Description

Summary

The Friends of PACC Community Pet Clinic is a low-cost non-profit veterinary clinic with a mission to make care accessible to the most vulnerable pets in Pima County. The Medical Director serves as the head veterinary professional at the Clinic. This position acts in concert with the Practice Manager, Friends of PACC CEO, and Clinic Board Chair to fulfill the Clinic’s vision of reducing pet homelessness and economic euthanasia. The Medical Director sets the medical culture for the Clinic and provides mentorship for the DVM staff. 

This position is for you if:

• You believe helping animals is the most important aspect of veterinary care
• You embrace spectrum-of-care as a means to expand accessibility of veterinary care
• You want to be empowered to care for the most vulnerable and at-risk pets
• You are driven to help as many animals as possible

Functions

• Oversee patient care and ensure medical standards of the clinic are being met and maintained.
• Establish status as Responsible Veterinarian with regard to the premise license, the DEA license, and the clinic vendors
• Authorize the ordering of controlled substances for the clinic
• Seek knowledge of new advances in veterinary medicine that could serve our vision and mission
• Monitor market trends and changes in the needs of the community that would impact our ability to fulfill our vision and mission
• Serve as an example and mentor for associate veterinarians and support staff, to support FPC’s mission, vision, and culture.
• Help resolve client concerns with regard to patient care and medicine/surgery
• Help resolve staff concerns with regard to medical and surgical practices, and patients
• Manage a patient caseload agreed upon with FPC management, taking into consideration administrative duties.
• Ensure compliance with veterinary industry ethical and medical standards, State regulations, and Federal regulations, and controlled substance management protocols.
• Help management to hire, train, and evaluate staff veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and other clinic support staff.
• Help develop and implement client education materials and protocols
• Assist in making decisions with regard to medical equipment, supplies, and drugs used in the clinic in order to ensure appropriate fiscal responsibility and patient care.

About Friends of Pima Animal Care Center (FOP)

FOP is the nonprofit partner to our county animal shelter which is the only shelter in our community that never turns away a pet in need, taking in approximately 19,000 pets annually. Our mission is to support and enhance PACC’s efforts to save the lives of pets in need. We grant critically needed resources—like veterinary care, medications, and equipment—to PACC so it can continue the amazing, lifesaving progress, it has made in recent years. We envision a future in which every pet who comes to PACC is supported with the resources needed to find a loving home.

The Friends Pet Clinic is a critical component for fulfilling this mission and vision.

Friends Pet Clinic is an equal opportunity employer, complies with all Federal and Arizona State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS

Friends Pet Clinic conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions, which includes a background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and work history. In addition, a check of names and identification documents is conducted on all new employees to ensure they are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Qualified and Interested Applicants

To apply, please submit a cover letter addressing the qualifications for the position and CV/resume. Email to: torre@friendsofpacc.org with the subject line: Medical Director. 

Salary range of $155,000 - $180,000 DOE. Flexible work schedule and hours available. Health, vision, dental, PTO, and retirement benefits with employer contribution are available. Generous CE allowance and PTO/License reimbursement benefits.

Deadline: Open until filled, but initial candidate review will be January 5, 2026. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not be considered.

Requirements

Preparation and Knowledge

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including, at a minimum, a strong commitment to the mission and vision of the Friends Pet Clinic and a passion to provide lifesaving support for pets in Pima County. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following:

• DVM or VMD degree from an accredited veterinary school
• Arizona State Veterinary License
• DEA License
• 5+ years of small animal veterinarian experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in veterinary practice management software.
• Experience managing other veterinarians is a plus.
• Experience working at or with an animal shelter is a plus.
• Knowledge or experience of Pima County animal welfare organizations is a plus.

Essential qualities

• Integrity
• Initiative
• Leadership
• Independent learner
• Dependability
• Good judgment
• Ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload
• Excellent interpersonal skills