Full-time
Veterinarian Full time or Contract, no weekends, no call
Palmetto Animal LeagueBluffton|Hilton Head|Okatie, South CarolinaStarting Salary: $180,000 annually | Hourly Rate: Starting at $95/hour
About Palmetto Animal League
Palmetto Animal League (PAL) is a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization located in South Carolina's beautiful Lowcountry, near Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia. Our mission is to build a community where every neglected animal has a second chance at life.
PAL operates a modern adoption center and community veterinary clinic providing compassionate sheltering, high-quality veterinary medicine, affordable services, and animal welfare advocacy.
We seek a skilled, compassionate Veterinarian to join our team. This opportunity combines shelter medicine, private practice, and nonprofit advocacy in a rewarding, mission-driven environment.
Position Overview
The Veterinarian provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for animals at PAL's adoption center and patients visiting our community veterinary clinic.
Working with veterinary technicians, shelter staff, contract veterinarians, and leadership, the successful candidate will maintain high standards of care while supporting efficient clinic operations.
The position offers diverse clinical experience in preventive medicine, diagnostics, general surgery, spay/neuter procedures, dentistry, and treatment of shelter and privately owned animals.
Key Responsibilities
Medical Care: Perform examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, and develop treatment plans.
Surgical Services: Perform canine and feline spay/neuter procedures, dentistry, and general surgeries, including anesthesia oversight and postoperative care.
Preventive Medicine: Oversee vaccinations, parasite prevention, wellness screenings, and preventive healthcare.
Shelter Medicine: Develop protocols for infectious disease prevention, sanitation, animal housing, emergency care, and pre-adoption assessments.
Clinical Leadership: Collaborate with veterinary technicians, shelter staff, contract veterinarians, and leadership to ensure safe, efficient operations.
Medical Records: Maintain accurate records of diagnoses, treatments, surgeries, and outcomes.
Veterinary Coordination: Arrange referrals for specialized treatments unavailable at PAL.
Community Education: Guide adopters, pet owners, staff, and volunteers on animal health and responsible pet ownership.
Quality Improvement: Promote efficient clinical practices while maintaining excellent patient care.
Qualifications
Required:
DVM/VMD degree from an accredited veterinary school or equivalent.
South Carolina veterinary license or eligibility for licensure.
Strong small-animal clinical, diagnostic, and surgical skills.
Experience performing canine and feline sterilizations in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to exercise independent medical judgment and collaborate effectively.
Strong communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills.
Commitment to humane handling, infection prevention, and quality care.
Eligibility for DEA registration and willingness to obtain required federal veterinary accreditation.
Valid driver's license.
Preferred:
Experience in shelter medicine, nonprofit practice, or high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter programs.
Proficiency in general surgery, dentistry, and basic emergency care.
Experience developing protocols and supervising veterinary support staff.
Familiarity with veterinary practice management or shelter software.
Passion for animal welfare and lifesaving initiatives.
Compensation and Benefits
PAL offers competitive compensation, flexible employment options, and excellent work-life balance.
Salaried Veterinarian: Starting at $180,000 annually, with higher compensation based on experience and qualifications.
Hourly Veterinarian: Starting at $95 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
Premium Surgical Pay: Higher hourly rates for surgical hours performed by veterinarians experienced in high-quality, high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter techniques.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, with no weekends or on-call responsibilities.
Reimbursement for professional licensing and veterinary liability insurance.
Insurance reimbursement opportunities.
Potential eligibility for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Collaborative, mission-driven workplace with diverse clinical opportunities.
Why Join PAL?
At PAL, veterinary medicine is about saving lives, keeping pets healthy, supporting families, and strengthening animal welfare.
Our veterinarians enjoy professional autonomy, a supportive team, diverse clinical opportunities, and a schedule that supports life outside of work.
Live and Work in South Carolina's Beautiful Lowcountry
Located near Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Savannah, PAL offers access to beautiful beaches, coastal waterways, boating, kayaking, golf, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Join Palmetto Animal League and use your veterinary expertise to give animals a second chance at life!