Senior Staff Veterinarian

ASPCA; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer contributions

Veterinary state license fee reimbursement

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

An animal welfare organization in Gardena, California is seeking a Senior Staff Veterinarian to provide veterinary care and mentor other professionals. This role involves performing high-volume spay/neuter surgeries, managing minor surgeries, and engaging in community medicine initiatives. The position offers a competitive salary between $160,000 and $170,000 annually, along with various benefits including paid time off and medical insurance.

Qualifications

• Current California state veterinary license or ability to obtain one.
• Experience mentoring veterinarians and performing spay/neuter surgeries.
• Ability to handle agile animals and perform physical exams.

Responsibilities

• Provide preventative care, perform diagnostics, and treatment recommendations.
• Lead mentoring efforts for CM veterinarians.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with clients.

Skills

High-volume spay/neuter surgeries

Mentoring and training

Low-stress handling techniques

Clinical judgment

Communication with clients

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent

Job description

Summary

Have you ever wondered what happens to cats and dogs whose owners cannot afford veterinary care? The ASPCA’s Community Medicine (CM) team provides expert veterinary care to support the welfare of animals and their people through stationary and mobile clinics, serving underserved communities in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. We help pet owners overcome barriers to care and partially or fully subsidize basic and preventive care.

What you’ll do

As a Senior Staff Veterinarian, you will provide compassionate preventive and basic care, oversee all aspects of veterinary care during clinic days, perform surgical procedures, diagnose and treat complications, and mentor other professionals. The role includes performing 30‑40 high‑volume spay/neuter surgeries per clinic day, managing minor outpatient surgeries, and supporting the ASPCA’s mobile and disaster response efforts.

What you’ll get

• Paid Time Off
  • Vacation time
  • Sick time
  • Paid holidays
  • Personal time
• Terrific benefits package
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Pre‑tax dependent care and health FSAs
  • 401(k) plan with employer contributions after one year
  • Employer‑paid life and long‑term disability insurance
  • Veterinary state license fee reimbursement
  • Three paid CE days and a stipend
• Professional growth opportunities
• Structured mentorship and a supportive team

Compensation

Starting pay will depend on qualifications and experience. The target hiring range is $160,000 – $170,000 annually, with potential increases based on performance.

Work Schedule

Typical Monday – Friday 8‑hour schedule with occasional overtime and once‑per‑quarter Saturdays. On‑site at the Community Veterinary Clinic; occasional travel within the Greater LA Area may be required.

Responsibilities

Medical

• Provide preventative care, perform physical exams, diagnostics, and treatment recommendations.
• Perform pre‑surgery exams and 30‑40 high‑volume spay/neuter surgeries per day.
• Diagnose and treat post‑surgical complications.
• Perform and oversee minor outpatient surgeries.
• Use low‑stress handling techniques.
• Triage and refer cases outside CM’s scope.
• Perform humane euthanasia per policy.
• Direct support staff and dispense medications.
• Document exam findings and treatment per guidelines.
• Collaborate with ASPCA colleagues.
• Participate in virtual medical rounds and staff meetings.
• Travel for national disaster or cruelty response, if desired.

Mentoring & Training

• Mentor CM veterinarians and train on primary pet care and spay/neuter protocols.
• Lead emergency protocol refresher trainings.
• Participate in training residents, interns, and externs.
• Pilot new medical protocols and provide feedback.
• Participate in research studies to improve access to care.

Client Service

• Communicate effectively and professionally with clients.
• Counsel owners about end‑of‑life and sensitive medical concerns.

Core Values

• Commitment to improving animal lives.
• Ownership and accountability.
• Team collaboration.
• Elevating others and reimagining possibilities.
• Impact orientation for animal change.

Qualifications

• Current California state veterinary license (or ability to obtain one).
• Proven ability to perform 30‑40 high‑volume spay/neuter surgeries.
• Experience mentoring and training veterinarians.
• Fear Free® Shelter certification within 60 days of hire.
• Knowledge of low‑stress handling techniques.
• Ability to perform physical exams, outpatient surgeries, and treat cats and dogs.
• Sound clinical judgment and resiliency.
• Concern for safety and well‑being of self, animals, and others.
• Ability to stand 8+ hours and handle agile animals.

Education and Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years HQHVSN experience.
• Minimum 3 years shelter medicine or access‑to‑care clinic experience.

Language

• English (required).
• Spanish (strongly preferred).

EEO Policy

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.