Surgical Veterinarian

Surgical Veterinarian – Help Shape the Future of Surgery at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is looking for a skilled, high-volume and compassionate Surgical Veterinarian to join our team. This role is ideal for a veterinarian who thrives in a fast-paced, high volume surgical environment and is excited to make a direct, daily impact on animal welfare through efficient, high-quality care. Surgeries include high volume spay/neuter but also include surgeries such as patellar luxation, as well as other soft tissue surgeries.

Experience with these types of other surgeries is a plus.

As the ARL continues to grow to meet the needs of our shelter population, this position offers a unique opportunity to be part of building and shaping a robust, mission-driven surgical program that supports lifesaving work across the organization.

This role works Monday through Friday focused primarily on high-volume spay/neuter and shelter-related surgeries while also contributing to the refinement of workflows, protocols, and best practices within a growing program. You’ll collaborate closely with our many other skilled veterinarians and medical staff and your work will play a meaningful role in advancing the ARL’s mission of protecting the welfare of animals, preserving the human-animal bond, and preventing the overpopulation of companion animals.

We offer competitive, market-driven compensation, flexible scheduling, and a strong benefits package tailored specifically for our Veterinarians. For those considering a move to Iowa, we’re also happy to discuss relocation support. This is a place where your surgical skills truly matter and where your work makes a difference every day.

The ARL, the largest animal shelter in the state of Iowa, is an award-winning shelter in Des Moines and is a non-profit 501c3 with no productivity goals that have to be met.

This position will report directly to the Executive Director of the ARL. Visit our website
-iowa.org.

We are seeking candidates with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited program. Experience in high-volume surgery and experience in shelter medicine is strongly preferred, though veterinarians with a strong surgical interest and a desire to grow in this area are encouraged to apply. You should bring confidence and efficiency in a surgical setting, a commitment to high standards of patient care and animal welfare, the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and a passion for mission-driven work and accessible veterinary care.

If you’re looking for a role where your surgical expertise can have a broad and lasting impact, we’d love to connect with you. Please contact our Director of Human Resources to learn more at  or (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited program
• Experience in high-volume surgery strongly preferred
• Experience in shelter medicine strongly preferred
• Veterinarians with a strong surgical interest and desire to grow encouraged to apply
• Confidence and efficiency in a surgical setting
• Commitment to high standards of patient care and animal welfare
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Passion for mission-driven work and accessible veterinary care
• Interest in a role where surgical expertise can have a broad, lasting impact