RSPCA is Australia's most trusted and recognised animal welfare charity, dedicated to protecting animals, preventing cruelty and creating a better future for all animals. For 150 years, we have rescued animals from cruelty and neglect, provided shelter, veterinary care and rehabilitation, helped animals find loving homes, and advocated for stronger welfare protections and lasting change. We are the only animal welfare charity in South Australia empowered by State Parliament to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty and neglect. Everything we do is driven by one belief: every animal deserves a life free from cruelty and to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
About the opportunity:
RSPCA South Australia is entering a significant period of growth and transformation. With the opening of our recent state-of-the-art animal care facility and a bold vision for the future, we are re-shaping the way we deliver veterinary care and animal welfare services. We are seeking a Chief Veterinarian to lead this next chapter and help shape the future of clinical excellence at RSPCA SA.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced veterinarian to lead clinical excellence, innovation and best-practice animal care within one of the state's most recognised animal welfare organisations.
Reporting to the Head of Animal Operations, the Chief Veterinarian is a key member of the Animal Operations Senior Leadership Team and is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of RSPCA SA's Veterinary Services team. The role will ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based veterinary care while driving clinical governance, continuous improvement, and sustainable service delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
Provide strategic and operational leadership to RSPCA SA's Veterinary Services team, fostering a high-performing, engaged and values-driven culture.
Lead the development and implementation of clinical governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with legislation,



skilled standards and best-practice veterinary care.
Oversee the delivery of high-quality veterinary services, including complex case management, clinical decision-making, surgical services, triage and population medicine approaches.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance animal welfare outcomes, operational effectiveness and service quality.
Lead biosecurity, infection prevention and disease management strategies within a shelter environment.
Provide expert veterinary advice across RSPCA SA, including supporting Inspectorate operations, large-scale seizures, emergency responses and animal welfare initiatives.
Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including veterinary professionals, universities, industry bodies and government organisations.
About you:
You are an experienced veterinary professional who combines strong clinical expertise with strategic leadership capability. You have a passion for animal welfare and the ability to inspire and develop veterinary professionals while driving meaningful improvements in service delivery.
You will bring:
Veterinary registration and eligibility to practice in South Australia.
Significant veterinary clinical experience, with a minimum of 10 years' experience within a veterinary environment.
Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing veterinary teams.
Experience in clinical governance, risk management and quality improvement frameworks.
Strong understanding of veterinary legislation, regulatory requirements and professional standards.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement,



communication and influencing skills.
Experience within animal welfare, shelter medicine, population medicine or a similar complex veterinary environment will be highly regarded.
About our culture:
RSPCA is an organisation which is energised by an incredible purpose and passion to achieve the best outcomes for animals everywhere. An environment that will help them thrive, grow and be a better you.
RSPCA encompasses the following values:
Act With Courage
Seek Positive Outcomes
Lead The Way
Show Compassion
Staff benefits:
50% discount on Royal Canin pet food
25% discount on all adoptions
20% discount on RSPCA Op Shop purchases
15% discount on veterinary services (all services) at any South Australian Best for Pets clinic within the Vet Partners network
Discount adoptions and retail products from RSPCA Adelaide Animal Care Campus located at O'Halloran Hill
Free on-site car parking
Access to free employee counselling via our EAP provide
How to apply:
If this role excites you, click 'Apply' ensuring to include your current resume and cover letter detailing your skills and experience, why you believe you are the best candidate for the role and why RSPCA's mission is important to you.
Due to the expected high number of applications only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; we thank all candidates for the time taken to apply for one of these exciting opportunities.
Only applications that include a cover letter will be considered.
Please note we are actively reviewing applications, if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible
Assistance from recruitments agencies is not required.
RSPCA South Australia is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply.

📌 Chief Vet (Adelaide)
🏢 RSPCA
📍 Adelaide