Exotic Animal Veterinarian Consultant

Bergen County, New Jersey is seeking an Exotic Animal Veterinarian Consultant for the Van Saun Zoological Park in Paramus and the James McFaul Environmental Center in Wyckoff through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued on August 18, 2025. The selected veterinarian will be responsible for comprehensive animal health management, including routine prophylaxis, quarantine procedures, treatment protocols, and maintaining detailed medical records. Minimum qualifications require five years of experience as the primary veterinarian at an AZA-accredited zoological park or aquarium within the last ten years. Key responsibilities include conducting quarterly fecal examinations, administering vaccinations, assisting with animal nutrition, performing necropsy exams, and maintaining an on-site health care facility. The veterinarian must visit the zoo at least once weekly for routine examinations, be available for emergencies, and consult daily with animal health staff. Proposals are due by September 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST, with questions accepted until September 2, 2025. Interested parties must submit a current New Jersey medical license along with their qualification statement.

The procurement opportunity includes provisions for minority and disadvantaged business participation, with Bergen County maintaining a Joint Venture and Set-Aside Program that promotes economic inclusion for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women's Business Enterprises (WBE), Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE), and Small Business Enterprises (SBE). Businesses must be independently owned, operated, and have their principal place of business in New Jersey. Vendors are required to complete several mandatory compliance documents, including an Ownership Disclosure Statement, Iran Disclosure Form, and Affirmative Action compliance materials. While no specific contract value was explicitly stated, vendors must meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including $1,000,000 in comprehensive general liability and automobile liability coverage. Interested parties must register on the Bergen County Purchasing portal and are subject to strict ethical and operational standards, including compliance with the Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act and various state and federal non-discrimination regulations.