Veterinary Medical Officer

Nelson Stud Welding; Town of Pawling (NY); On-site; USD 148,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization dedicated to animal welfare is seeking a passionate Veterinarian for their Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in Pawling, NY. This role involves providing high-quality care to canines recovering from cruelty, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration. The ideal candidate will have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and relevant experience, with a focus on shelter medicine. The position offers a competitive salary range of $148,000 - $156,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Two or more years clinical practice as a small animal DVM; shelter medicine experience preferred.
• Fear Free Veterinary certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Low Stress Handling University Silver-Level certification required within six months.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality veterinary care in accordance with ASPCA protocols.
• Monitor health and welfare of shelter population, identifying potential disease outbreaks.
• Perform sterilization surgery, dental procedures, and administer vaccines.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Summary:

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Veterinarian at the ASPCA’s new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!

The individual in this role is responsible for providing high quality veterinary care to canines recovering at the R&R Center from the physical and behavioral impacts of animal cruelty. The successful candidate for this role values teamwork, collaboration, and an integrated approach to recovery and rehabilitation that balances medical, behavioral, and environmental needs.

Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview

The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD.

This is an in-person position located in Pawling, NY with a target start date of June 2, 2025.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Functional Duties (80%)

• Provide timely, practical, high quality veterinary care in accordance with ASPCA protocols and shelter medicine principles and best practices
• Monitor the health and welfare of the shelter population, identifying potential disease outbreaks, and implementing appropriate control measures
• Ensure effective use of quarantine and isolation to manage individual animal needs and protect population health, while balancing the physical and behavioral needs of the animals
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques
• Develop skilled, efficient, Fear Free diagnosis and treatment plans for a wide variety of illnesses and injuries
• Perform sterilization surgery, dental procedures, and other surgeries using multi-modal anesthesia and analgesia
• Administer vaccines and preventatives according to protocols
• Perform humane euthanasia as needed
• Work with partner veterinary clinics/hospitals as needed, including referrals for advanced care
• Stay abreast of shelter medicine practices and trends and ensure their consistent application
• Obtain relevant continuing education as required by the ASPCA and the state licensing board
• Keep the Director of Veterinary Services apprised of patient medical progress
• Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff
• Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders
• Competently and compassionately explain animal’s condition to staff and volunteers with easily understood language
• Assist in staff training across all areas, ensuring all staff understand shelter disease control protocols, nutritional guidelines, preventative and vaccination schedules, and the importance of daily monitoring

Administrative, Financial, and Operational Duties(20%)

• Participate in daily rounds alongside behavioral and sheltering staff, collaborating openly to provide excellent and integrated care
• Regularly attend all Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings
• Maintain thorough, high quality veterinary records, documenting all exam findings, test results, and treatments
• Maintain accurate chain of custody and evidence disposition records
• Provide expert testimony in court, if requested
• Complete certificates of veterinary inspection, as appropriate, for transfer of animals between facilities and/or placement of animals released from care
• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses
• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets

Core Values

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
• Believes in Team – that we are stronger together
• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
• Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals

Requirements

Education and Work Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent from an accredited veterinary college and current NYS Licensure or eligibility for NYS licensure
• Two or more years clinical practice as a small animal DVM; shelter medicine experience strongly preferred
• Fear Free Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) within 60 days or hire
• Low Stress Handling University Silver-Level certification is required within six months of hire
• USDA certification within 1 year of hire

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 5% of the time

• Able to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Maintain strict confidentiality when dealing with criminal cases
• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally
• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice
• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress
• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas
• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand
• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others
• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others
• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions
• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same
• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly
• Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected

• Ability to set a clear direction and inspire others to work towards shared goals
• Sets a high standard by modeling transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles
• Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly
• Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships
• Values ongoing training and education
• Willing and able to work in a variety of environments including but not limited to:
• Indoor climate-controlled spaces
• Outdoor natural climate spaces where extreme temperatures and/or precipitation are possible
• On surfaces that are wet or uneven
• In loud or continuously noisy areas
• Willing and able to work with chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects
• Able to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time
• Able to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies
• Able to comfortably handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations

• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties

Compensation and benefits:

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

The target hiring range for this role is $148,000 - $156,000 annually.

For more information on our benefits offerings, .

Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.

Qualifications:

See above for qualifications details.

Language:

English

Education and Work Experience:

DVM (Required)

Our 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, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Applicants that are residents of Colorado: Per CO Senate Bill 23-058, we cannot generally request or require any age-related information (i.e., age, DOB, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution) on an initial employment application; this includes any age-related inquiries in the initial interview. We are permitted to require/request additional application materials; if those materials contain any age-related information, an applicant may redact the information before submitting an initial employment application.

Summary:

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Veterinarian at the ASPCA’s new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!

The individual in this role is responsible for providing high quality veterinary care to canines recovering at the R&R Center from the physical and behavioral impacts of animal cruelty. The successful candidate for this role values teamwork, collaboration, and an integrated approach to recovery and rehabilitation that balances medical, behavioral, and environmental needs.

Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview

The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD.

This is an in-person position located in Pawling, NY with a target start date of June 2, 2025.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Functional Duties (80%)

• Provide timely, practical, high quality veterinary care in accordance with ASPCA protocols and shelter medicine principles and best practices
• Monitor the health and welfare of the shelter population, identifying potential disease outbreaks, and implementing appropriate control measures
• Ensure effective use of quarantine and isolation to manage individual animal needs and protect population health, while balancing the physical and behavioral needs of the animals
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques
• Develop skilled, efficient, Fear Free diagnosis and treatment plans for a wide variety of illnesses and injuries
• Perform sterilization surgery, dental procedures, and other surgeries using multi-modal anesthesia and analgesia
• Administer vaccines and preventatives according to protocols
• Perform humane euthanasia as needed
• Work with partner veterinary clinics/hospitals as needed, including referrals for advanced care
• Stay abreast of shelter medicine practices and trends and ensure their consistent application
• Obtain relevant continuing education as required by the ASPCA and the state licensing board
• Keep the Director of Veterinary Services apprised of patient medical progress
• Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff
• Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders
• Competently and compassionately explain animal’s condition to staff and volunteers with easily understood language
• Assist in staff training across all areas, ensuring all staff understand shelter disease control protocols, nutritional guidelines, preventative and vaccination schedules, and the importance of daily monitoring

Administrative, Financial, and Operational Duties(20%)

• Participate in daily rounds alongside behavioral and sheltering staff, collaborating openly to provide excellent and integrated care
• Regularly attend all Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings
• Maintain thorough, high quality veterinary records, documenting all exam findings, test results, and treatments
• Maintain accurate chain of custody and evidence disposition records
• Provide expert testimony in court, if requested
• Complete certificates of veterinary inspection, as appropriate, for transfer of animals between facilities and/or placement of animals released from care
• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses
• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets

Core Values

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
• Believes in Team – that we are stronger together
• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
• Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals

Requirements

Education and Work Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent from an accredited veterinary college and current NYS Licensure or eligibility for NYS licensure
• Two or more years clinical practice as a small animal DVM; shelter medicine experience strongly preferred
• Fear Free Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) within 60 days or hire
• Low Stress Handling University Silver-Level certification is required within six months of hire
• USDA certification within 1 year of hire

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 5% of the time

• Able to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Maintain strict confidentiality when dealing with criminal cases
• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally
• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice
• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress
• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas
• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand
• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others
• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others
• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions
• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same
• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly
• Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected

• Ability to set a clear direction and inspire others to work towards shared goals
• Sets a high standard by modeling transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles
• Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly
• Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships
• Values ongoing training and education
• Willing and able to work in a variety of environments including but not limited to:
• Indoor climate-controlled spaces
• Outdoor natural climate spaces where extreme temperatures and/or precipitation are possible
• On surfaces that are wet or uneven
• In loud or continuously noisy areas
• Willing and able to work with chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects
• Able to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time
• Able to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies
• Able to comfortably handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations

• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties

Compensation and benefits:

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

The target hiring range for this role is $148,000 - $156,000 annually.

For more information on our benefits offerings, .

Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.

Qualifications:

See above for qualifications details.

Language:

English

Education and Work Experience:

DVM (Required)

Our 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, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Applicants that are residents of Colorado: Per CO Senate Bill 23-058, we cannot generally request or require any age-related information (i.e., age, DOB, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution) on an initial employment application; this includes any age-related inquiries in the initial interview. We are permitted to require/request additional application materials; if those materials contain any age-related information, an applicant may redact the information before submitting an initial employment application.