Posted: Jun 1, 2026

Relief Veterinary Surgeon – Limb Amputations (Shelter Medicine)

Pawmetto Lifeline - Columbia, SC
Per diem
Salary: Other
Application Deadline: N/A
Relief Veterinary Surgeon – Limb Amputations (Shelter Medicine)
 
Help Save Lives Through Specialized Surgical Care
Pawmetto Lifeline, an AAHA-accredited, no-kill animal welfare organization in Columbia, South Carolina, is seeking an experienced Relief Veterinarian to provide scheduled surgical services approximately one day per month performing limb amputations for shelter pets.
 
Many of the animals in our care have suffered traumatic injuries resulting in severe fractures that have been evaluated and determined to be beyond orthopedic repair. For these pets, amputation offers the best opportunity for a pain-free, functional, and happy life. Your expertise can be the difference between euthanasia and a second chance at life.
 
This is an ideal opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys surgery and would like to make a meaningful impact without committing to a regular full-time schedule. The selected veterinarian will work alongside our experienced medical team to perform scheduled amputations on shelter animals whose injuries have been thoroughly evaluated and determined to be unsuitable for orthopedic repair. Patients will have completed diagnostic workups and pre-operative evaluations prior to surgery.
Position Responsibilities
  • Perform forelimb and hindlimb amputations on canine and feline shelter patients.
  • Review radiographs, diagnostics, and medical records prior to surgery.
  • Evaluate patients with traumatic injuries and fractures that have been deemed beyond orthopedic repair.
  • Collaborate with our veterinary team regarding surgical recommendations and post-operative care.
  • Provide intraoperative surgical leadership and guidance to support staff.
  • Complete medical records and surgical documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with AAHA standards and current veterinary best practices.
Qualifications
  • DVM or VMD degree from an accredited veterinary school.
  • Active South Carolina veterinary license in good standing.
  • Demonstrated experience independently performing canine and feline limb amputations.
  • Strong soft tissue surgical skills.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, mission-driven environment.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • DEA license preferred but not required.
What We Provide
  • Fully equipped surgical suite.
  • Experienced veterinary technicians and support staff.
  • Pre-operative diagnostics, radiographs, and patient workups.
  • Anesthesia monitoring and recovery support.
  • Flexible scheduling.
  • Competitive per diem compensation.
  • The opportunity to directly impact the lives of homeless animals.
About Pawmetto Lifeline
Pawmetto Lifeline is a nationally recognized, AAHA-accredited, no-kill organization dedicated to ending unnecessary euthanasia through adoption, affordable veterinary care, spay/neuter services, foster programs, and lifesaving medical treatment.
Every year, animals arrive in our care with traumatic injuries, including severe fractures that cannot be repaired through orthopedic intervention due to the extent of the injury or the financial realities associated with specialty care. Through timely amputation surgery, these animals can return to a pain-free quality of life and ultimately find loving homes.
We are seeking a veterinarian who understands that amputation is often a lifesaving procedure and who is passionate about helping shelter pets receive the second chance they deserve.
 
Compensation
Competitive compensation based on experience and number of procedures performed.
 
To Apply
Please submit:
  • Resume/CV
  • South Carolina veterinary license information
  • Brief summary of surgical experience, including limb amputations and other advanced soft tissue procedures

You may submit these requirements to: [email protected] or click the "QUICK APPLY" button.

Join us in giving injured shelter pets a second chance at life through compassionate, lifesaving surgical care.
Pawmetto Lifeline is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes veterinarians who are passionate about access-to-care and lifesaving shelter medicine.