The Animal Rescue League of Berks County is seeking a compassionate, mission-driven veterinarian to join our team in providing lifesaving care to vulnerable animals while supporting programs that strengthen the human-animal bond in our community. We are currently recruiting for a full-time or part-time veterinarian, as well as developing more relationships with relief veterinarians, who are passionate about shelter medicine, high-quality care, and making a meaningful impact through nonprofit work. This position plays a vital role in overseeing and delivering medical and surgical care for shelter animals while helping expand access to affordable, high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter services for cats and dogs in our community. The Shelter Veterinarian will work collaboratively across departments to support animal health, welfare, adoption success, and community outreach initiatives.
Supervisor: Chief Medical Officer
About Us:
Are you a veterinarian who believes every animal deserves compassionate care and every community deserves access to affordable veterinary services? Do you thrive in a collaborative, progressive, and mission-focused environment where your work truly changes lives? If so, we would love to meet you.
The Animal Rescue League is an inclusive, women-led, LGBTQ+ friendly organization dedicated to creating a more humane community for animals and the people who love them. We value teamwork, innovation, empathy, and mutual respect. Our staff members are encouraged to think creatively, grow professionally, and contribute to programs that save lives every day. Whether you are an experienced shelter veterinarian, a clinician interested in nonprofit medicine, or someone looking for flexible relief opportunities, this is a chance to be part of an organization where your skills and compassion directly support lifesaving work.
Summary of Duties
The Shelter Veterinarian provides compassionate medical and surgical care to shelter and community animals while supporting the mission and daily operations of the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.
Responsibilities include:
Skills and Requirements:
Compensation and Benefits
Work Environment:
Overtime: This position is exempt from overtime.
Note: This job description is summarized from the full version and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the organization.
Animal Rescue League is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
Supervisor: Chief Medical Officer
About Us:
Are you a veterinarian who believes every animal deserves compassionate care and every community deserves access to affordable veterinary services? Do you thrive in a collaborative, progressive, and mission-focused environment where your work truly changes lives? If so, we would love to meet you.
The Animal Rescue League is an inclusive, women-led, LGBTQ+ friendly organization dedicated to creating a more humane community for animals and the people who love them. We value teamwork, innovation, empathy, and mutual respect. Our staff members are encouraged to think creatively, grow professionally, and contribute to programs that save lives every day. Whether you are an experienced shelter veterinarian, a clinician interested in nonprofit medicine, or someone looking for flexible relief opportunities, this is a chance to be part of an organization where your skills and compassion directly support lifesaving work.
Summary of Duties
The Shelter Veterinarian provides compassionate medical and surgical care to shelter and community animals while supporting the mission and daily operations of the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.
Responsibilities include:
- Performing physical examinations, diagnostics, treatment planning, and surgical procedures, including high-volume spay/neuter
- Diagnosing and treating a wide variety of medical conditions with a focus on shelter medicine, infectious disease management, and herd health
- Providing leadership and guidance to veterinary technicians, assistants, and shelter staff regarding standards of care and medical protocols
- Supporting humane handling and Fear Free practices to reduce stress for animals in the shelter environment
- Assist with community-focused veterinary outreach programs, including on-site and off-site wellness and vaccine clinics, to help increase access to affordable, low-cost veterinary care.
- Assisting with disease prevention initiatives, population health management, and medical protocol development
- Collaborating with adoption, animal care, and operations teams to support positive outcomes for animals
- Communicating clearly and compassionately with staff, clients, fosters, rescue partners, and community members
- Participating in humane euthanasia decisions and procedures when necessary
- Maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring compliance with applicable veterinary regulations and shelter protocols
- Contributing to a positive, inclusive, and mission-focused culture that values teamwork, innovation, and community impact
Skills and Requirements:
- DVM, VMD, or equivalent veterinary degree
- Pennsylvania veterinary license (or ability to obtain) and DEA license (or ability to obtain)
- USDA Accreditation preferred or willingness to obtain
- Strong surgical, diagnostic, and medical skills with an interest in shelter medicine and population health
- Previous shelter medicine experience preferred
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities
- Passion for animal welfare and mission of the Animal Rescue League of Berks County
- Ability to thrive in a fast paced, team-oriented environment while managing multiple priorities
- Proficient with basic computer programs and medical record systems
- Valid PA driver’s license
- Ability to life 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and perform surgeries regularly
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive salary negotiable depending on experience
- Sign-on bonus consideration for full-time candidates
- Full time, part-time, and relief roles will be considered
- Malpractice insurance, state and DEA licensing reimbursement, professional association dues paid
- Education opportunities such as CE reimbursement and HVHQSN training via the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance for qualifying vets
- Housing stipend considerations for non-local applicants for the first year of service with a two-year agreement
- Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees including medical, prescription, vision, and dental insurance
- Generous paid time including 4 weeks PTO, 7 Paid holidays, 1 bonus holiday
- Simple IRA plan with matching funds, free life insurance plan, credit union, AT&T phone plan, Employee Assistance Program
Work Environment:
- The employee will regularly be exposed to the following: potentially zoonotic diseases (including rabies), large animals, wildlife, loud noises (e.g. barking dogs), and odors
- Examination, restraint, and treatment of a high volume of animals is physically and emotionally demanding
- Euthanasia is performed in the facility and assisting with best practice euthanasia is a specific job task for this position
Overtime: This position is exempt from overtime.
Note: This job description is summarized from the full version and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the organization.
Animal Rescue League is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
