Relief Veterinarian in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Animal Friends

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

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.