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Zoo Veterinary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI

$89K - $100K/yr

Coordinates the veterinary medical aspects of animal shipments to and from the zoo. Maintains medical records. * Commissary Management - Manage the Commissary and Commissary Animal Nutrition ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI

$89K - $100K/yr

Coordinates the veterinary medical aspects of animal shipments to and from the zoo. Maintains medical records. * Commissary Management - Manage the Commissary and Commissary Animal Nutrition ...

Oakland Zoo

Veterinarian, Veterinary Services

Oakland, CA · On-site

$107K - $120K/yr

Position Summary The Veterinarian is a primarily clinical position within the Oakland Zoo ... Veterinary Services team, playing a vital role in supporting Oakland Zoo's mission of exceptional ...

New

Oakland Zoo

Veterinarian, Veterinary Services

Oakland, CA · On-site

$107K - $120K/yr

Position Summary The Veterinarian is a primarily clinical position within the Oakland Zoo ... Veterinary Services team, playing a vital role in supporting Oakland Zoo's mission of exceptional ...

New

Oakland Zoo

Veterinarian

Oakland, CA · On-site

$107K - $120K/yr

Position Summary The Veterinarianis a primarily clinical position within the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Services team, playing a vital role in supporting Oakland Zoo's mission of exceptional animal care ...

Oakland Zoo

Veterinarian

Oakland, CA

$107K - $120K/yr

Position Summary The Veterinarianis a primarily clinical position within the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Services team, playing a vital role in supporting Oakland Zoo's mission of exceptional animal care ...

New

Denver Zoo

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

Align veterinary program and individual leadership with Denver Zoo core values to be welcoming, curious, united, courageous, and transformative. * Provide supervision for the Clinical Veterinarians ...

Denver Zoo

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO

$82K - $112K/yr

Align veterinary program and individual leadership with Denver Zoo core values to be welcoming, curious, united, courageous, and transformative. * Provide supervision for the Clinical Veterinarians ...

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All JobsZoo Veterinary Jobs

Zoo Veterinary information

See salary details

$35K

$82.7K

$189.5K

How much do zoo veterinary jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo veterinary in the United States is $82,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a veterinarian work in a zoo?

A zoo veterinarian is a specialized veterinarian who works with a variety of exotic and wild animals in a zoo setting. They typically have training in exotic animal medicine, often hold advanced degrees or certifications, and work closely with zookeepers and conservation teams to ensure animal health and welfare.

How to get a job as a zoo vet?

To become a zoo veterinarian, you need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, complete a veterinary internship or residency in exotic or wildlife medicine, and gain experience working with diverse animal species. Certification from organizations like the American College of Zoological Medicine can enhance job prospects, and strong skills in animal handling, diagnostics, and teamwork are essential.

How much do zoo veterinary assistants make?

Zoo veterinary assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Certification and familiarity with medical equipment can also influence pay.

How does a zoo veterinarian typically collaborate with animal care staff and other specialists?

Zoo veterinarians work closely with animal care staff, nutritionists, and wildlife biologists to ensure the health and well-being of the animals. They frequently consult with keepers to monitor animal behavior, coordinate preventive medicine, and develop individualized treatment plans. Collaboration also involves participating in animal enrichment, training sessions, and contributing expertise during breeding programs or animal transfers. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for addressing medical challenges and supporting conservation efforts within the zoo.

What are zoo veterinarians?

Zoo veterinarians are specialized veterinarians who care for a wide range of animals living in zoos, wildlife parks, and aquariums. Their responsibilities include diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing surgeries, conducting health checks, advising on nutrition, and participating in conservation programs. They also collaborate with zookeepers and other staff to ensure the well-being and proper management of captive animals. Zoo veterinarians often work with both common and exotic species, making their role diverse and challenging.

What is the difference between Zoo Veterinary vs Wildlife Veterinarian?

AspectZoo VeterinaryWildlife Veterinarian
Required CredentialsDVM or VMD, specialized training in exotic and captive animalsDVM or VMD, often with additional wildlife medicine certifications
Work EnvironmentZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, often indoors or controlled settingsFieldwork in natural habitats, wildlife rescue centers, or research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, aquariums, conservation organizationsWildlife agencies, conservation groups, research institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in zoo settingsFocus on wild animal health in natural environments

Zoo veterinarians primarily work in controlled environments like zoos and aquariums, focusing on the health of captive animals. Wildlife veterinarians often work in the field, addressing health issues of wild animals in their natural habitats. Both roles require veterinary degrees and specialized training, but their work settings and daily tasks differ significantly.

Is there a demand for zoo vets?

Zoo veterinarians are in steady demand due to the specialized skills required to care for diverse and often exotic animals. Employment opportunities are available in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife conservation organizations, with a need for advanced veterinary training and experience in exotic animal medicine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Zoo Veterinarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, licensure, and expertise in exotic and wildlife animal health. Familiarity with diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, laboratory testing, and specialized zoo veterinary software is typically required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving, and effective communication with both animal care staff and the public are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality medical care to diverse species and ensuring the health and safety of both animals and humans in a zoo environment.
More about Zoo Veterinary jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Veterinary jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Veterinary job openings:
What states have the most Zoo Veterinary jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Veterinary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Veterinary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Veterinary jobs are:
Zoo Veterinary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Veterinary job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,725 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

mkecounty

Milwaukee, WI

$89K - $100K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Associate­ Veterinarian

Milwaukee County Zoo

Salary Range: $89,107.20 - $100,000

Job Posting will close on 06/29/2026

Job Summary: Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and associated programs.  Participates in the development and implementation of clinical and preventative veterinary programs.  As a member of the Animal Management Team, develops and implements Animal Division programs, and , procedures. Provides mentorship and oversight for the Zoological Medicine and Surgery resident as well as veterinary students. Manages the Commissary and Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator.  Participates in zoo conservation and research programs.  Oversee hospital operations in the absence of the Senior Staff Veterinarian.

                                                                             
Job Responsibilities:

  • Clinical Duties - Assists in developing and implementing the preventive and clinical medicine programs. Provides direct clinical care including, but not limited to, examinations, surgery, diagnostic and regulatory tests, treatments, and lab work interpretation.  Coordinates the veterinary medical aspects of animal shipments to and from the zoo. Maintains medical records.
  • Commissary Management  - Manage the Commissary and Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator.  Assist in diet development and evaluate diets within the park for diet drift and modify them as needed.   Monitor Commissary inventory and budget.  Identify and prioritize requests for facility maintenance and write purchase specifications for high volume and diverse dietary items in collaboration with the Commissary Animal Nutrition Coordinator.  Assess food quality. 
  • General Animal Division Management - As a member of Animal Management Team, participate in establishing animal department procedures, work rules,, and protocols, communicate related activities to zoo staff, research review, facility design and collection planning and management.
  • Conservation and Research - Manage or participate in zoological conservation, research or breeding programs.  Prepare reports and articles for presentation or publication; participate in zoological-related conferences, workshops, seminars and professional development activities.
  • Staff Leadership - Supervise the work and performance of the hospital staff in the absence of the Senior Staff Veterinarian, providing leadership through motivation, engagement, feedback, support and development.  Maximize employee and team effectiveness.  Coordinate the recruitment, hiring, orientation, training, and evaluation of the team in conjunction with the Senior Staff Veterinarian.  Maintain a positive culture of collaboration, accountability, and respectful behavior

Minimum Requirements:

 

  • Doctor Veterinary Medicine (DVM) - or a VMD degree from an AVMA accredited college or university
  • At least two (2) years or more experience working as a veterinarian in a zoo or wildlife park required
  • WI veterinary license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
  • USDA category II accreditation or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
  • DEA and WI driver’s license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. 
  • Cervid and Elephant TB testing certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

  • ACZM board certification or eligibility
  • Completion of an approved residency in Zoo Veterinary Medicine

NOTE: This position is unclassified and not subject to Civil Service Rules and Regulations. This original application is open to qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of appointment and maintain such residency during incumbency. During the application process please upload your updated resume and cover letter outlining experience. 

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