeholders.
Ability to manage emotionally challenging situations with professionalism, compassion, and sound judgment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments.
Ability to safely handle dogs, cats, rabbits, and other species of varying sizes, breeds, ages, temperaments, and backgrounds.
Reliable transportation and regular onsite attendance required.
Ability to work occasional weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
Comfort working around dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals in varying states of health and behavior.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in shelter medicine.
Experience with veterinary forensic examinations and cruelty investigations.
Experience performing high-volume surgical procedures.
Experience with ShelterLuv or similar animal shelter management software.
Knowledge of shelter epidemiology, population medicine, and animal welfare best practices.

Responsibilities

Oversee the veterinary functions of shelter medical, surgical, and foster care programs to ensure quality, professionalism, and compliance with accepted standards of veterinary practice.
Provide medical care for dogs, cats, and rabbits residing in the shelter and foster care programs.
Diagnose and treat illness, injury, and disease in shelter animals.
Develop and implement treatment plans that support positive animal welfare outcomes.
Monitor shelter population health and contribute to disease prevention and management strategies.
Perform routine and advanced surgical procedures, including but not limited to: Ovariohysterectomy (including pediatric), Castration/orchiectomy (including pediatric), Tumor, mass, and cyst removals, Hernia repairs, Dewclaw removals, Dental procedures and extractions, Ocular procedures, including entropion repairs, Other soft tissue surgeries as indicated.
Collaborate with the Humane Investigations and Behavior teams regarding the evaluation and disposition of animals.
Perform clinical forensic examinations and gross necropsies as needed.
Prepare reports for law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
Provide expert testimony and professional veterinary consultation for cruelty and neglect investigations when required.
Utilize accepted scientific methods in the analysis, documentation, and reporting of findings.
Partner with shelter staff, veterinary technicians, foster caregivers, and volunteers to ensure continuity of care.
Support the development and implementation of shelter medicine protocols and best practices.
Provide veterinary guidance regarding animal housing, enrichment, biosecurity, and population management.
Contribute to a culture of mentorship, learning, and continuous improvement within the Shelter Medicine team.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off, holidays, and birthday pay
Retirement plan with employer contribution
Employee Assistance Program
Continuing education and professional development opportunities
Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
Casual dress and Animal Friends gear
Opportunities for mentorship and growth in shelter medicine
Meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of homeless animals
A mission-driven team dedicated to creating a more humane and compassionate world for every animal friend