Forensic Veterinarian

Summary:

Please submit a cover letter as part of your application.

Overview

At the forefront of Forensic Veterinary Medicine, the Forensic Sciences department advances the ASPCA’s mission by transforming veterinary expertise and forensic science into meaningful justice for animals. Through direct casework, research, training, and outreach, the team not only supports the investigation and prosecution of cruelty cases, but also helps shape the future of veterinary forensic medicine and animal welfare.

The Forensic Sciences department is comprised of two teams based in New York City (NYC), which primarily supports New York City Police Department (NYPD) and District Attorney’s Offices with criminal cases, and Gainesville Florida, which primarily supports the ASPCA’s national criminal case response. Together, these teams advance the field of veterinary forensic science and the dissemination of basic forensic knowledge and tools to a broader audience of practicing veterinarians

Who We Are

The NYC ASPCA Forensic Sciences team applies veterinary and forensic expertise to animal cruelty cases, supporting law enforcement, prosecutors, the veterinary community, and animal victims. Since 2014, in partnership with the NYPD, the NYC ASPCA Forensic Sciences team has provided forensic evaluations and expert consultation for suspected animal cruelty cases that are investigated by the NYPD. The team also contributes to research, training, the continued advancement of veterinary forensic science, and the dissemination of basic forensic knowledge and tools to veterinary students and a broader audience of practicing veterinarians.

What You’ll Do

Under the guidance of the Vice President of Forensic Sciences and the Senior Director of Forensic Sciences and alongside three additional forensic veterinarians, the Forensic Veterinarian provides forensic expertise on animal cruelty cases both internally and externally to the NYPD, the NYC District Attorney’s Offices, other law enforcement agencies, and the veterinary community. While there are no direct animal care responsibilities, the Forensic Veterinarian will work closely with animal care teams to monitor the medical progress of case animals and the collection of necessary case evidence. 

This position has no direct reports.

Where and When You’ll Work

• This position is an on-site role and reports to the ASPCA location at 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY.

• Schedule may include 1-2 weekend days.

• Responsible for 1–2 on-call nights per week (phone only).

What You’ll Get

Compensation

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future. 

• The target hiring range for this role is $165,000 - $176,000. Additionally, this position is eligible for a relocation bonus to non-local residents.  Also, we are a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Benefits

At the ASPCA, you don’t have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.

• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.

• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.

• Robust professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.      

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance, and include but are not limited to:

Forensic Veterinary Medicine

• Provide forensic veterinary case support for New York City animal cruelty and fighting investigations and prosecutions, including clinical forensic exams, necropsies, veterinary statements, medical record and/or video reviews, discovery production, and expert witness testimony grand jury proceedings, hearings, and trials.

• Ensure proper evidence handling, including chain of custody, evidence transfer, and use of standardized forensic methods.

• Assist in planning ASPCA–NYPD case field responses and provide on-scene veterinary forensic support, including animal triage, documentation, and subject matter expertise.

• Collaborate with ASPCA departments and external partners to support case management and case flow.

• Assist internal and local veterinarians in the recognition and reporting of suspect animal cruelty cases.

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and refinement of forensic protocols and procedures.

• Participate in large-scale case response and deployment as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Interdepartmental Communication/Administrative/Other

• Work closely with ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement and Criminal Practice and Investigations teams to ensure performance and facilitation of forensic veterinary support for New York City animal-related investigations and prosecutions.

• Work with other departments, including the Animal Recovery Center (ARC) and the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (R&R) to ensure the proper management and forensic follow-up care for animals from suspected criminal cases. 

• Provide consultation across ASPCA departments on animal cruelty cases.

• Contribute to ongoing changes in forensic protocols and procedures at the ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH).

• Participate in presenting cruelty case status at weekly Animal Health and Welfare meetings.

• Represent the forensic team during tours and to media as requested.

• Maintain strict confidentiality about criminal cases.

Teaching and Training

• Collaborate with forensic team members (NYC and Gainesville) on casework, research, and teaching and training initiatives.

• Support the development and oversight of veterinary forensic externship (national and international students) and internship programs.

• Train and mentor veterinarians and support staff involved in cruelty investigations.

• Develop and deliver training for law enforcement, veterinarians and other veterinary professionals, attorneys, and students.

• May serve as an instructor or co-instructor for academic courses or other trainings related to veterinary forensic science, including the dissemination of basic forensic knowledge and tools to a broader audience of practicing veterinarians

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear and concise documentation.

• Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Interest in or experience with animal cruelty cases, including neglect, abuse, animal fighting, and hoarding.

• Experience or training in forensic necropsy and/or clinical forensic examinations.

• Familiarity with evidence handling and basic forensic principles.

• Experience working with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, or legal teams is a plus.

• Interest in teaching, training, or mentoring others.

• Courtroom testimony experience is a plus.

• Research experience is a plus.

• Membership in veterinary or forensic professional organizations is a plus.

• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.

Education and Work Experience

• DVM or VMD (required)

• 3 +years practice in veterinary medicine required

• Strong interest in or experience with the prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases.

• Experience in animal cruelty investigations is a plus, including neglect, abuse, animal fighting and animal hoarding.

• Some formal training in Veterinary Forensic Medicine (preferred) or interest in pursuing formal training.

Additional Information

• Eligibility for licensure in New York State (NYS) as a veterinarian required; current licensure in NYS strongly preferred

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience:

Doctorate: Veterinary Medicine (Required)3 – 5 years of experience in the practice of Veterinary Medicine., Experience in animal cruelty investigations a plus, including: neglect, abuse, animal fighting and animal hoarding, Familiarity and experience with evidentiary issues related to the prosecution of animal abuse and neglect cases., Some formal training in Veterinary Forensic Medicine