Join One of the Nation's Leading High-Volume Spay/Neuter Programs.
PAWS Chicago operates one of the nation's premier high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) programs, performing more than 21,000 surgeries annually while expanding access to veterinary care through our vaccine clinics, community medicine program and innovative partnerships that keep pets healthy and families together. Every surgery helps prevent pet homelessness before it begins and advances PAWS Chicago's mission to build a No Kill Chicago.
Every day at PAWS Chicago, expert veterinary medicine saves lives. Joining our veterinary team means becoming part of an organization that combines clinical excellence with a bold mission to create lasting change for animals and the people who love them. We're seeking an exceptional surgeon who is passionate about both surgical excellence and meaningful impact.
Position Summary
This position is primarily focused on performing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries while maintaining exceptional standards of patient safety, efficiency, and surgical excellence. The surgeon also performs a variety of soft tissue procedures and works collaboratively with our Shelter Medicine and Community Medicine teams to provide comprehensive care for shelter and owned animals.
The ideal candidate is a skilled and efficient surgeon who thrives in a fast-paced environment, embraces teamwork and continuous improvement, and is inspired by using their medical expertise to improve the lives of thousands of animals each year.
Key Responsibilities
Surgical Excellence
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Perform high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries while maintaining exceptional standards of patient care, surgical technique, and efficiency.
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Perform additional soft tissue procedures as needed, including mass removals, amputations, dental extractions, wound repairs, enucleations, and other medically necessary surgeries.
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Diagnose and manage medical conditions affecting shelter and community animals.
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Monitor and manage anesthesia and surgical complications, ensuring excellent patient outcomes and adherence to the highest standards of safety.
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Maintain accurate medical records and ensure compliance with all medical and regulatory standards.
Collaborative Patient Care
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Partner closely with the shelter and clinic medical teams to provide seamless continuity of care.
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Contribute to the development and refinement of surgical protocols, patient care standards, and quality improvement initiatives.
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Provide mentorship and clinical guidance to veterinary technicians and support staff, fostering a collaborative, positive, and learning-oriented culture.
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Support complex medical cases and collaborate across departments to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient.
Qualifications
Required
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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent).
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Current Illinois veterinary license or ability to obtain licensure prior to employment.
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Minimum of one year of experience performing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgery or completion of a recognized HQHVSN surgical training program.
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Demonstrated proficiency performing complex spay/neuter procedures, including cryptorchid neuters, pyometras, dystocias, pediatric patients, obese patients, in-heat animals, and large-breed dogs.
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Experience performing soft tissue surgeries such as amputations, mass removals, wound repairs, and dental extractions.
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Excellent clinical judgment and commitment to patient safety.
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Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
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Work schedule to include Sundays.
Preferred
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Experience in shelter medicine, community medicine, or mobile spay/neuter programs.
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Passion for homeless animals, animal welfare and increasing access to veterinary care for underserved communities.
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Experience mentoring veterinary technicians or supporting clinical training initiatives.
Compensation
HQHVSN veterinary surgeon compensation is determined based on surgical experience and high quality/high volume surgical capacity and performance. PAWS considers surgeons high-volume when able to perform a minimum of 40 surgeries per day, but will consider surgeons capable of 30 surgeries/day and help them develop high-volume surgical capabilities.
The range for surgeons is $75-140/hour, based on performance ranging from 30 to 70+ surgeries/day and experience.
Signing bonus and relocation assistance are available for qualified candidates.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to stand and perform surgery for extended periods throughout the workday.
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Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and move safely throughout a busy clinical environment.
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Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds and frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds.
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Ability to perform repetitive surgical movements requiring manual dexterity and precision.
Why PAWS Chicago?
At PAWS Chicago, you'll do far more than perform surgeries—you'll help shape the future of animal welfare. Since our founding, the killing of homeless pets in Chicago has been reduced by 89%, but there is much more work to do to build a No Kill Chicago, and we’re at the front lines of making that a reality.
You'll join one of the nation's largest and most respected No Kill organizations, where innovation, compassion, and clinical excellence come together to save lives every day. Your expertise will directly improve the lives of thousands of animals while helping families keep the pets they love.
What Sets This Opportunity Apart
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Practice in one of the nation's premier HQHVSN programs, performing more than 21,000 surgeries each year.
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Be part of a comprehensive veterinary program that includes high-volume surgery, Shelter Medicine, Community Medicine and vaccine clinics.
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Work alongside experienced veterinarians, highly skilled technicians, and dedicated animal welfare professionals who are committed to excellence.
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Enjoy a predictable daytime schedule with no overnight, on-call, or holiday shifts, supporting quality work-life balance.
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Receive competitive compensation, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, and continuing education support.
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Build your career with a nationally recognized organization that invests in professional growth, innovation, and the wellbeing of its team members.
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Experience the fulfillment of seeing your work create measurable, lifesaving impact every single day.
If you're an exceptional surgeon who believes world-class veterinary medicine can transform communities and save lives, we invite you to join PAWS Chicago and help build a No Kill Chicago.
PAWS Chicago Values-in-Action
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Respect: for each and every life.
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Community: of people and organizations committed to helping homeless pets.
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Innovation: to constantly improve best practices and seek out new ideas and strategies to save more lives. To be a Learning Center that evolves and grows.
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Pro-activity: to solve difficult problems and to be prepared to offer emergency and crisis support.
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Transparency: that informs the public about the fate of homeless animals.
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Education: that raises awareness about the realities that homeless animals face in the community and across the nations, providing a forum for people to get involved in effecting change. Promotes and support reasonable pet ownership.
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Sustainability: through financial management practices that maximize the impact and reach of our resources and endure that PAWS Chicago will always be a resource for homeless animals.
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Compassion: towards all people and animals.
Benefits
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Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
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403(b) retirement plan with employer match
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Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays
