Veterinarian

Who We Are:

The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. The Animal Legal Defense Fund accomplishes this mission by filing high-impact lawsuits to protect animals from harm, providing free legal assistance and training to prosecutors to assure that animal abusers are held accountable for their crimes, supporting tough animal protection legislation and fighting legislation harmful to animals, advocating for strong enforcement of regulations that protect animals and appropriate regulation of industries that impact them, and providing resources and opportunities to law students and professionals to advance the emerging field of animal law.

Role Description:

As the Veterinarian, you will assess and advise on veterinary and welfare issues across ALDF’s program areas, including by drafting expert reports and advising on strategic priorities to assist animals in need. You will be based in the Transparency and Regulatory Affairs Program, where you will assist in creating documents, government agency complaints, and regulatory petitions and comments in support of ALDF’s strategic mission. You will develop and maintain relationships with experts such as veterinarians and other professionals to assist and advise on ALDF matters. The successful candidate will be an experienced veterinarian who is well-versed in modern animal welfare science, possesses clinical experience and expertise with a variety of wild and domestic animal species, and has a passion for ALDF’s mission.

How You Will Make a Difference:

• Evaluate and provide expert assessments on potential veterinary and animal welfare concerns based on photographic, video, and written evidence.
• Advise on appropriate courses of action in cases of animal neglect or abuse, applying current standards of veterinary medicine and animal welfare science.
• Conduct research and prepare reports and other written materials in support of ALDF’s strategic initiatives.
• Assist with animal rescues and relocations as needed, ensuring adherence to veterinary and animal welfare best practices.
• Review and advise on legislation or regulatory matters affecting animal health and welfare.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with external veterinary professionals, academic experts, and allied organizations.
• Stay informed on emerging trends and issues in veterinary medicine and animal welfare and recommend strategies that advance ALDF’s mission and strategic goals.
• Travel as needed to conduct assessments of animals in the field.

We Are Looking for Candidates With:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent and an active veterinary license in any state.
• 3+ years of experience in veterinary practice, preferably with a variety of domestic and wild animals.
• Strong working knowledge of issues facing animals abused and exploited in laboratories, roadside zoos, puppy mills, and/or on factory farms.
• Skilled in communications to all levels of the organization in writing, speaking, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• An understanding of and demonstrated commitment to the mission of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
• The ability to travel periodically, including for staff meetings and retreats.

Additional information:

This is a U.S. based position. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing an employment environment which is welcoming of persons from diverse backgrounds and free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and in which all legal rights of our employees are recognized and protected. ALDF conducts all internal and external operations, programs, and employment-related decision making (including hiring decisions) without regard to actual or perceived race, ancestry, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, disability or medical condition (including physical, intellectual, or psychiatric), sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, age, or other protected category, and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws.

Consistent with the organization’s mission, our offices and events are free of animal products and byproducts.

The application deadline for this position is January 8, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage applicants to apply early as we may make a decision before the deadline closes.

We Offer Competitive Compensation with Excellent Benefits, Including:

• Starting annual salary of $126,555 for most geographic locations.
• For candidates located within 25 miles of Washington D.C., Cotati, CA, and Los Angeles, starting pay is $133,216.
• For candidates located within 25 miles of New York City and San Francisco, starting pay is $139,877.

To ensure salary equity, we do not negotiate salary outside of the published starting rate. Rate is determined by role, using set geographical factors.

• Comprehensive health care, dental, life and vision benefits (100% employer paid); Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA) are also available.
• 192 hours of PTO.
• 19 paid holidays.
• 1-month paid sabbatical after 5 years of continuous employment.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave.
• 401k plan with a maximum 5% employer contribution match after one year of employment.
• Alternative work schedules (at manager’s discretion).
• One time remote work allowance of $750.
• Annual professional development reimbursement of up to $1,000.

Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is a core value for the Animal Legal Defense Fund.