Shelter Veterinarian

We are seeking a Shelter Veterinarian for our Animal Care Center in Middletown, RI.

When you join the Potter League team, you can focus on care—not production—and make a life-changing, and often lifesaving, difference for pets and the people who love them.

The Shelter Veterinarian is responsible for veterinary services provided to shelter animals as well as community pets. This role also helps educate clients, students, staff, and volunteers on proper animal care, disease prevention, and shelter medicine best practices.

Rhode Island’s largest and most innovative animal welfare organization, the Potter League for Animals operates two locations across the state. Our Animal Care & Adoption Center receives more than 1,800 dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals annually and consistently maintains a Live Release Rate of 90% or higher. Our commitment to all animals means we pursue every reasonable effort to support their well-being. We also provide veterinary services and community support programs for under-resourced pet owners because no one should have to surrender a beloved companion due to a lack of access to affordable veterinary care.

Our Shelter Veterinary Team provides comprehensive, compassionate care to more than 1,800 shelter and community animals each year, treating both routine and complex medical conditions. In 2025, the team performed 828 spay/neuter surgeries, administered 3,461 vaccines to 2,022 animals, microchipped 521 pets, and provided a wide range of advanced diagnostics, surgeries, and dental procedures. Every decision is guided by comfort, healing, quality of life, and the individual needs of each animal.

Organization Overview

The Potter League for Animals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the well-being of Rhode Island’s companion animals. As the most comprehensive animal welfare organization in RI, we impact more than 10,000 companion animals annually. For more than 95 years, we have been committed to serving the needs of people and animals in the RI community and across New England as a 4-star Charity Navigator-rated nonprofit, ranking in the top 1% nationally.

Position Description

Classification: Full-time, salaried, exempt
Reports To: Director of Operations
Supervises: Vet Techs and Assistants in conjunction with the DO

Job Purpose

The Shelter Veterinarian is responsible for veterinary services provided to shelter animals as well as to community animals. The Shelter Veterinarian educates clients, students, staff, and volunteers on proper animal care and disease control.

Accountabilities

• Provide medical, surgical, and dental care for shelter and community animals.
• Perform physical examinations, diagnostics, treatment planning, and case management.
• Perform spay/neuter surgeries and other procedures as needed.
• Participate in daily medical and pathway planning rounds for shelter animals.
• Develop and maintain shelter medicine and disease control protocols.
• Provide emergency medical care and guidance for after-hours emergencies.
• Perform humane euthanasia services when appropriate.
• Help develop and deliver community veterinary outreach programs, including vaccine clinics.
• Educate clients, staff, volunteers, and students on animal health and disease prevention.
• Support, train, and mentor veterinary support staff, animal care staff, and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with DEA requirements, licensing regulations, and organizational policies.
• Represent the Potter League in a professional manner and support the organization’s mission through community engagement and special events.
• Adheres to all Code of Conduct standards
• Other duties, as requested

Success Factors

The individual who will thrive in this position:

• Will work well independently and with an attention to detail, engage & influence others, and is motivated to achieve goals.
• Values meaningful work and their positive impact on themselves, their colleagues, and the people and pets the Potter League serves.
• Embraces their own uniqueness and individuality and that of others.
• Will communicate kindly, clearly and articulately both verbally and in writing, and ideally in multiple languages.
• Is a problem solver who can overcome obstacles with patience and grace.
• Genuinely enjoys people and can relate to the challenges under resourced pet guardians face.
• Is proficient in Microsoft Suite products, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, and able to successfully utilize the ShelterLuv animal management database.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine licensed to practice within the State of Rhode Island.
• The ability to complete spay and neuter surgery, other surgeries such as enucleations and mass removals, and dental procedures.
• Shelter Medicine experience is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Veterinarian License and Veterinary Association Membership Dues expenses, annual allowance for continued education, and PLIT insurance.
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Savings Plan
• Simple IRA Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Annual Sick Time Bank
• Generous Vacation Time Accrual
• Pet Owner Perks and Discounts

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Laura Chabot, Director of Human Resources, at hr@potterleague.org. Phone calls are welcome at 401.846.0592 ext. 126.

Employment Disclaimer: This job description is not a contract – management reserves the right to change its contents at any time. This organization complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.