What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinarian position at Wags & Walks?
Company Description Wags & Walks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue with locations in Los Angeles and Nashville, plus a seasonal “Pup Up” in New York. The organization focuses on promoting shelter dogs as loving, family-friendly companions through foster and adoption programs. Over nearly 15 years, Wags & Walks has rescued more than 16,000 dogs, driven by a strong, inclusive community of dog lovers. The team welcomes individuals who want to help save lives and elevate rescue dogs through advocacy, hands-on care, and community engagement.
Role Description This part-time, on-site Veterinarian role is based at the Wags & Walks facility in Hermitage, TN. The Veterinarian provides high-quality medical care for rescue dogs, including physical examinations, diagnostics, treatment planning, vaccinations, and parasite control. Daily responsibilities may include performing spay/neuter surgeries and minor procedures, monitoring recovery, maintaining medical records, and ensuring adherence to shelter medicine best practices. The role collaborates closely with shelter staff, fosters, and adopters to explain treatment plans, provide post-care instructions, and support behavior and wellness recommendations. The Veterinarian also helps develop medical protocols, participates in case reviews, and contributes to a safe, humane, and low-stress environment for all dogs in the organization’s care.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) from an accredited institution; active and unrestricted veterinary license in Tennessee.
- Active DEA registration.
- Demonstrated clinical skills in small animal medicine, including wellness care, diagnostics, and treatment of common canine conditions.
- Experience with surgical procedures, particularly spay/neuter surgeries, along with pain management and post-operative care.
- Knowledge of shelter medicine, infectious disease control, vaccination protocols, and best practices for rescue and foster-based programs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with staff, volunteers, fosters, and adopters from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to make sound medical decisions in a fast-paced environment, prioritize cases, and adapt to changing needs of the rescue.
- Commitment to animal welfare, low-stress handling methods, and humane care, including trauma-informed approaches for fearful or undersocialized dogs.
- Comfort with maintaining accurate medical records, using veterinary practice software, and following organizational policies and regulatory guidelines.
- Willingness to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team and to support education of staff and volunteers on canine health and wellness.
- Previous experience in nonprofit, shelter, or rescue settings is beneficial but not required.