Veterinarian- Shelter​/Community

Veterinarian – Shelter/Community

Humane Rescue Alliance
, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, seeks veterinarians to deliver high‑quality animal care in both shelter and community settings. The position requires a 40‑hour work week, typically a four‑day week, with some weekend work and travel between an NW DC shelter and an SE DC clinic. It is listed as Part‑time but demands full daily coverage.

Base pay: $ – $ per year.

Competitive salary, student loan forgiveness eligibility, paid continuing education, generous paid time off, time back for weekend work, and public service loan forgiveness availability.

• Experience in shelter medicine, high‑volume surgical techniques, or community care.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to practice a full spectrum of care for cost‑controlled clients.
• Comfort with routine surgery, dentistry, and advanced surgical skills (a plus).
• Team player who respects colleagues and stakeholders.
• Mentoring ability for clinical support staff.
• Advocacy for animal welfare.

General Veterinary Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality care to animals in the shelter, foster, and community.
• Communicate effectively with the medical team, shelter staff, owners, and foster carers.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and responsibly prescribe medications.
• Provide training and mentorship to staff.
• Represent the organization and 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.
• Implement and uphold protocols for animal care and disease control.
• Collaborate across departments for optimal outcomes.
• Participate in euthanasia decisions and humane euthanasia procedures.

In the Community

• Deliver low‑cost primary and urgent care for community pets.
• Conduct wellness checks, spay/neuter, and vaccine clinics.
• Perform surgeries and dentals as needed.
• Support trap‑neuter‑return and outreach initiatives.
• Offer outpatient services including diagnostics, dentistry, preventive care.
• Participate in mobile/field work, house calls, pop‑up clinics.
• Help develop innovative programs to reduce barriers to care.

• Degree in veterinary medicine from an accredited university.
• License to practice in Washington, DC, or eligibility to obtain one.
• Prior experience in shelter medicine, high‑volume care, or community care (preferred).
• Comfortable working independently with technician support.
• Confidence in performing surgery and medical treatment in a fast‑paced environment.
• Passion for helping animals and people with limited access to care.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and desire to serve.
• Organized, flexible, solutions‑oriented under pressure.
• Multilingual fluency valued, may qualify for salary premium.

• Oglethorpe Shelter Hospital – NW DC
• Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic – SE DC
• Community & Field Work – events, outreach, mobile care

Entry level.

Part‑time.

Health Care Provider.

Non‑profit Organizations.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and become part of a team where your compassion and skills will directly save lives and strengthen communities.