Veterinarian Public and Shelter Veterinary

Join us and help make a lasting impact on Northern Ontario’s animal welfare community!

Are you a compassionate DVM veterinarian looking for a supportive environment where you can practice with autonomy while being backed by a dedicated team?

We’re thrilled to announce a new opportunity in Thunder Bay Ontario – focused on community medicine services as our Veterinarian – Public and Shelter Veterinary Services.

About the Role

• $150,000 –$160,000 annually full time (40hr/wk) with competitive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, LTD, ADD, and life insurance
• Location premium allowance of $40,000 / year
• $20,000 retention bonus after 1 year of employment
• Signing bonus of $10,000 dollars after 3 months of employment
• Moving allowance of up to $5,000 to support relocation if needed
• Continuing Education or CE allowance with supporting certificates
• Paid licensing and membership dues
• Supportive team environment with experienced staff
• Opportunities to grow and shape the clinic alongside us
• Non-profit, purpose-driven clinic focused on animal welfare

This position plays a vital role in supporting animal welfare in the North and advancing the sustainable expansion of the clinic’s community veterinary services. This hands-on position will have a primary focus on community medicine, including wellness and preventive care, treatment of sick animals, and compassionate end-of-life services.

As Facility Director, the veterinarian will oversee regulatory compliance and accreditation. The veterinarian will provide medical care and oversight for animals at the Northwest Animal Centre and support complex shelter medicine cases. They will provide hands-on veterinary care for cases brought forward through external partnerships and community access-to-care initiatives.

The veterinarian will work collaboratively with visiting veterinary professionals, students, clinic volunteers and community partners, providing practical learning and mentorship opportunities where appropriate. Additional responsibilities include supporting staff development, helping introduce expanded diagnostic and dental services, and collaborating with the existing veterinarian to support the clinic’s growth.

While some spay/neuter surgery will be part of the role, its primary focus will be on delivering a broader range of community veterinary services, supporting shelter medicine and fulfilling the responsibilities of Facility Director.

Live in Another Province or Country?

We’ll support you by covering expenses to practice in Ontario, including OVMA exam fees and legal costs for immigration. (Candidates must be able to have their qualifications accredited in Ontario to qualify.)

Considering a Move from the U.S. to Canada?

We welcome veterinarians from the United States and make the transition as seamless as possible:

• Streamlined licensing: The NAVLE exam is recognized in both the U.S. and Canada, making accreditation straightforward.
• Immigration and legal support: We cover legal costs and provide guidance to ensure an easy move.
• Financial support: Moving allowance, signing bonus, and long-term retention bonus.
• Benefits of living in Canada:
  • Access to universal healthcare for you and your family
  • Strong work-life balance culture with generous vacation time and legislated leaves of absences
  • Safe, welcoming, diverse communities with excellent schools and healthcare
  • Stunning natural beauty with four distinct seasons and endless outdoor recreation and world class music, theatre, and visual arts

Life in Thunder Bay, Ontario

Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. As Northwestern Ontario’s largest city, it provides access to excellent amenities, healthcare, education, and culture—while maintaining the warmth and affordability of a smaller community.

Living in Thunder Bay means enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Commute times are short, housing is affordable, and the pace of life allows time to truly enjoy the outdoors and connect with the community. Residents take pride in the city’s strong sense of belonging, with friendly neighbours and a supportive local network.

For nature enthusiasts, Thunder Bay is a paradise—offering world-class hiking, kayaking, skiing, and fishing just minutes from your doorstep. The city also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with local galleries, music festivals, and theatres celebrating the region’s diverse heritage.

Thunder Bay is also a regional hub for education and healthcare, home to Lakehead University and Confederation College, and serves as the service centre for Northern Ontario. Its unique mix of opportunity, community, and lifestyle makes it a welcoming destination for professionals and families alike.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society embodies a culture that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (“DEIB”) and welcomes applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Our DEIB practices foster a fair and consistent environment, enabling everyone to feel welcomed, supported and valued in the workplace.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society provides accommodation during all stages of the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodation, please advise us if you are contacted for an interview and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. For any questions, suggestions or required documents regarding accessibility in a different format, please contact us at 888-668-7722 or [email protected] .

Our Commitment to a Human-Centered Hiring Process

Our organization complies with Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000, and relevant privacy legislation. While we use technology to help manage applications efficiently, resumes are personally reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. From screening to interviews and final decisions, our process is rooted in a human-centered approach.