Staff Veterinarian
Richmond Animal League
Job Description
Richmond Animal League’s Loving Spay & Neuter Clinic is seeking a Staff Veterinarian (SV) to join our team. The Staff Veterinarian will perform surgeries at RAL’s Loving Spay & Neuter Clinic in addition to providing medical care for pets at RAL’s shelter. As the Staff Veterinarian, your work and leadership will be critical to RAL’s mission to save animals’ lives and address the issue of homeless pets.More on Richmond Animal League:
For more than 47 years, RAL has been committed to saving animals' lives and finding homes for pets. We work with over 60 area shelters and rescue partners to reduce euthanasia across Virginia. RAL provides temporary housing, medical treatment, vaccinations, spay/ neuter, and loving care for pets to help them find new homes.
RAL’s Loving Spay & Neuter Clinic has performed over 100,000 spay/neuter surgeries, addressing a critical need to address pet overpopulation and homelessness.
As we approach our 50th anniversary, RAL is stronger than ever, with plans for continued growth and impact in our communities. We’re proud of the difference we are making, the talented staff, and a supportive community. This is a fantastic place to work!
The position:
As the Staff Veterinarian, you will ensure that all surgical and medical protocols are carried out according to published procedures and hold the entire staff to the highest standard of patient care. You will regularly seek to further your knowledge of the most current diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical techniques as it pertains to RAL’s mission. You will be a part of the decision-making team and will collaborate on medical and operational policies. You will report to the Veterinarian-in-Charge (VIC).
Your essential functions will include:
Upholding Exceptional Animal Care Standards:
Earn Fear Free certification and practice Fear Free techniques
Use gentle handling and surgical techniques; maintain sterility in surgery; practice patience and flexibility with fearful and reactive patients; and ensure the patients are comfortable and their needs are met by our team
Performing surgeries at the LSNC:
Conducting an initial preoperative examination on all patients upon arrival to assess surgical candidacy
Guiding drug choice and dosages based on established protocols and on individual patient needs
Creating a game plan with the surgical staff for each day to optimize patient safety and process efficiency
Performing spay and neuter surgeries, and other procedures as appropriate, for LSNC patients
Perform spay and neuter surgeries and other elective and life saving surgeries as appropriate for RAL shelter pets
Utilizing clinic software to ensure accurate medical record information:
Assessing recovery status on all patients after surgeries are complete, confirming patients are fully recovered, and clearing patients for checkout. Remaining on site until patients are fully recovered and ready for check out, and being available by phone until the clinic closes
Performing post-operative recheck appointments as needed
Providing Veterinary Care to RAL Pets:
Coordinating with the Shelter Operations staff to determine their needs
Coordinating RAL appointments and procedures with the Shelter Veterinary Coordinator on the surgery days
Triaging RAL medical cases using established protocols
Performing intake examinations on all new RAL shelter pets in a timely manner
Conducting medical examinations on RAL shelter and foster pets and creating management plans that are practical and affordable
Utilizing shelter software to input accurate medical information
Conferring with the Director of Kennel Operations regarding patient referral
Providing leadership at the LSNC and RAL
Helping foster RAL’s positive and professional culture, where all clinic staff are valued members of the medical team. Interacting respectfully with staff, volunteers, clients, and patients
Being flexible to ensure the safety and comfort of clinic staff as well as our patients
Attend and participate in clinic and RAL staff meetings and events
Consulting with other veterinarians in house and in the private sector on medical cases
Making decisions using RAL’s mission as guidance
What we’re looking for in you:
Required Qualifications:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited Veterinary College
At least one year of experience in veterinary medicine is preferred, but not required.
Candidates should have leadership qualities, strong communication skills, and a commitment to providing exceptional veterinary care.
Competencies
Strong surgical technique
Excellent organizational skills
Patience and calmness in stressful situations
Strong problem solving skills
Reliability and efficiency
A professional demeanor
Physical Demands
The Veterinarians must be able to sit or stand for hours at a time; lift at least 40 pounds without help and over 40 pounds with help; work at a computer and type; walk; get up and down on the floor; and full use their hands and arms.
Details:
This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with a schedule to be determined with the VIC.
Regular, predictable, reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
Benefits include: health care coverage, dental, eye, SIMPLE IRA match, short-term disability, life insurance, generous PTO, an Employee Assistance Program, and professional development opportunities.
You will work on a beautiful campus. Additionally, Richmond, VA blends historic charm with a thriving creative and food scene, offering big-city culture without big-city costs. With easy access to the James River, a strong job market, and a high quality of life, it’s an ideal place to build a career and live.
To apply: Please send all resumes to Anne Auditore at careers@ral.org. Please include your resume, a cover letter or a statement of interest for the position, and let us know how you heard about the job. We’re excited to hear from you!
At Richmond Animal League (RAL), we believe in equality for all. We are committed to ensuring every employee and applicant has an equal opportunity, regardless of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This is a full time job
Contact Information
Job Contact Details
Closing Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Posting Date:
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