Staff Veterinarian

Summary for Veterinarian

Animal Care Centers of NYC is on the prowl for a multi-tasking, big-picture-thinking, problem solving, puppy kissing, cat cuddling, Veterinarian with super-hero medical and surgical skills to embrace the multitude of challenging cases facing our NYC homeless pet population.  Must be a social butterfly, as every shelter animal has a person (likely whole departments) attached to the end of their leash.  It takes a village to raise a shelter animal and put them on the path to success.   

Animal Care Centers NYC is one of the nation’s largest open-admission animal shelters whose mission is to End Animal Homelessness in NYC.  We are more than a shelter for unwanted animals, we are a resource to the community, always seeking ways to keep the human-animal bond intact.  Our progressive life saving initiatives contribute to the successful placement of our animals.  We have a 95% placement rate.  

The veterinary team plays an integral part in ensuring positive outcomes and the team requires a strong doctor to navigate challenges that arise every day.  Our doctors  are always one step ahead, using their critical thinking to anticipate problems and proactively provide solutions.  With a 25,000 annual intake, the environment is fast paced and requires someone who can nimbly manage and field multiple things coming at them from multiple directions – and do it with a smile.  

Under the guidance of the VP, Animal Health & Welfare,  our doctors maintain standards of patient care that we continually try to advance every single day.  At Animal Care Centers we treat our colleagues with the same compassion as we do our animals. Therefore, a successful candidate inspires the team to want to come to work every day and shows them how they make a difference in the lives of every animal that enters through our doors.   You motivate, collaborate, initiate, stimulate, communicate, appreciate, and sometimes commiserate with your team and colleagues.   And you do doctor things… the variety of our case load pales in comparison to every day practice.  You wont be bored, you will be stimulated, challenged and you will have a stellar support team to assist you in making sometimes difficult decisions. Ones you can live with.  

Your input and perspective is encouraged in strategic development as the organizations evolves to meet the mission.  

The animals that come through our doors have nowhere else to go, we serve the neediest of needy in NYC.  This job will never be just another “day at the office”.   You will go home each day, tired, dirty and challenged by what you see everyday.  It will be your best job ever.

Responsibilities as a Staff Veterinarian

Doctor-Centric Duties (75%): 

• Working with the VP Animal Health & Welfare contribute to the process of continuous revision and execution of a shelter medical plan focused on population based preventative health care
• Disease identification and surveillance, including daily rounds and health monitoring
• Triage and examination of a variety of species both in the shelter and in foster care
• Efficiently stabilize and manage a variety of trauma cases 
• Manage a varied surgical case-load with oversight of support staff during pre, intra and perioperative period
• Issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection
• Recognition and documentation of cruelty cases, including preparation of veterinary statements and expert witness testimony 
• Prepare to liaise with pet owners, foster parents and adopters when needed

Administrative and Team Obligations (25%)

• Work with all other departments to promote animals moving on the pathway to a successful outcome
• Participate in team trainings as a mentor and a student
• Assist in placement and euthanasia decisions 
• Attend strategy planning sessions, departmental meetings and population rounds
• Maintain accurate and complete medical records
• Promote unity and team cohesion through  leading by example

Qualifications for a Staff Veterinarian

Equally good in dealing with animals AND people! Strong surgical and diagnostic skills. Interest in and understanding of shelter medicine, epidemiology, and herd health.  Good written and oral communication skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, able to multi-task and prioritize. Dependable, reliable, and efficient. 

Education and Work Experience for a Staff Veterinarian

DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree. Licensure in NYS to practice veterinary medicine. Previous clinical experience, particularly in shelters, preferred but not required. USDA accreditation or eligibility.  Fear Free certification desired or must be completed in the first 90 days of employment.   

Work Environment for a Staff Veterinarian

At Animal Care Centers it's all hands-on deck. We work together as a team, which means you may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all sorts of weather. As a busy animal shelter in one of the biggest cities in the world it can get noisy inside. Employees should have the ability to remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or members of the public. Animal Care Centers houses hundreds of animals in its facilities at any given time and with that comes fur, odors and other airborne particles in abundance. 

Animal Care Centers offers many low-cost services to pets and people in need. This includes compassionate end-of-life services for people who cannot afford to go to a private veterinary office but still want to provide a professional and peaceful transition for their beloved pet. 

4-10 hour days and occasional overnight telehealth consultation. Employee may be exposed to loud noises, zoonotic diseases and animals with challenging behaviors.  

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. New Hires must be fully vaccinated by the first day of employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Reports To:   VP Animal Health & Welfare 

Overtime:  This position is exempt from overtime.

NYS Veterinary License required