Veterinarian - Local Animal Welfare Officer
Elanco
August 09, 2026
On-site
Fort Dodge, IA
Other
Local Animal Welfare Officer (LAWO)
Responsibilities:
- Provide veterinary leadership and hands-on clinical care for animals in Research & Development and Manufacturing & Quality, including herd/colony health monitoring and emergency treatments.
- Serve as the designated LAWO to ensure site compliance with regulatory guidelines, lead USDA inspections, and support AAALAC accreditation visits.
- Develop and implement the site animal welfare program, including creating/reviewing SOPs, training personnel on clinical and husbandry procedures, and advising on best practices.
- Lead and participate in Animal Welfare projects (policy development, program improvements, internal inspections, and third-party accreditation efforts).
- Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure robust biosecurity and biocontainment, including participation in facility design/renovation.
Minimum Qualifications:
- DVM from an accredited institution.
- 3+ years in an animal welfare-regulated environment in the Animal Health industry, including direct experience with third-party accreditation (e.g., AAALAC) and strong understanding of pre-clinical and clinical models.
- Current U.S. veterinary license and ability to obtain Iowa licensure.
- Strong field and laboratory clinical skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).
- Experience conducting facility audits; deep familiarity with USDA regulations and relevant Guide for Care and Use (laboratory and agricultural).
- Ability to lead through influence, work independently, and manage complex situations in multidisciplinary teams.
- Advanced verbal/written communication, with strength in conflict management.
Additional Information:
- Travel: 10–20%; Location: Fort Dodge, IA (on-site).
Benefits and Perks (highlights):
- Multiple relocation packages; two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO); 8-week parental leave; 9 Employee Resource Groups; annual bonus; flexible work arrangements; up to 6% 401K matching.
Responsibilities:
- Provide veterinary leadership and hands-on clinical care for animals in Research & Development and Manufacturing & Quality, including herd/colony health monitoring and emergency treatments.
- Serve as the designated LAWO to ensure site compliance with regulatory guidelines, lead USDA inspections, and support AAALAC accreditation visits.
- Develop and implement the site animal welfare program, including creating/reviewing SOPs, training personnel on clinical and husbandry procedures, and advising on best practices.
- Lead and participate in Animal Welfare projects (policy development, program improvements, internal inspections, and third-party accreditation efforts).
- Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure robust biosecurity and biocontainment, including participation in facility design/renovation.
Minimum Qualifications:
- DVM from an accredited institution.
- 3+ years in an animal welfare-regulated environment in the Animal Health industry, including direct experience with third-party accreditation (e.g., AAALAC) and strong understanding of pre-clinical and clinical models.
- Current U.S. veterinary license and ability to obtain Iowa licensure.
- Strong field and laboratory clinical skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).
- Experience conducting facility audits; deep familiarity with USDA regulations and relevant Guide for Care and Use (laboratory and agricultural).
- Ability to lead through influence, work independently, and manage complex situations in multidisciplinary teams.
- Advanced verbal/written communication, with strength in conflict management.
Additional Information:
- Travel: 10–20%; Location: Fort Dodge, IA (on-site).
Benefits and Perks (highlights):
- Multiple relocation packages; two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO); 8-week parental leave; 9 Employee Resource Groups; annual bonus; flexible work arrangements; up to 6% 401K matching.