Veterinary Medical Officer (Staff Officer)

The Staff Officer in the National Policy Staff (NPS) within the Animal Care (AC) program has nationwide responsibilities in 3 program areas: 1) The humane care and treatment of all horses regulated under the authority of the Horse Protection Act (HPA). 2) The humane care and treatment during transportation of all species regulated under the authority of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). 3) The humane care and treatment of pet animals regulated under the authority of the AWA.

The duties may include, but are not limited to:

Provides authoritative veterinary medical expertise in the interpretation and application of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the regulations of the Horse Protection Act (HPA).

Evaluates and participates in developing or revising national regulations, policies concerning the care and treatment of horses and complex equine welfare issues.

Serves as a veterinary subject matter expert in HPA compliance and enforcement matters, including providing technical guidance, documentation, and expert testimony.

Serves as an equine liaison to provide technical information, resolve critical issues, and promote understanding of HPA requirements.

Participates in inspections and enforcement activities involving horses and applies veterinary expertise regarding equine care, handling, behavior, husbandry, housing, medical care, and welfare.

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.