The Clinical Department staff apply their medical expertise to the care of the animals in WCS's collections at the zoos and aquarium in New York. They also work with wild animals in both our own region and around the world, to monitor the health of wildlife and to identify new and emerging diseases. The Department consists of veterinary clinicians, residents, technicians, medical records specialists, animal care personnel, and administrative support staff. The four full-time veterinarians are all recognized experts in the field of wild animal care as board certified specialists in zoological or avian medicine.​ Facilities and equipment include: a sterile surgery suite, imaging suite (digital radiography and ultrasound), clinical pathology laboratory, surgical preparation area, pharmacy, procedure room, intensive care, kitchen, animal wards and barn, offices, locker rooms, conference room, medical records area, biomaterials archive, and a medical library and video conferencing center.

The Clinical Department offers a three-year residency training program to qualified veterinarians to develop their medical and surgical expertise, skills, and experience in clinical zoological practice. Upon completion of this program, graduate residents will be highly competent professionals prepared to take leadership roles in the field of zoological and wildlife medicine at zoos, aquariums, or in field positions with wild free-ranging animals.