Veterinarian (08904)

Location: Associated Humane Societies, Newark
Position Type: Full-Time, In-Person
Hours: 40 hours per week
FLSA Status: Nonexempt

WHO WE ARE

For over a century Associated Humane Societies have offered a haven to abused and neglected animals. Founded in 1906, AHS is the LARGEST animal sheltering system in New Jersey. We operate four shelters located in Newark, Tinton Falls Forked River, and Vineland. Our Forked River facility also includes Popcorn Park. Established in 1977, Popcorn Park is a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused or elderly-exotic animals, birds, farm animals and wildlife (both domestic and exotic).

TALENT + CULTURE AT AHS

At AHS, we want our team and the animals in our care to feel safe, secure and valued. Animal Welfare is a very challenging and very rewarding environment. At AHS, we want to provide the best possible experience for our employees by providing a caring learning environment with opportunities for growth.

WHAT WE DO

AHS operates a Community Pet Clinic designed to increase access to affordable veterinary care and preventative services for pet owners in the communities we serve. In addition to providing care at our clinic, AHS partners with municipalities, including the City of Newark and other communities within our service area, to bring accessible veterinary services directly into the community.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Clinic Veterinarian will provide high-quality, accessible, and compassionate preventative veterinary care through the AHS Community Pet Clinic and community-based wellness initiatives. This position will focus heavily on preventative medicine, client education, and improving access to essential veterinary services for underserved pet owners.

The Clinic Veterinarian will provide routine wellness services including examinations, vaccinations, preventative treatments, minor medical procedures, spay/neuter surgeries, and general health assessments. The veterinarian will also play a key role in planning and conducting public rabies and wellness clinics throughout Newark and other municipalities served by AHS.

This position is ideal for a veterinarian who is passionate about preventative medicine, community medicine, public education, and reducing barriers to veterinary care.

Preventative & Wellness Medicine

• Provide comprehensive wellness examinations for dogs and cats.
• Administer core and lifestyle-appropriate vaccinations, including rabies vaccinations.
• Provide preventative care recommendations, including parasite prevention, deworming, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, nutrition, dental care, and routine screening.
• Perform routine diagnostic testing and interpret results.
• Identify medical concerns requiring additional diagnostics, treatment, specialty care, or referral.
• Perform compassionate humane euthanasia for clients in need.
• Provide appropriate treatment for common, non-emergency medical conditions.
• Perform minor procedures within the scope of the clinic's services and the veterinarian's training.
• Develop individualized preventative care plans based on each animal's age, lifestyle, health status, and risk factors.
• Educate clients about responsible pet ownership, preventative medicine, and early identification of illness.
• Promote strategies that help prevent animals from entering shelters or becoming relinquished due to treatable or manageable medical concerns.
• Perform spay/neuter surgeries for client owned pets as needed.

Community Rabies & Wellness Clinics

• Plan, coordinate, and participate in public rabies and wellness clinics throughout Newark and other AHS-served municipalities.
• Work with AHS Animal Control, Community Engagement, municipal partners, and clinic staff to identify community needs and develop effective outreach opportunities.
• Provide rabies vaccinations and other appropriate wellness services at community-based clinics.
• Ensure all mobile and community clinic services are conducted in accordance with applicable veterinary, public health, and municipal requirements.
• Help develop efficient workflows for high-volume vaccination and wellness events.
• Provide education and resources to community members regarding preventative care, licensing, spay/neuter, parasite prevention, and other available services.
• Represent AHS professionally at community events and serve as a trusted veterinary resource for the communities we serve.

Client & Community Education

• Build positive relationships with pet owners, particularly those who may face financial or geographic barriers to veterinary care.
• Provide clear, compassionate, and practical medical recommendations.
• Help clients understand treatment options and prioritize care based on medical necessity and available resources.
• Support AHS's overall pet retention efforts by helping owners access preventative and early-intervention veterinary care.

Medical Records & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete medical records for every patient.
• Document examinations, diagnoses, treatments, vaccinations, medications, and recommendations.
• Ensure appropriate rabies vaccination documentation and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Follow AHS veterinary protocols, policies, and standards of care.
• Maintain appropriate controlled substance and medication records.
• Participate in quality assurance and medical record review.
• Maintain all required professional licenses and credentials.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with other veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, client service staff, community engagement staff, Animal Control Officers, and other AHS departments.
• Provide guidance and direction to veterinary support staff as appropriate.
• Participate in staff training related to preventative medicine, animal handling, vaccination protocols, client education, and clinic procedures.
• Communicate effectively with the Lead Veterinarian and Chief Medical Officer regarding medical concerns, clinic needs, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of community clinic protocols and workflows.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in AHS vaccination, wellness, and outreach initiatives as assigned.
• Assist with identifying trends in community veterinary needs and recommend new or expanded services.
• Support AHS efforts to improve access to veterinary care for underserved populations.
• Participate in organizational events and public education programs as needed.
• Maintain a professional, compassionate, and solutions-oriented approach with clients and coworkers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary school.
• Current New Jersey veterinary license in good standing.
• Current DEA registration or ability to obtain one, if required for the position.
• Strong clinical and diagnostic skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse client population.
• Commitment to accessible, preventative, and community-based veterinary care.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred:

• Experience in community medicine, shelter medicine, high-volume practice, or low-cost veterinary medicine.
• Experience conducting public vaccination or wellness clinics.
• Experience working with underserved communities.
• Experience with high-volume vaccination and wellness services.
• HVHQ Spay Neuter experience.
• Fear Free or similar low-stress animal handling training.
• Experience working collaboratively with municipal agencies or community organizations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely handle and restrain dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and work for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry animals and equipment as required.
• Ability to work in both traditional clinic settings and temporary/mobile community clinic environments.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying environmental conditions during community events as needed.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position. The schedule will primarily consist of clinic hours but will include some evenings, one weekend day, and flexibility as needed to accommodate public rabies clinics, wellness events, community outreach programs, and municipal partnerships.

Employment Type: Full Time

Salary: $155,000 - $165,000 Annual

Bonus/Commission: No