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Shelter Veterinarian

Woodstock, Illinois | 16–20 Hours Per Week Part-time OR 35-40 Hours Per Week Full-Time

Be Part of Changing the World by Doing What You Love.

At Young at Heart, you’ll have the rare opportunity to practice medicine in an environment where treatment decisions are driven by what is best for the animal - not by production goals or client budgets.

Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions is seeking a compassionate, collaborative veterinarian who believes every senior dog and cat deserves to live their golden years with comfort, compassion, and companionship.

Since 2005, Young at Heart has been a leader in senior pet rescue, providing a safe haven for older dogs and cats who might otherwise have nowhere to turn. Through our cage-free adoption center, sanctuary program, foster network, and on-site Foglia Senior Pet Veterinary Center, we provide comprehensive medical care and second chances for senior pets throughout Illinois.

This is a unique opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys geriatric medicine, dentistry, rescue work, and creative problem-solving. Every day brings rewarding cases, opportunities to improve quality of life, and the chance to make a lasting impact on animals who need it most.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Because Young at Heart funds the medical care for the animals in our program, our veterinarians are able to focus on providing the best care for each patient without the financial constraints commonly encountered in private practice. Here, medicine is guided by what is best for the animal, not by what fits within a client’s budget.

At Young at Heart, you’ll enjoy:

No production quotas or revenue targets

No requirement to discuss treatment costs or financial limitations with clients

The opportunity to focus on patient care, comfort, and quality of life

A collaborative and supportive team that values your expertise

A family-friendly, flexible work environment

Holidays off

Continuing education opportunities

The ability to make a meaningful difference every single day

Practice High-Quality Medicine with Modern Equipment

Our on-site Foglia Senior Pet Veterinary Center is equipped to provide comprehensive medical care for senior dogs and cats, including:

Digital radiography (X-ray)

Digital dental radiography

Ultrasound

Full surgical suite

In-house diagnostics including Zoetis VS2, Imagyst and OptiCell

Therapeutic laser therapy

Underwater treadmill/hydrotherapy

Dedicated treatment and recovery areas

Support from experienced veterinary professionals, animal care staff, and trained volunteers

We believe senior pets deserve access to the same high-quality medical care as any other patient, and we invest in the equipment, facilities, and team needed to make that possible.

Unlike many shelter medicine positions, this role offers the opportunity to build ongoing relationships with patients through our adoption, foster, and sanctuary programs. You’ll have the opportunity to follow cases over time, celebrate recoveries, manage chronic conditions, improve mobility and quality of life, and help senior pets thrive in their golden years.

Position Responsibilities

The veterinarian is responsible for helping guide the medical care of dogs and cats throughout their journey with Young at Heart.

Responsibilities include:

• Diagnosing illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions
• Developing treatment plans and providing ongoing medical oversight
• Performing dental procedures and extractions
• Performing surgeries including spay/neuter and other soft tissue procedures
• Monitoring quality of life and assisting with medical and hospice decisions
• Performing humane euthanasia and providing compassionate end-of-life care, including occasional in-home euthanasia visits for local sanctuary families
• Collaborating with staff, volunteers, foster families, adopters, and partner veterinarians
• Providing medical guidance, training, and support to team members
• Maintaining accurate and thorough medical records
• Supporting Young at Heart’s commitment to Fear Free® and low-stress handling practices

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) or equivalent degree
• Current Illinois veterinary license
• Active DEA license
• Proficiency in dentistry, including dental radiology and extractions
• Ultrasound experience preferred but not required; willing to learn encouraged
• Commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Passion for senior pets and their unique medical needs
• Because Young at Heart cares for medically complex senior dogs and cats, candidates should have a strong foundation in small animal medicine and surgery. Five or more years of clinical experience is strongly preferred.

Schedule & Compensation

• Part-time position (16–20 hours per week) or Full-time position (35-40 hours per week)
• Consistent schedule
• Competitive hourly compensation $65-75/hour
• Continuing education opportunities
• Holidays off

The Best Part?

You’ll go home each day knowing your work helped a senior dog or cat receive the medical care, comfort, dignity, and second chance they deserve.

If you’re looking for a veterinary position where your skills, compassion, and expertise can truly change lives, we’d love to hear from you.