Shelter Veterinarian – North Melbourne

Job Overview

Full Time, Part Time

North Melbourne

Veterinary Services

08 Sep 2025 AUS Eastern Standard Time

Shelter Veterinarian – North Melbourne

Part-time - 40 hours per fortnight

Part-time - 60 hours per fortnight

About us:

At The Lost Dogs' Home, we are a foundation in Victoria's animal welfare landscape, celebrated for our compassionate care of around 18,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats every year. Beyond caring for animals, we are dedicated to providing diverse animal welfare and community programs, all aimed at giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life. Our mission is upheld by passionate individuals who embody a profound affinity for animals, community, and advocacy.

A typical day looks like:

You will have the unique opportunity to independently diagnose and manage a diverse range of cases, providing comprehensive care from intake to recovery for shelter animals entrusted to our care. This includes conducting thorough assessments, formulating treatment plans, and overseeing each animal's journey as they progress through their stay with us. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to be part of our high-volume desexing days, which are crucial for controlling the animal population and improving the lives of countless animals.

Moreover, you will not only care for shelter animals but also have the chance to treat privately owned pets at our Vet Hospital (formerly Frank Samways Vet Clinic), a separate commercial entity within our organisation. Joining our team means becoming part of a knowledgeable and supportive environment where veterinarians are encouraged to explore their special interests, refine their surgical techniques, and engage in continuous learning. We foster collaboration between our shelter veterinary team, our in-house behavioural experts, Melbourne University veterinary students, and external specialists to ensure comprehensive and effective care for all animals.

About you:

You are a skilled and dedicated Veterinarian, ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of shelter animals in a dynamic and ever-evolving environment. We are looking for professionals who thrive in a team setting, bring strong clinical expertise, and share our passion for animal welfare. Your ability to adapt to the needs of the shelter environment will be highly valued as we continue to deliver the best possible outcomes for the animals in our care.

Key qualifications include:

• Experience in veterinary practice (2+ years preferred).
• Proficiency in soft tissue surgical procedures.
• Emotional maturity and a deep commitment to animal welfare ethics.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
• Ability to follow protocols and contribute effectively within a team environment.
• Adaptability to work within a rotating roster, ensuring consistent care and support for shelter animals. This includes shifts at our Cranbourne shelter, offering an opportunity to work with a dedicated team and gain diverse experiences.
• A valid driver's license is required, as a car will be provided on the days you work from the Cranbourne site, if needed.

About our culture:

At The Lost Dogs' Home, we cultivate an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity. Our team enjoys a vibrant culture that fosters meaningful connections, both professionally and socially. Led by our dedicated social committee, we organise a wide range of engaging activities such as Paint and Sip Nights, Bowling, Trivia, and regular after-work gatherings. These events create opportunities for our team to relax, bond, and forge lasting friendships. We take pride in our diverse team where every individual is encouraged to be their authentic self, regardless of their role within the organisation.

What we can offer:

• Opportunity to diagnose and manage cases independently as there is minimal client involvement
• Fantastic career development, the challenge of shelter work and extensive opportunities to develop skills in animal welfare and shelter medicine
• Clinic space includes a dental table, 2 surgery tables, radiology, pathology and ultrasound
• Enjoy a great work-life balance with an extra RDO each week, only one weekend shift every four weeks, and no after-hours responsibilities.
• Excellent remuneration, including support and generous financial assistance for approved studies and developmental activities
• Paid parental leave
• Reimbursement of Veterinary Board Registration and radiation licence fees
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program

If you have the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to be successful in this role, please click on the "Apply" button, ensuring you have attached your cover letter and current resume in Word or PDF format. If you have any further questions or queries regarding the role, please email

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early as the role may close if a suitable candidate is found. Don't miss out—apply today

The successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete background screening checks.

The Lost Dogs' Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position