Veterinarian

About the role

Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) is one of the nation’s largest open-admission animal shelters, with a mission to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We touch the lives of nearly 20,000 animals each year and maintain a 90% placement rate. ACC is more than a shelter; we are a community resource dedicated to keeping the human-animal bond intact through progressive, life-saving initiatives, direct adoptions, and partnerships with over 200 New Hope placement organizations. We also respond to animal emergencies 24/7 and help keep NYC communities safe.

The veterinary team plays an integral part in ensuring positive outcomes for a 25,000 annual intake. This role requires a veterinarian who can nimbly manage a fast-paced, high-volume environment, using critical thinking to anticipate problems and proactively provide solutions. Under the guidance of the VP, Animal Health & Welfare, you will maintain and advance standards of patient care, collaborate across departments, and contribute to strategic development. The caseload is uniquely varied and challenging — you will be stimulated, challenged, and supported by a stellar team. This job is demanding but deeply rewarding: you will go home tired, dirty, and challenged, and it will be the best job you’ve ever had.

Responsibilities

• Working with the VP Animal Health & Welfare, contribute to the continuous revision and execution of a shelter medical plan focused on population-based preventative health care.
• Disease identification and surveillance, including daily rounds and health monitoring.
• Triage and examination of a variety of species both in the shelter and in foster care.
• Efficiently stabilize and manage a variety of trauma cases.
• Manage a varied surgical caseload with oversight of support staff during pre-, intra-, and post-operative periods.
• Issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection.
• Recognition and documentation of cruelty cases, including preparation of veterinary statements and expert witness testimony.
• Liaise with pet owners, foster parents, and adopters when needed.
• Option to work in urgent access public-facing clinic.
• Work with all other departments to promote animals moving on the pathway to a successful outcome.
• Participate in team trainings as a mentor and a student.
• Assist in placement and euthanasia decisions.
• Attend strategy planning sessions, departmental meetings, and population rounds.
• Maintain accurate and complete medical records.
• Promote unity and team cohesion through leading by example.

Required Qualifications

• DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree.
• Licensure in New York State to practice veterinary medicine.
• USDA accreditation or eligibility.
• Strong surgical and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous clinical experience, particularly in shelters (preferred but not required).
• Equally skilled in dealing with animals and people.
• Interest in and understanding of shelter medicine, epidemiology, and herd health.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Dependable, reliable, and efficient.

Benefits

• Generous paid-time-off (PTO) package including vacation time, birthdays off, personal days, and sick pay.
• Open access Cigna medical, dental, and vision insurance at a low employee premium.
• 401K and Pension plans.
• Life Insurance.
• On-the-job training for 2–4 weeks.
• Periodic all-staff training covering safety, DEI, cross-training, and other growth opportunities.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — as a nonprofit, ACC employees may qualify for tax-free forgiveness of Federal Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments.
• No contract or non-compete clause.

Work Environment

At ACC it’s all hands on deck. You may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all weather conditions. The shelter environment can be noisy, and employees must remain calm and professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or the public. Facilities house hundreds of animals at any given time, so fur, odors, and airborne particles are abundant. ACC provides low-cost services to pets and people in need, including compassionate end-of-life services for those who cannot afford private veterinary care but wish to provide a peaceful transition for their beloved pet.

Reports to: Sr. VP Animal Health & Welfare. This position is exempt from overtime.