Veterinarian Full time or Contract, no weekends, no call

Palmetto Animal Rescue League; Bluffton (SC); On-site; USD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salaried position 180000+

Hourly position 95+/hr

No weekend shifts

Licensing reimbursement

Professional liability insurance

Job summary

Palmetto Animal League in Bluffton, SC is seeking a Veterinarian to provide and oversee medical and surgical care for shelter animals and community clinic patients. This role emphasizes preventive medicine, diagnostics, high‑quality spay/neuter, and compassionate animal welfare.

You will lead clinical teams, maintain medical records, coordinate referrals, and educate adopters and staff. The position offers a year-round schedule, competitive compensation, licensing reimbursement, and PSLF

Qualifications

• DVM/VMD from an accredited veterinary school.
• Current or eligibility for South Carolina licensure.
• Strong clinical skills in small animal medicine, diagnostics, and treatment planning.
• Experience with routine high-quality surgical procedures in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, and create treatment plans for shelter and clinic patients.
• Perform spay/neuter, dental, and general surgeries with anesthesia oversight.
• Oversee vaccinations, parasite prevention, wellness screenings, and vaccines.
• Develop medical protocols for infectious disease management and sanitation.
• Collaborate with staff and contractors to maintain high patient care standards.
• Maintain accurate medical records including diagnoses and outcomes.
• Coordinate referrals for procedures not available in-house.
• Educate adopters and staff on preventive care and animal welfare.
• Support efficient clinic operations and quality improvement.

Skills

Small animal medicine

Surgical procedures

Medical record-keeping

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

DVM / VMD degree

SC veterinary licensure eligibility

DEA registration eligibility

Tools

Shelter software

Practice management software

Job description

The Veterinarian will provide and oversee comprehensive medical and surgical care for animals residing at PAL's adoption center and patients receiving services through our community veterinary clinic.

Working collaboratively with PAL leadership, veterinary technicians, shelter staff, and contract veterinarians, the successful candidate will help ensure high standards of medical care, promote efficient use of clinic resources, and support PAL's mission of improving animal welfare.

This position offers a diverse and rewarding clinical experience, including preventive medicine, diagnostics, general surgery, high-quality spay/neuter procedures, and the management of medical conditions in shelter and privately owned animals.

Key Responsibilities

• Medical and Surgical Care: Perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, develop treatment plans, and provide comprehensive medical care for shelter animals and community clinic patients.
• Surgical Services: Perform routine spay/neuter procedures, dental procedures, and other general practice surgeries, overseeing anesthesia, surgical care, and postoperative recovery.
• Preventive Medicine: Oversee vaccination programs, parasite prevention and control, wellness screenings, nutrition, and preventive healthcare protocols.
• Shelter Medicine: Develop, implement, and monitor medical protocols for infectious disease management, sanitation, animal housing, emergency care, and pre-adoption health assessments.
• Clinical Leadership: Collaborate with veterinary technicians, shelter personnel, contract veterinarians, and organizational leadership to maintain high standards of patient care, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Medical Records and Compliance: Maintain accurate and comprehensive medical records, including diagnoses, treatments, surgical procedures, and patient outcomes.
• Veterinary Coordination: Coordinate referrals and outside veterinary resources for specialized procedures and treatments not available at PAL.
• Community Education: Provide guidance to adopters, pet owners, staff, and volunteers on responsible pet ownership, preventive healthcare, and animal welfare.
• Quality Improvement: Support the development and implementation of efficient clinical practices that maximize available resources while maintaining exceptional standards of veterinary medicine.

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) degree from an accredited veterinary school or equivalent.
• Current or eligibility for veterinary licensure in South Carolina.
• Strong clinical skills in small animal medicine, diagnostics, and treatment planning.
• Experience performing routine high-quality surgical procedures, including canine and feline sterilizations in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to make sound medical decisions independently while working effectively within a collaborative team.
• Strong communication, organizational, and medical record-keeping skills.
• Commitment to humane animal handling, infection prevention, and high-quality patient care.
• Eligibility for DEA registration and willingness to obtain required federal veterinary accreditation.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred:

• Experience in shelter medicine, nonprofit veterinary practice, or high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter programs.
• Proficiency in general practice surgery, dentistry, and basic emergency care.
• Experience developing clinical protocols and supervising veterinary support staff.
• Familiarity with veterinary practice management or shelter software.
• A strong commitment to animal welfare, lifesaving initiatives, and enthusiasm for shelter medicine.

Compensation and Benefits

PAL offers competitive compensation, flexible employment options, and a schedule designed to support a healthy work-life balance.

• Salaried Veterinarian: Starting at $180,000 annually, with higher compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• Hourly Veterinarian: Starting at $95 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
• Premium Surgical Compensation: Veterinarians trained and experienced in high-quality, high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter techniques are eligible for a higher hourly rate for surgical hours.
• Work-Life Balance: Clinic operates Monday through Friday, with no weekend shifts or on-call responsibilities.
• Reimbursement for professional licensing and veterinary liability insurance.
• Insurance reimbursement opportunities.
• Potential eligibility for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• The opportunity to practice a broad range of veterinary medicine while making a direct and meaningful impact on animal welfare.

Why Join PAL?

At PAL, veterinary medicine is about more than treating patients. It is about saving lives, keeping pets healthy, supporting families, and creating lasting change in the community.

Our veterinarians have the opportunity to practice diverse, rewarding medicine in a supportive nonprofit environment that values professional judgment, teamwork, and work-life balance.

Live and Work in South Carolina's Beautiful Lowcountry

Located near Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Savannah, Georgia, PAL offers access to beautiful beaches, coastal waterways, boating, kayaking, world-class golf, outstanding restaurants, and a welcoming community. Enjoy the area's relaxed coastal lifestyle while pursuing a career with purpose.

Join Palmetto Animal League and use your veterinary expertise to give animals a second chance at life.

Palmetto Animal League is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.