Description
Status: As-Needed Part Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: On-site – Animal Wellness Center
Schedule: As-Needed
Starting Pay Range: $80
Who We Are
For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set – and raised – the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. As a full-service companion animal resource community, Animal Friends supports the region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services and impacting more than 200,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy, and our pet food bank each year.
Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it’s what we do.
At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a compassionate, humane, inclusive, and healthy workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.
Position Summary
The Relief Veterinarian supports Animal Friends’ mission by providing high-quality, flexible veterinary care coverage for our clinic and community programs. This role helps ensure continuity of care for pets by assisting with wellness services, high-quality/high-volume spay/neuter surgeries, and vaccination clinics.
Working alongside a skilled and supportive veterinary team, the Relief Veterinarian plays an important role in delivering compassionate, efficient care in a judgment-free environment—helping expand access to critical services for animals and the people who love them.
Primary Responsibilities
Examine, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for canine and feline patients during assigned shifts
Perform surgical procedures as needed, including spay/neuter and other soft tissue surgeries
Provide wellness and sick care services, including administering vaccinations
Perform humane euthanasia services when necessary
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including controlled substance requirements
Maintain accurate and complete medical records
Educate clients on preventative care, diagnoses, and treatment plans
Collaborate with veterinary team members to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality care
Additional Responsibilities
Provide coverage for scheduled clinic days, HQHVSN clinics, and vaccination events
Support community outreach initiatives as available and interested
Communicate effectively with staff, clients, and volunteers to maintain a positive clinic environment
Other Duties
Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs
What We Offer
Flexible scheduling
Opportunity to work with an experienced, supportive veterinary team
Meaningful, mission-driven work that expands access to veterinary care
Continuing education opportunities (as applicable for relief roles)
Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Education: Doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD)
Experience: Demonstrated ability to perform routine wellness exams and surgical procedures
Certifications/Licensures: Current Pennsylvania veterinary license in good standing
DEA license required
Skills and Abilities: Strong clinical judgment and surgical skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with team members
Adaptability and flexibility in a relief-based role
Compassionate, solution-oriented approach to animal welfare and client care
Availability: Ability to accept flexible, as-needed shifts including occasional events
Comfort working around dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals in various conditions and temperaments
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in high-quality/high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) settings
Previous relief or contract veterinary experience
Experience in nonprofit, access-to-care, or community-based veterinary services
Ability to efficiently manage caseloads in a fast-paced clinic environment
Physical, Environmental & Emotional Demands
This position:
Requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs
Involves exposure to animals, noise, cleaning agents, and indoor/outdoor environments
May involve emotionally challenging situations related to animal illness, injury, or euthanasia
Requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Animal Friends is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique contributions and lived experiences of all team members and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply.
