Associate Veterinarian

Animal Protective Association of Missouri; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Animal Protective Association of Missouri is seeking a dedicated Associate Veterinarian to provide holistic veterinary care in St. Louis, MO. The role involves delivering routine wellness care, assisting with spay/neuter surgeries, and ensuring the health of shelter animals. This full-time position requires a valid Missouri veterinary license and offers a collaborative environment focused on community engagement and animal welfare. Join us in nurturing the well-being of pets and people through compassionate service.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed in Missouri and eligible for DEA license.
• Experience in shelter medicine and high volume surgical sterilization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides veterinary wellness care to pets at the wellness clinic.
• Assists with medical examinations and care of domestic animals.
• Performs spay/neuter surgery and manages assistants.
• Collaborates with other staff on animal pathway planning.
• Maintains medical records and safety guidelines.

Skills

Effective decision making

Diagnostic skills

Strong customer service

Oral/written communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Animal handling and restraint

Education

Licensed in the State of Missouri to practice veterinary medicine

Qualified to obtain a DEA license and MO BNDD license

Job description

Position

Associate Veterinarian

Status

Full-time, hourly, non-exempt

Description

The Associate Veterinarian provides routine and preventative care at the APA’s Wellness Clinic wellness clinic which is open to the public. They also assist with shelter medicine and spay/neuter surgeries.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides veterinary wellness care to owned pets in the APA’s wellness clinic to include vaccinations, fecals, heartworm testing, FIV/FeLV testing, and euthanasia.
• Assist with medical examinations, care, monitoring, and health of domestic animals in the care of the APA, including foster animals.
• Performs spay/neuter surgery and manages assistants and techs in this effort.
• Works collaboratively with adoption center staff and other veterinarians on inventory management and animal pathway planning.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures, and companion animal health issues.
• Maintains medical record and drug use logs to standards of veterinary and sheltering practices; ensures that records are in order and complete.
• Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment.
• Assists with euthanasia and emergency medical decisions for shelter animals.
• Participates in applicable associations, seeks learning opportunities, and remains up to date with industry best practices.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must be licensed in the State of Missouri to practice veterinary medicine. Must be qualified and eligible to obtain a DEA license and MO BNDD license. Experience in the field of veterinary medicine, shelter medicine, high volume surgical sterilization preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

Effective decision making and diagnostic skills and interest in pursuing treatment options with limited funding. Strong customer service and oral/written communication skills. Desire to implement efficiencies and industry changes on an on-going basis. Able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks at one time. Friendly and professional with staff, volunteers and clients.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a wellness clinic and animal shelter with shared workspaces. Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, anesthetics and sharp objects. Field conditions may be encountered. Lifting of up to 40 pounds, standing for 8 hours a day, kneeling, squatting, and animal handling and restraint in a veterinary setting.

Culture and Philanthropy

• Participates in creating a thriving Culture of Philanthropy at the APA by:
• Being knowledgeable and supportive of APA programs.
• Sharing a passion for service to animals, people, and our community with our guests.
• Serving as an inspiration to all guests by providing an exemplary level of animal care and customer service.
• Being able to communicate a compelling case for support that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy at the APA.

Why Join the APA

Our Mission: At the APA, we bring and keep pets and people together, building connections that strengthen families and communities.

Our Vision: Our vision is a compassionate community where pets and people thrive together.

Our Values: P.E.T.S.

At the APA, our values are more than words, they are the compass that guides us and defines who we are as a team.

• Partnership: We believe pets and people thrive together. By building trust and collaboration with families, neighborhoods, and partner organizations, we create stronger communities, expand access to care, and ensure that pets and people have the resources they need to stay together.
• Empathy: We lead with compassion, respect, and understanding in all that we do. Every decision begins with the well-being of pets and people, and we treat each individual—whether a client, colleague, or community partner—with dignity and care.
• Trust: We act with transparency, integrity, and accountability. By being clear about our intentions, honest in our actions, and responsible stewards of resources, we earn the confidence of those we serve and inspire trust in the broader community.
• Spark: We spark innovation and creativity to advance animal welfare. By embracing new ideas, adapting to emerging needs, and developing forward-thinking solutions, we shape a future where every pet has the chance to thrive in a loving home.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and comfortable experience for everyone. If you need any accommodations or accessibility support during the hiring process, please email [e-mail].