Staff Veterinarian

About the organization

HSPPR is a nonprofit animal shelter serving El Paso, Pueblo, and Douglas Counties as well as the City of Centennial in Colorado. Founded in 1949, it is Southern Colorado's largest animal welfare organization, taking in approximately 25,000 animals annually across two shelter locations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, HSPPR holds multiple county and city contracts for sheltering and animal law enforcement. In 2025, the organization completed 15,700 spay/neuter surgeries and operates two Wellness Clinics providing affordable vaccines and spay/neuter services to the public. HSPPR employs over 250 staff members and values compassion, collaboration, and service while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

About the role

As one of ten shelter staff veterinarians at HSPPR, you will rotate through different tracks daily. Responsibilities may include performing HQHV spay/neuter surgeries for shelter, TNR, and community animals; designing life-saving treatment plans; performing advanced procedures such as amputations and foreign body removals; or providing dental care for shelter animals prior to adoption. The role offers varied and rewarding challenges in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform HQHV spay/neuter surgeries for shelter, TNR, and community animals
• Design life-saving treatment plans
• Perform advanced procedures (e.g., amputations, foreign body removals)
• Provide dental care for shelter animals prior to adoption
• Collaborate with a team of ten veterinarians in shelter medicine, HQHV spay/neuter, TNR, emergency procedures, and dentals
• Provide wellness services to owned animals in the community at the Colorado Springs shelter clinic, Pueblo shelter, Pueblo Wellness Clinic, or the mobile Wellness Waggin'

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited veterinary medical college – DVM or equivalent
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Colorado
• At least one year of experience or a successfully completed internship in shelter medicine and/or a high-volume spay/neuter clinic
• Demonstrated aptitude in clinical medicine and surgery
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environment
• Demonstrated success working with a diverse team, managing varied relationships, and facilitating collaboration
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

Core Values

• Compassion: Committed to treating animals and people with kindness, respect, and compassion
• Stewardship: Accountable and transparent in actions and use of resources
• Integrity: Staying true to the mission and doing what is best for animals and the community
• Excellence: Striving for excellence through continual learning, innovation, and development
• Collaboration: Seeking strategic partnerships to advance animal welfare
• Service: Operating with a commitment to serve the community

Benefits

• $100,000 - $125,000 annual salary depending on experience
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) with employer matching up to 4%
• Paid time off, sick time, flex time, bereavement, and paid holidays
• Paid 3-week sabbatical leave after 5 years of employment
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Paid Colorado veterinary licensure
• Paid PLIT annual memberships for AVMA, Association of Shelter Veterinarians, and VIN access
• Paid continuing education
• Employer-paid basic employee life insurance
• Annual scrub allowance