Senior Veterinarian (Centre Director)

Company Description Youth Organization in Defence of Animals (YODA) is a registered charity founded in 2010 in Mumbai, dedicated to fostering compassionate human–animal co-existence. The organization focuses on preventing animal cruelty by providing prompt medical services to abandoned, injured, or mistreated homeless animals. YODA also rehabilitates animals with behavioral or psychological challenges and offers shelter and care for homeless or elderly animals until they are fit for adoption or safe release. In addition, YODA runs vaccination and sterilization programs for stray dogs and cats to manage populations and curb zoonotic diseases such as rabies, while actively promoting education and awareness in the community.

Role Description The Senior Veterinarian (Centre Director) is a full-time, on-site role based in Bicholim, responsible for leading clinical care and overseeing day-to-day operations at the center. This role includes diagnosing and treating a range of medical and surgical conditions in companion animals and strays, supervising vaccination and sterilization programs, and ensuring high standards of animal welfare. The Senior Veterinarian will manage and mentor veterinary and animal care teams, coordinate case management and rehabilitation plans, and maintain accurate medical records. The role also involves collaborating with management on protocols, budgeting for medical supplies, and compliance with veterinary regulations. The Centre Director will represent YODA in interactions with adopters, community members, and partner organizations, supporting education and outreach initiatives.

Qualifications

• Current veterinary degree (BVSc or equivalent) and VCI
• Proven clinical experience in small animal practice, including diagnostics, medical management, and routine surgery (especially spay/neuter procedures).
• Experience in animal welfare, shelter medicine, or NGO/charity settings working with stray, abandoned, or traumatized animals.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including supervising veterinary staff, para-veterinary teams, and volunteers.
• Ability to develop and implement clinical protocols, welfare standards, and infection control and biosecurity measures.
• Excellent communication and counseling skills to work effectively with adopters, community members, and partner organizations.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including case prioritization, record-keeping, and basic center-level budgeting for medical resources.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, resource-conscious environment with a high caseload and complex welfare cases.
• Commitment to YODA’s mission of humane stray animal management, ethical treatment, and community education.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in local languages is an advantage.
• Willingness to work on-site in Bicholim with flexibility for weekend or emergency shifts