Veterinarian- Shelter/ Community

Job Description

Job Description

The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) is looking for talented, motivated and compassionate veterinarians to join our team. If you are looking to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a high medical and surgical case load, and plenty of clinical support, then this is the position for you!  

The medical department currently consists of four veterinarians, and a large, highly skilled team of veterinary technicians, assistants and support staff. We function as a medical and surgical center for animals in our shelter, as well as an affordable veterinary clinic for public-owned animals. We see a high case load of routine and advanced surgeries, allowing veterinarians to consistently develop surgical skills. We are equipped with digital radiography, dental radiography, a surgical suite, ultrasound, in house blood machines, and a large hospital including quarantine wards. Excellent standards are at the center of everything we do, and we treat all patients and their people with the utmost respect and compassion.  

The successful candidate(s) will work 40 hours a week, with a four-day week being the norm, however flexibility is possible. Some weekend work is required, with time off given the following week. Time will be split between the shelter in northwest DC and the community clinic in southeast DC. Time at the shelter will involve high volume surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, medical checks of animals in the shelter and on foster, and vaccine and wellness clinics. When at the clinic, vets work as primary care clinicians, assessing and treating animals belonging to community members. We keep prices low at our clinic to ensure veterinary care is accessible and affordable, and we never turn away an animal who is suffering. There will be the opportunity for veterinarians to work in the field providing veterinary care to those unable to reach a clinic.  

What We Are Looking For 

Veterinarians looking to join the team at HRA should be prepared to work well within a team, care deeply about the animals in our care, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in shelter medicine, high-volume-high-quality surgical techniques, and be comfortable with routine surgery and dentistry. Advanced surgical skills are a huge plus, however there is surgical support available so everyone can continue to develop their skills. Candidates must be able to practice spectrum of care medicine, working with clients within their budget to provide care for their pets. Excellent communication skills are a must.  

The Role: What You'll Do

In this unique position, you will split your time between our animal shelter and community outreach programs, delivering vital services across both settings. Your responsibilities will include:  

General Veterinary Responsibilities:    

• Provide high quality veterinary care to animals under the care of the Humane Rescue Alliance, including animals in the shelter, foster and in the community. 
• Communicate effectively with members of the medical team, other shelter staff and animal care givers including owners and foster carers. 
• Have a good understanding of shelter and community medicine and be able to provide high quality medical care to animals within the scope of service available.
• Keep accurate clinical records.
• Prescribe medications responsibly, including accurate recording of all controlled substances. 
• Provide training and mentorship to clinical support staff.
• Work as a team and treat colleagues and external stakeholders with respect.
• Represent the organization and the veterinary profession and be an advocate for animal welfare.

In the Shelter:  

• Perform spays, neuters, dentals, and a variety of medical/surgical procedures.
• Provide medical care and diagnostics for shelter animals and those in foster care
• Participate in medical rounds, case discussions, and care planning to ensure a smooth path from intake to adoption.
• Implement and uphold protocols for animal care and infectious disease control.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally to ensure optimal animal outcomes and reduced length of stay.
• Participate in euthanasia decisions and humane euthanasia procedures when required.

In the Community:  

• Provide low-cost primary and urgent care for pets owned by members of the community.
• Conduct wellness checks, low-cost spay/neuter, and vaccine clinics.
• Perform surgeries and dentals for community patients as required.
• Support trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts and neighborhood outreach initiatives.
• Offer outpatient services including basic diagnostics, dentistry, and preventive care.
• Participate in mobile/fieldwork, including house calls and pop-up clinics, as needed.
• Help build and evolve innovative programs that address barriers to veterinary care.

About You: Skills & Qualifications  

• A degree in veterinary medicine from an accredited university.
• License to practice veterinary medicine in Washington, DC (or eligibility to obtain a license).
• Prior experience in shelter medicine, HQHVSN, or community care preferred but not essential.
• Comfortable working independently at times with strong technician support.
• Confidence to perform surgery and medical treatment in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Passion for helping animals and people with limited access to care.
• Excellent communication skills, empathy, and a strong desire to serve both animals and people.
• Organized, flexible, and solutions-oriented under pressure
• Fluency in select languages is highly valued and may qualify candidates for a salary premium.

What We Offer: Compensation & Benefits  

HRA provides a supportive and nurturing environment for our veterinarians to thrive. We offer competitive benefits, generous paid time off, and promote a healthy work-life balance. This position offers a competitive annual salary of $140-150k, as well as eligibility for student loan forgiveness and paid CE. Our team works closely to support each other, with regular case discussions, doctor meetings, and journal clubs. We offer generous paid time off, time back for weekend work and late finishes, so you can enjoy your personal as well as professional life. At HRA we work hard, but we have fun doing it. This unique opportunity allows you to make a difference every day and use your hard-earned skills to impact animals in need, and the community in which they live.  

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.