Shelter Veterinarian – St Louis, MO – #9836

Shelter Veterinarian – St Louis, MO – #9836

We’re seeking an experienced Shelter Veterinarian to join a mission-driven, nonprofit organization in St. Louis, Missouri. This is a rewarding opportunity for a veterinarian passionate about animal welfare who wants to make a meaningful impact without the demands of traditional client-facing practice.

The Shelter Veterinarian will report to the Director of Shelter Medicine and collaborate with another veterinarian across two shelter locations. Each veterinarian has a primary location while providing backup coverage for the other. The new veterinarian will primarily work at the St. Louis County location, which houses up to 150 animals, while the city location typically houses 350–500.

This is a fast-paced, seven-day-a-week shelter environment with a continual influx of animals. The veterinary team evaluates animals upon arrival, treats those requiring additional care, and conducts daily rounds. Each location is supported by an RVT and several veterinary assistants, and the shelter occasionally receives large rescue groups.

Shelter medicine requires a different approach than traditional clinical practice, with a focus on conditions that can be reasonably treated and allow animals to become adoption candidates. Surgery is not typically part of the role, although opportunities may be available for the right veterinarian.

The veterinarian will also make important medical and behavioral decisions, including determining when euthanasia is in an animal’s best interest due to severe medical conditions, pain, aggression, or other circumstances that prevent adoption. As an open-admission shelter, the organization accepts animals regardless of condition and works to determine the most appropriate outcome for each one.

Additional opportunities include mentoring veterinary students through externships, working alongside a Medical Director specializing in animal forensic medicine, and occasionally testifying in animal abuse, neglect, or death cases.

Qualifications

A minimum of two years of veterinary experience is required, with additional experience preferred. New graduates are not eligible. The ideal candidate will be comfortable making independent medical decisions and navigating the unique challenges of shelter medicine.

If animal welfare is your passion and you’re looking for meaningful work outside traditional clinical practice, this could be an excellent opportunity to make a lasting difference.

About the Hospital

In addition to wellness & preventative care, our state-of-the-art animal clinic offers dental care, online pharmacy, diagnostic services, surgery, orthopedic services, end-of-life resources, underwater treadmill, rehabilitation services, chiropractic care, laser therapy, PainTrace, ultrasound therapy, nutrition counseling, and more!

Life in St. Louis

St. Louis, known as “the jewel of the Missouri River,” offers historical charm, sporting attractions, and a cultural life that blows other city destinations away. Take in a rock and roll performance at atmospheric venues like Blueberry Hill — one of the birthplaces of jazz and blues! Ascend to the summit of the iconic Gateway Arch for stunning views or take a riverboat cruise on a 19th-century steamboat! Don’t miss trying the famous BBQ food that the city is known for – you can dine on the finest pork BBQ around at local eateries like Bogart’s! St. Louis has so much to offer! After historical declines, the city has turned a corner and is undergoing regeneration that is revitalizing industrial land, bringing new jobs and research facilities, and creating a top-notch quality of life.

Contact us today if you believe you are the ideal candidate for this veterinary job opportunity. Click on the “Apply” button below.