Per Diem - Veterinarian, HQHVSN

Who we are:

Flatbush Cats is a Brooklyn-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to reduce overcrowded animal shelters in New York City and prevent more cats from ending up on the street in the first place. What began as a grassroots rescue effort has grown into a citywide organization addressing the root causes through affordable veterinary care, access to spay/neuter services, and community outreach.

As an independent nonprofit—not backed by venture capital, private equity, or a corporate veterinary network—we make decisions based on our mission. We recruit team members who are passionate about expanding access to veterinary care and measure success by how many pets and families we can help, not production targets.

At the heart of our work is Flatbush Veterinary Clinic, a high-volume nonprofit clinic serving low-income pet owners, rescue organizations, and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) volunteers throughout Brooklyn. Each year, the clinic performs more than 7,500 spay/neuter surgeries—a number that continues to grow—while providing affordable wellness and dental care to thousands of pets.

By combining high-quality veterinary care with a commitment to accessibility, we're helping keep pets with their families while creating a city where more people and pets can receive the support they need.

What you’ll do:

As a per diem Veterinarian, you will provide clinical coverage for Flatbush Cats Veterinary Clinic's High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) program as needed. This role is designed for veterinarians who prefer flexible, shift-based work while supporting a high-volume, mission-driven clinic.

You will step into scheduled shifts to perform spay/neuter surgeries, conduct pre-surgical examinations, assess patient suitability for anesthesia and surgery, and support efficient clinic flow alongside an experienced clinical team. Through your work, you will help advance access to affordable veterinary care and reduce pet overpopulation in the communities we serve.

Per diem veterinarian compensation is structured by service type and shift timing.

  • $1,476 per weekday shift

  • $1,676 per weekend shift

Compensation reflects service complexity, clinical scope, and shift timing. Weekend shifts are compensated at a higher rate in recognition of coverage needs and scheduling demand.

Schedule & Availability:  

Per diem team members provide coverage based on clinic needs and individual availability. Opportunities may include weekday shifts across our four-day clinic schedule. Flexible scheduling is available, with advance notice provided whenever possible.

Responsibilities:

Clinical Care (HQHVSN Surgery)

  • Provide high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgical care for cats and dogs in accordance with clinic protocols

  • Perform pre-surgical examinations and determine patient suitability for anesthesia and surgery

  • Conduct spay/neuter procedures efficiently while maintaining excellent surgical outcomes and patient safety

  • Monitor and respond to anesthetic and surgical complications with support from clinical staff

  • Ensure appropriate pain management and post-operative care for all patients

  • Identify and appropriately defer or refer cases outside clinic scope

  • Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely medical records

  • Contribute to continuous improvement of surgical protocols, patient care, and operational efficiency

Community Cat Care

  • Support Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and community cat programs through medical and surgical care

  • Perform pre-operative evaluations for community cats and determine surgical readiness

  • Utilize low-stress handling techniques and adhere to clinic protocols for feral and community cat populations

  • Advance access to affordable veterinary care for underserved animals and caregivers

Team Collaboration & Operations

  • Collaborate closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to maintain efficient surgical flow

  • Contribute to a safe, organized, and high-functioning surgical environment

  • Support onboarding, training, and mentorship of clinical team members as appropriate

  • Assist with maintaining high standards of patient care, surgical efficiency, and medical quality

  • Support evolving clinic services and future expansion as needed

Qualifications:

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited institution

  • Licensed and in good standing in New York State, or eligible to obtain licensure prior to start date

  • Active DEA license, or ability to obtain prior to start date

  • Professional liability insurance (PLIT or equivalent), or ability to obtain coverage prior to start date

  • Clinical competency or strong interest in developing skills across high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN), wellness care, dentistry, and community cat medicine

  • Comfort working in a high-volume, fast-paced clinical environment

  • Strong clinical judgment with ability to make sound medical decisions independently and collaboratively

  • Excellent communication skills with clients and multidisciplinary teams

  • Commitment to low-stress handling and compassionate patient care

  • Ability to work across multiple service areas as clinic needs evolve

  • Strong teamwork mindset with willingness to support technicians, assistants, and fellow veterinarians

  • Positive attitude, adaptability, and resilience in a dynamic environment

  • Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and mission-driven care

Language:

  • English (Required)

  • Bilingual (Spanish) Strongly Preferred