Shelter Veterinarian – ACS

Job Overview: Shelter Veterinarian (ACS)

The Indianapolis Animal Care Services (ACS) is seeking a dedicated Shelter Veterinarian to provide high-quality medical and surgical care for a diverse range of species within the city-operated shelter. This is a high-impact clinical and leadership role that balances emergency medicine, high-volume surgery, and forensic veterinary medicine.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, you will exercise independent judgment in diagnosing and treating animals in crisis, managing the shelter’s ICU, and serving as a key advocate for animal welfare in Marion County.

Key Responsibilities & Clinical Operations

Surgical & Medical Care

• HQHVSN: Perform High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter surgical procedures to manage the shelter population and support community health.

• ICU & Emergency: Manage the Intensive Care Unit for critically ill patients; perform complex technical emergency and soft-tissue surgeries as needed.

• Diagnostics: Perform and interpret in-house diagnostics, including digital radiology, complete blood counts (CBC), blood chemistries, and urinalysis.

• Neonatal Care: Supervise and provide specialized treatment for neonatal animals requiring human intervention or maternal care support.

Public Health & Forensic Medicine

• Zoonosis Control: Conduct kennel inspections and advise staff/the public on the prevention and detection of zoonotic diseases.

• Legal Support: Partner with ACS Enforcement or IMPD to perform field evaluations for legal cases; serve as an expert veterinary witness in court regarding animal cruelty or neglect.

• Regulatory Compliance: Administer rabies vaccinations, manage controlled substance logs, and prepare health certificates for interstate travel.

Leadership & Strategy

• Protocol Development: Establish compassionate, user-friendly veterinary protocols and foster a “culture of learning” within the medical team.

• Supervision: Lead and review the work of veterinary technicians, assistants, and volunteers to ensure adherence to Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners guidelines.

• Liaison: Act as the primary link between ACS and the regional veterinary community to maintain positive professional relationships.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Criteria

• Education: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) from an accredited university.

• Licensure: Valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Indiana and a valid Indiana Controlled Substance License.

• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year in veterinary practice, public health, or environmental health.

• Competencies: Knowledge of chemical immobilization, anesthesia for various species, and the ability to manage potentially dangerous animals safely.

Preferred Skills

• Management: 2+ years of supervisory experience, particularly in a union environment or a diverse team setting.

• Specialized Knowledge: Familiarity with zoological drug delivery systems and unique nutritional needs for non-traditional species.

  The Organization & Culture In 2026, the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County (widely known as “Unigov”) operates as a singular, streamlined executive and legislative entity. Under the continued leadership of Mayor Joe Hogsett, the organizational culture is defined by “Neighborhood-Centric Service and Fiscal Efficiency.” Following a record-breaking $1.7 billion budget proposal for 2026, the city is navigating a “do more with less” mandate due to recent property tax cuts. Employees describe the workplace as “Mission-Driven and Collaborative,” where the focus has shifted toward hyper-efficiency and digital modernization. While the scale of serving nearly 1 million residents creates a high-pressure environment, the culture remains grounded in “Hoosier Hospitality,” prioritizing transparency and direct community impact.

  The Indianapolis Presence: The “Unigov” Hub The city-county operations are centered in downtown Indy, serving as the strategic “Control Room” for the region:

  • The City-County Building: Located at 200 E. Washington St, this 28-story landmark houses the Mayor’s Office, the City-County Council, and the central judicial system. It is the primary site for public hearings and civic engagement.

  • The “Streets to Home” Strategy: A major 2026 strategic pillar is the $10 million expansion of the “Streets to Home” program. Managed through the downtown hub, this multi-agency initiative focuses on providing permanent supportive housing and legal assistance to the city’s most vulnerable residents.

  • 16 Tech & Innovation: The city continues to foster the 16 Tech Innovation District, a 50-acre urban community downtown that bridges the gap between state-of-the-art research (like the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute) and municipal economic development.

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  Workplace & Strategic Highlights (2026)

  • Strategic 2026 Focus: “Infrastructure and Public Safety”

    • The $1.1 Billion Infrastructure Plan: In 2026, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is in the midst of a massive five-year investment cycle, allocating hundreds of millions toward road repairs, bridge safety, and the expansion of pedestrian/bicycle trails across the county.

    • Modernizing Public Safety: Public safety remains the top priority, with the IMPD budget sustained at over $355 million. The 2026 strategy emphasizes “Public Safety Beyond the Badge,” funding community-led mental health response teams and crisis intervention programs (MCAT)