CURRENT OPENINGS

Veterinarian

Full-Time · Fort Bragg, California

The Mendocino Coast Humane Society is seeking a full-time veterinarian to care for shelter animals and lead our low-cost community clinic in Fort Bragg, California. This is a hands-on, meaningful role in a community with very limited access to veterinary care. You will be the primary provider of spay and neuter services on the coast while also guiding the medical care of animals in our shelter.

Start Date:
ASAP

Compensation & Support:

Salary:  $135,000 – $150,000 annually, depending on experience.

Relocation assistance and housing support provided.

Professional Development:  Continuing education and licensing fully covered.

Time Off:  Salaried position with flexibility to take time off as needed, with advanced planning.

To Apply Email: Judy Martin, director@mendocinocoasthumane.org

About Mendocino Coast Humane Society

The Mendocino Coast Humane Society was founded in 1986 by a local veterinarian and community members who believed there should be a better, more humane option for animals on the coast. From the beginning, access to veterinary care – especially spay and neuter – has been at the core of what we do.

Today, we are a no-kill shelter serving nearly 100 miles of coastline, combining sheltering, adoption, and veterinary services to meet the needs of both animals and the people who care for them.

Our mission is to improve the lives of animals and increase public awareness of their needs by providing a safe haven for homeless animals, reducing overpopulation through accessible spay and neuter services, and supporting our community with resources and care.

What the Role Looks Like

You will spend much of your time performing spay and neuter surgeries, along with general medical care for shelter animals. When needed, you will also take on additional surgical cases based on patient need.

We also provide low-cost services to the public. When time and space allow, you may perform surgeries for owned animals whose families cannot access or afford care elsewhere.

You will work closely with two experienced veterinary assistants in a small, efficient clinic. The space is compact, but organized and functional.

A Leadership Role, On Your Terms

As the sole veterinarian leading the day-to-day of our clinic, you have a rare opportunity to shape our clinical approach, refine processes, and own the operations of our medical program. You are trusted to make decisions and work as a leader within the broader organization, with the autonomy to practice the way you believe is best.

For the right candidate, there is also room to grow this role beyond the clinic walls – building out a visiting vet program, deepening community education, or expanding the scope of services we offer. None of that is required. If you simply want to focus on excellent medicine in a supportive environment, that works too.

Schedule & Workflow

Typical hours are 8:30 AM through the end of the day. Most days include between 4 and 12 surgeries, depending on the case mix and available recovery space. You are a salaried employee and trusted to manage your time and workflow.

Because we are responsible for our shelter animals, there may be times when you need to return after hours or assist on a weekend if something urgent comes up. Our veterinary assistants provide weekend coverage, and we work together to coordinate time off.

Why This Role is Different

There are no quotas and no production pressure. You are trusted to practice good medicine and make decisions based on what is best for the animals. The work is steady, but purposeful, and has a direct impact on the community. This role is an ideal fit for a veterinarian who wants meaningful work, values autonomy, and is comfortable with surgery or interested in building those skills. 

Life On The Mendocino Coast

Fort Bragg sits on the Mendocino Coast, surrounded by ocean and old-growth redwoods, with the kind of dramatic Pacific scenery that draws visitors from around the world. This is a place where you can walk to the headlands on your lunch break, watch whales migrate from the bluffs, and be home in time to take the dog for a sunset hike.

The community is small, creative, and tightly knit. There are excellent restaurants, an active arts and music scene, year-round farmers markets, world-class hiking and surfing, and easy access to the wineries of Anderson Valley. For families, there are great schools and a real sense of belonging. For anyone craving a life with more space, more nature, and more meaning, it is hard to imagine a better place to land.

We know relocating is a big decision. For serious candidates, we are happy to host you at one of our affiliated local hotels or bed and breakfasts so you can spend time in town, meet the team, and get a feel for the community.

Apply

We are hiring as soon as possible and encourage you to reach out. Please send your resumé and a brief note about your interest to Judy Martin, Executive Director, director@mendocinohumane.org

To learn more about our team and community, please visit our website at mendocinohumane.org, and check out our Instagram or Facebook. Thank you for your interest!