Join Our Team

Are you looking for a rewarding leadership position in a diverse, vibrant, affordable city, where creativity and a culture of continuous improvement drives organizational culture? PAWS is seeking a Medical Director to lead our delivery of veterinary services, and to play an instrumental role in achieving our ultimate goal of making Philadelphia a no-kill city. As the city’s largest rescue partner and provider of affordable basic veterinary care for community pets, our passionate team works every day to end pet homelessness and to provide top-quality care to dogs and cats with medical and surgical needs who would otherwise not have a chance.

The Medical Director has both clinical responsibilities (approximately 60%) and administrative responsibilities (approximately 40%). Clinical practice includes: performing HQHVSN surgeries and additional specialty surgeries as needed, conducting routine wellness and sick visits for pets whose owners rely on PAWS for affordable care, performing examinations and determining treatment plans for our in-house and foster population of rescued animals, and consulting and collaborating with specialty veterinary partners on special cases. Administrative responsibilities include: upholding and updating PAWS’ current medical procedures and protocols in keeping with industry best practices; establishing new protocols as needed; providing insight and oversight for in-house and foster animals with complex medical or surgical needs; and, leading and mentoring a cohesive and productive medical staff in partnership with the Director of Operations.

The Medical Director acts as a liaison among multiple departments within the organization to ensure optimal treatment and outcomes for animals who come into PAWS’ care. Therefore, the successful applicant must have excellent interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills and be able to work well with staff with widely varying levels of medical knowledge. The ability to think practically about medical care, balancing animal welfare and “gold standard” practices with cost and reasonable outcomes, is essential. 

Benefits of PAWS employment: 

• — Health, dental, and prescription insurance, as well as access to additional voluntary benefits (long- and short-term disability, life, and accident insurance).
• — 401(k) with employer matching.
• — Major holidays off (the shelter is closed) and paid time off (PTO).
• — Yearly Continuing Education allowance, and up to four days off for conferences/CE (does not count against PTO).
• — Pennsylvania bi-annual license renewal fees.
• — DEA license renewal fees.
• — Free and heavily discounted clinic services, lab work and medications for your personal pets.
• — Moving stipend considered for outstanding out-of-state applicants. 
• — Potential eligbility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• — Competitive salary.

Educational and Licensure Requirements:

• — Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an accredited university with no history of complaints or disciplinary action required. 
• — Valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Veterinary license with no history of complaints or disciplinary action.
• — Valid DEA license, or ability to obtain one, with no history of complaints or disciplinary action.

Additional Requirements:

• — A minimum of 3 years’ experience in supervisory roles with demonstrated success in leading a team.
• — Experience with HQHVSN surgery, as well as other soft tissue and specialty surgeries.
• — Clinical experience with health conditions common in shelter populations and owned pets.
• — Experience in a fast-paced shelter or community medicine setting.
• — A self-starter who is well organized, innovative, flexible, and passionate about PAWS’ goals and objectives.
• — Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with a strong attention to detail.
• — The ideal candidate is personable, outgoing, patient, professional, empathetic, mature, and able to get along well with a culturally diverse community.
• — Strong sense of initiative and ability to problem-solve, identifying tasks that need to be accomplished and prioritizing appropriately, and working independently with minimal supervision and direction.
• — Comfort and experience with Google and Microsoft applications. PAWS uses a variety of web-based software that veterinarians must be comfortable learning to use on a daily basis for managing client care. 

Interested?

For a full job description, or more information, please email Natalie Smith, Director of Operations, at natalie@phillypaws.org.

At PAWS we’re fighting every day to end pet homelessness and to provide top quality care to unique medical and surgical cases that would otherwise not have a chance. We are looking for a diversely talented, team-oriented, full-time veterinarian who’s ready to be part of a historic change in ending Philadelphia’s pet homelessness by performing high quality, high volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) and also seeing community animals in our busy wellness clinic.

Veterinarians at PAWS are responsible for providing excellent veterinary care for all animals in PAWS’ facilities, both rescued and owned by members of the community. Veterinarians must be able to promote PAWS’ mission, uphold the integrity of the organization at all times, and work collaboratively with other staff members and volunteers to ensure the Wellness and Spay/Neuter clinic’s smooth operation. This position is for PAWS’ South Philadelphia location (2900 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146).

We think you’ll be a great fit if you:

• –  Want to work with pet owners and also play an integral role in caring for the 2,000 or more homeless animals that PAWS rescues yearly.
• – Are team-oriented and want to work with PAWS’ medical and non-medical staff to find permanent homes for animals.
• –  Can work fast and efficiently without compromising care.
• –  Enjoy working with pet owners to find affordable solutions to keep their animals healthy.
• –  Like teaching and guiding technicians, veterinary students, and support staff.
• –  Want to help low-income families and their pets by providing quality, affordable, practical, appropriate care.   

The ideal candidate has experience in HQHVSN and will be able to perform surgeries, see appointments in the wellness clinic, and direct treatment for PAWS’ shelter and foster animals.

The Surgical Experience at PAWS:
The PAWS spay/neuter clinic provides sterilization services for animals owned by members of the community, feral or stray cats through “trap-neuter-release” programs, and in-house shelter animals. Additional soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries are performed as needed on foster or in-house shelter animals. The ideal candidate will be able to:

• – Spay and neuter a minimum of 20 animals a day, generally 60-70% cats and 30-40% dogs. Training will be provided to a candidate who shows promising surgical skills.
• – Experience with high volume spay/neuter is preferred but not required.
• – Perform, or have interest in learning how to perform, a variety of surgeries for our rescued animals, including but not limited to limb and tail amputations, various soft tissue surgeries, enucleations, eyelid repairs, cystotomies, FHOs, hernia repairs, wound care,
  and basic dental services.
• – Perform adequate preoperative examinations on animals and determine suitability for anesthesia and surgery.
• – Work as a team with other veterinarians and technicians assigned to surgery on any given day, as well as front desk staff and non-medical shelter staff.
• – Provide oversight on logging anesthetic drugs and maintaining controlled substance logs.
• – Demonstrate excellent leadership skills and ability to manage the surgical flow and ensure animal and human safety.

The Wellness Clinic Experience at PAWS:
PAWS’ Wellness Clinics provide a means for low-income families and animal rescue organizations in Philadelphia to access high-quality, basic veterinary services for their dogs and cats. Clinics are equipped with the medications and resources to handle routine outpatient cases including wellness exams, skin conditions, upper respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disease, non-emergent urinary tract conditions, minor soft-tissue injuries, and other preventative care. Thanks to grants and other strategic partnerships, PAWS is able to assist pet owners who experience financial barriers to getting their pet seen or medications filled.

The Shelter and Foster Animal Care Experience at PAWS:
PAWS houses 50-100 rescued animals in our main shelter/clinic location at any given time, and our robust foster care program places over 1,000 animals into foster care yearly. PAWS veterinarians assigned to surgery and the wellness clinic work as a team to provide daily care for this population through established walk-in hours for foster animals, routine and sick exams for in-house animals, and surgical care as needed. PAWS veterinary staff have access to in-house digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, and other diagnostic tools which allow us to provide a high level of care to homeless pets in need. PAWS’ incredible shelter medicine, foster, and adoption programs result in a “save rate” / ”live release rate” of over 97%.

Benefits of PAWS employment: 

• – Competitive salary, in line with other shelters in the area.
• –  9am – 5pm schedule, with no on-call duties. 
• – Paid time off (PTO) and major holidays off (the shelter and clinic are closed).
• – Eligibility to participate in PAWS’ 401(k) retirement savings plan, with employer
  matching.
• – Yearly CE allowance, and up to three paid days off to attend conferences/participate in CE.
• – VIN membership.
• – Pennsylvania bi-annual license/license renewal fees covered.
• – Veterinary Medical Malpractice Liability coverage for your work at PAWS.
• – Eligibility for voluntary benefit enrollment (short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance); policies are portable.
• – Access to PAWS’ Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• – Free and heavily discounted clinic services, lab work, medications, and food for your personal pets.

Educational and Licensure Requirements:

• – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an accredited university and valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Veterinary license with no history of complaints or disciplinary action required.
• – Experience in shelter setting and performing quality high-volume spay/neuter surgery strongly preferred.
• – Two+ years work experience in general practice or shelter medicine strongly preferred.

Additional Job Skills Required:

• –  A self-starter who is well organized, innovative, flexible, and passionate about PAWS’ goals and objectives.
• – Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• – The ideal candidate is personable, outgoing, patient, professional, empathetic, and able to get along well with a culturally diverse community.
• –  Strong sense of initiative and ability to problem-solve, identifying tasks that need to be accomplished and prioritizing appropriately, and working independently with minimal supervision and direction.
• – Maturity, good judgment, and a professional personal appearance.
• – Flexibility and the ability to manage multiple tasks and accommodate varied work assignments and schedules.
• –  Comfort and experience with Google and Microsoft applications strongly preferred. PAWS uses a variety of web-based software that veterinarians must be comfortable learning to use on a daily basis for managing client care. 
• – Must have a strong attention to detail.

Interested?
Please email a cover letter and resume to Natalie Smith, Director of Operations, at natalie@phillypaws.org.

At PAWS, we work every day to end pet homelessness and to provide top-quality veterinary care to animals with medical and surgical needs who would otherwise not have a chance. We are looking for a talented, team-oriented, part-time veterinarian who is ready to be part of a historic change in ending Philadelphia’s pet homelessness by seeing community animals in our busy wellness clinics and by supporting our shelter and foster animals.

Veterinarians at PAWS are responsible for providing excellent veterinary care for all animals in PAWS’ facilities, both rescued and owned by members of the community. Veterinarians must be able to promote PAWS’ mission, uphold the integrity of the organization at all times, and work collaboratively with other staff members and volunteers to ensure the Wellness and Spay/Neuter clinics’ smooth operation. This position is for PAWS’ South Philadelphia location (2900 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146).

We think you’ll be a great fit if you:

• –  Want to work with pet owners and also play an integral role in caring for the 2,000 or more homeless animals that PAWS rescues yearly.
• – Are team-oriented and want to work with PAWS’ medical and non-medical staff to find permanent homes for animals.
• –  Can work fast and efficiently without compromising care.
• –  Enjoy working with pet owners to find affordable solutions to keep their animals healthy.
• –  Like teaching and guiding technicians, veterinary students, and support staff.
• –  Want to help low-income families and their pets by providing quality, affordable, practical, appropriate care.   

The Wellness Clinic Experience at PAWS:
PAWS’ Wellness Clinics provide a means for low-income families and animal rescue organizations in Philadelphia to access high-quality, basic veterinary services for their dogs and cats. Clinics are equipped with the medications and resources to handle routine outpatient cases including wellness exams, skin conditions, upper respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disease, non-emergent urinary tract conditions, minor soft-tissue injuries, and other preventative care. Thanks to grants and other strategic partnerships, PAWS is able to assist pet owners who experience financial barriers to getting their pet seen or medications filled.

The Shelter and Foster Animal Care Experience at PAWS:
PAWS houses 50-100 rescued animals in our main shelter/clinic location at any given time, and our robust foster care program places over 1,000 animals into foster care yearly. PAWS veterinarians assigned to surgery and the wellness clinic work as a team to provide daily care for this population through established walk-in hours for foster animals, routine and sick exams for in-house animals, and surgical care as needed. PAWS veterinary staff have access to in-house digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, and other diagnostic tools which allow us to provide a high level of care to homeless pets in need. PAWS’ incredible shelter medicine, foster, and adoption programs result in a “save rate” / ”live release rate” of over 97%.

Scheduling Needs:
This part-time position consists of 2-3 shifts per week at our Grays Ferry clinic/shelter, ideally including one weekend day. The position would primarily serve owned patients through PAWS’ Wellness Clinic, and would likely not include HQHVSN surgical shifts.

Benefits of PAWS employment: 

• – Competitive salary, in line with other shelters in the area.
• –  9am – 5pm schedule, with no on-call duties. 
• – Paid time off (PTO) and major holidays off (the shelter and clinic are closed).
• – Eligibility to participate in PAWS’ 401(k) retirement savings plan, with employer
  matching.
• – Yearly CE allowance, and up to three paid days off to attend conferences/participate in CE.
• – Contribution towards VIN membership.
• – Contribution toward Pennsylvania bi-annual license/license renewal fees.
• – Veterinary Medical Malpractice Liability coverage for your work at PAWS.
• – Eligibility for voluntary benefit enrollment (short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance); policies are portable.
• – Access to PAWS’ Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• – Free and heavily discounted clinic services, lab work, medications, and food for your personal pets.

Educational and Licensure Requirements:

• – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent from an accredited university and valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Veterinary license with no history of complaints or disciplinary action required.
• – Experience in shelter setting or community medicine-oriented general practice is strongly preferred.
• – Two+ years work experience in general practice or shelter medicine strongly preferred.

Additional Job Skills Required:

• –  A self-starter who is well organized, innovative, flexible, and passionate about PAWS’ goals and objectives.
• – Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. The ideal candidate is personable, outgoing, patient, professional, empathetic, and able to get along well with a culturally diverse community.
• –  Strong sense of initiative and ability to problem-solve, identifying tasks that need to be accomplished and prioritizing appropriately, and working independently with minimal supervision and direction.
• – Flexibility and the ability to manage multiple tasks and accommodate varied work assignments and schedules.
• –  Comfort and experience with Google and Microsoft applications strongly preferred. PAWS uses a variety of web-based software that veterinarians must be comfortable learning to use on a daily basis for managing client care. 

Interested?
Please email a cover letter and resume to Natalie Smith, Director of Operations, at natalie@phillypaws.org.

PAWS is currently hiring for a part-time Veterinary Technician (at least one weekend day required) at our Grays Ferry location!

PAWS is looking for a motivated and caring individual to join our medical team! We are Philadelphia’s largest animal rescue partner and have a large and diverse caseload of in-house, foster, and client-owned animals that need a dedicated, compassionate, and versatile person to care for their daily needs. Our veterinary technicians are the backbone of our in-house operations and participate in virtually all aspects of daily animal care. The ideal candidate has a focus on animal welfare, is outgoing, patient, and flexible, and is able to get along well with a variety of people and animals. Experience in a shelter environment and a basic understanding of veterinary diseases, treatment, and disease transmission preferred.

Benefits for veterinary technicians at PAWS include heavily discounted/at-cost veterinary care and pet food, as well as paid time off and class budget for continuing education!

General Position Summary:

Veterinary technicians at PAWS are integral members of the PAWS medical team. They are responsible for ensuring that animals in the shelter are healthy, properly fed and cared for, and receiving the medical care prescribed to them by veterinary staff. Veterinary technicians function within PAWS medical and operational protocols to perform a variety of assigned daily tasks, including but not limited to daily animal care and medication, receiving new animals into the shelter, assisting veterinarians in wellness appointments and surgery, and supporting other departments in handling medical cases.

Veterinary technicians interact regularly with the public and owned animals, as well as foster parents and shelter animals, and must strive to provide excellent customer service and positive experiences for these individuals at all times. Veterinary technicians must be able to treat people and animals with respect, be an effective member of the PAWS team and foster a spirit of teamwork, and perform duties in a manner that promotes the achievement of PAWS’ goals and encourages community support of its work.

Primary Duties:

• – Care for and handle animals in a safe, effective and humane manner, especially larger and possibly untrained or feral animals.
• – Assist veterinarians and collaborate with other veterinary technicians to perform daily medical tasks.
• – Perform and accurately record examinations, vaccinations, and medical treatments for publicly owned and shelter animals under the direction of veterinarians using PAWS’ record keeping systems.
• – Administer first aid treatments and medications to sick and injured animals, provide water and proper diet for all animals, and ensure sanitary conditions for all animals in PAWS’ care.
• – Prepare owned and rescue animals for high-volume sterilization and other surgeries, including:
•  — Organizing pre and post surgical paperwork.
•  — Aseptically preparing instruments and patients for procedures.
•  — Maintaining drug logs and a surgical log.
•  — Administration of anesthesia.
•  — Monitoring animals during recovery.
• – Perform or prepare laboratory tests and diagnostics including fungal cultures, fecal flotations, cytologies, blood smears, and digital radiographs.
• – Euthanize animals as needed and appropriate under the supervision and direction of a veterinarian or the director of operations.
• – Monitor animals’ conditions, rapidly identify and address any medical or behavioral conditions which might warrant veterinary attention, and work in cooperation with staff to attend to any immediate needs.
•  – Admit and release animals in a responsive, courteous, and tactful manner, and communicate with volunteers, staff, and the public regarding any pertinent medical information.
• – Assist in maintaining healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant and clean facilities for animals under the care of PAWS.
• – Participate in job related trainings and professional development activities.
• – Follow procedures governing safe work practices including, but not limited to, wearing protective clothing and safely operating medical equipment when necessary.
• – Treat people and animals with respect and compassion.
• – Promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals and treat all animals compassionately and respectfully at all times, including sick, injured, feral or aggressive animals.
• – Work courteously and cooperatively with staff and volunteers to ensure that all procedures and policies are followed.
• – Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualities:

• – Minimum of one year of experience working in a shelter, animal hospital, and/or private veterinary practice.
• – Ability to read, write and understand English.
• – Strong attention to detail- our patients’ health depends on accuracy and consistency in their medical treatment.
• – Computer proficient in Microsoft office and Google/G-Suite products, and proficiency or comfort with becoming proficient in all internet-based clinic management systems utilized by PAWS (ShelterLuv, Clinic HQ).
• – Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• – Strong sense of initiative and ability to problem-solve, identifying tasks that need to be accomplished and prioritizing appropriately, working independently with minimal supervision and direction.
• – Flexibility, maturity, and ability to manage multiple tasks and accommodate varied work assignments and schedules.
• – Ability to communicate effectively with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers and community in a professional, pleasant, respectful, courteous and tactful manner at all times.
• – The ability to remain pleasant and calm even in stressful situations, and to turn people down, firmly when necessary, without becoming aggressive or unpleasant.

Physical Requirements:

• – Ability to work with and around animals including diseased, injured and/or stressed animals.
• – Ability to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday and tolerate loud noises.
• – Allergic conditions, which would be aggravated when handling or working with animals, may be a disqualification.
• – Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain an animal when necessary.

Educational Requirements:

• – High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• – Post-secondary education in the veterinary sciences field is preferred but not required.

Work Location/Schedule/Compensation:

• – Compensation commensurate with experience.
• – This position is located at the PAWS Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at 2900 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
• – PAWS is open seven days a week. Part-time schedules are 2-3 days per week, including at least one weekend day.
• – A minimum of 8 hours per day is required and typical shift times are 9am-5pm.

Interested? We want to hear from you! Please send us your resume and cover letter via this form.

At-Will Employment:
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of PAWS that exempt positions are at-will, which means that employment is for no specified term and the employee or PAWS may terminate that employment at any time without cause.

PAWS is currently hiring for full-time (five days a week, at least one weekend day required) and part-time Veterinary Technicians at our NE/Grant Ave. Wellness Clinic!

We are Philadelphia’s largest animal rescue partner and have a large and diverse caseload of in-house, foster, and client-owned animals that need a dedicated, compassionate, and versatile person to care for their daily needs. The ideal candidate has experience assisting veterinarians in clinic appointments, is outgoing, patient, and a strong communicator with clients and coworkers.

General Position Summary:

Veterinary assistants are integral members of PAWS’ medical team, being key players in our low-cost Wellness Clinics, and our veterinarians’ right-hand helpers. Veterinary assistants interact regularly with the public and owned pets, as well as foster parents and shelter animals, and must strive to provide excellent customer service and positive experiences for these individuals at all times. Veterinary assistants must treat people and animals with respect and compassion and foster a spirit of teamwork.

Primary Duties:

•   – Handle and restrain pets visiting the clinic in a safe, effective and humane manner, including larger and possibly untrained or fearful animals.
•   – Assist veterinarians and collaborate with other veterinary technicians to perform daily medical tasks.
•   – Gather histories on clinic clients for the clinic veterinarian, with an eye for detail.
•   – Prepare medications and other treatments for clinic clients at the direction of the clinic veterinarian and assist the veterinarian with discharging clinic clients.
•   – Communicate respectfully and patiently with clinic clients about PAWS clinic procedures and their pet’s health.
•   – Perform and accurately record examinations, vaccinations, and medical treatments for publicly owned and shelter animals under the direction of veterinarians using PAWS’ record keeping systems.
•   – Administer first aid treatments and medications to sick and injured animals.
•   – Perform or prepare laboratory tests and diagnostics including fungal cultures, fecal flotations, cytologies, blood smears, and digital radiographs.
•   – Admit and release animals in a responsive, courteous, and tactful manner, and communicate pertinent medical information to volunteers, staff, and the public.
•   – Assist in maintaining healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant and clean facilities for animals under the care of PAWS.
•   – Participate in job related trainings and professional development activities.
•   – Follow procedures governing safe work practices including, but not limited to, wearing protective clothing and safely operating medical equipment when necessary.
•   – Promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals and treat all animals compassionately and respectfully at all times, including sick, injured, feral or aggressive animals.
•   – Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualities:

•   – Minimum of one year of experience working in a shelter, animal hospital, and/or private veterinary practice.
•   – Minimum of two years of experience working in a general practice or wellness clinic setting, with experience taking histories and discharging pets.
•   – Ability to read, write and understand English.
•   – Computer proficient in Microsoft office.
•   – Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
•   – Strong sense of initiative and ability to problem-solve, identifying tasks that need to be accomplished and prioritizing appropriately, working independently with minimal supervision and direction.
•   – Flexibility, maturity, and ability to manage multiple tasks and accommodate varied work assignments and schedules.
•   – Ability to communicate effectively with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers and community in a professional and pleasant manner.
•   – The ability to remain pleasant and calm even in stressful situations, and to turn people down, firmly when necessary, without becoming aggressive or unpleasant.

Physical Requirements:

•   – Ability to work with and around animals including diseased, injured and/or vicious animals.
•   – Ability to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday and tolerate loud noises.
•   – Allergic conditions, which would be aggravated when handling or working with animals, may be a disqualification.
•   – Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain an animal when necessary.

Educational Requirements:

•   – High school diploma or equivalent is required.
•   – Post-secondary education in the veterinary sciences field preferred but not required.

Work Location/Schedule:

•   – This position is located at the PAWS NE Adoption Center and Low-Cost Clinic at 1810 Grant Avenue, on Grant Avenue between Bustleton and Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia.
• – PAWS is open seven days a week. A minimum of 8 hours per day is required. Full time (40 hours) and part time positions available. Daily schedule may vary according to the needs of the organization.

Interested? We want to hear from you! Please send us your resume and cover letter via this form.