Shelter Veterinarian

Homeward Animal Shelter

Job Description

Job Title: Shelter Veterinarian
Reports to: Executive Director
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Homeward Animal Shelter (Fargo, ND)
Salary Range: $115,000 – $130,000 annually
Position Overview: Responsible for providing high-quality medical and surgical care to all shelter animals, primarily cats and dogs (~3,000/year). Performs spay/neuter and other surgical procedures, diagnoses and treats illness/injury, oversees disease prevention & control, supervises veterinary staff, and reports to the Executive Director.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Perform surgical sterilizations and other procedures as needed.
• Diagnose and treat shelter animal medical conditions.
• Oversee controlled substances.
• Manage shelter population health.
• Oversee and/or perform humane euthanasia as required.
• Serve as a phone resource for on-call staff.
• Supervise and train veterinary support staff.
• Ensure shelter compliance with all health regulations.
• Maintain ND veterinary license.
• Develop and ensure Homeward Animal Shelter organizational and medical protocols are followed.
• Communicate effectively regarding patient care, staff, and clinic operations.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• DVM degree or equivalent from an AVMA accredited institution.
• Licensed, or ability to become licensed, to practice veterinary medicine in North Dakota.
• Shelter medicine and high-volume, high quality spay/neuter experience preferred.
• Strong surgical, diagnostic, and leadership skills.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Commitment to Homeward Animal Shelter mission to Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Accurate recordkeeping and organizational skills.
• Emotional intelligence, integrity, and work ethic.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
Work Conditions:
• Full-time, on-site.
• Exposure to animals with varying health conditions.
• Requires standing, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), and performing surgeries.
Compensation & Benefits:
• Salary: $115K–$130K annually
• 80% employer-covered health insurance
• 3 weeks Paid time off plus 9 paid holidays
• 403b retirement plan with 3% employer match (100% vested after five years)
• Qualifies for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program
Location Benefits:
Fargo–Moorhead is a growing, vibrant community that combines professional opportunity with an exceptional quality of life. The region offers affordable living, allowing your salary to go further while still enjoying modern amenities and a comfortable lifestyle. Families benefit from excellent public and private schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of safety and community.
Veterinarians who enjoy a well-rounded life outside the clinic will appreciate Fargo’s thriving arts, culture, and sports scene, including live music, theater, festivals, and Division I collegiate athletics. The community also embraces innovation, with a rising tech sector, expanding medical community, and supportive small-business environment.
For those who love the outdoors, Fargo–Moorhead offers four beautiful seasons with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and exploring local parks and trails. The area’s welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere makes it easy to build friendships and feel at home quickly.
Balancing small-town friendliness with big-city conveniences, Fargo–Moorhead provides an excellent environment to build both a rewarding veterinary career and a fulfilling personal life.