Staff Veterinarian

Position Summary

The Staff Veterinarian provides veterinary care that balances shelter population management with individualized care. At Seattle Humane, all animals that are treatable and can be rehabilitated receive care, resulting in oversight and treatment of a variety of infectious diseases, chronic medical cases, surgical cases and behavioral management. The Staff Veterinarian will be involved in all aspects of veterinary care including population management, disease prevention, assessment and treatment of hospitalized animals, high quality high volume spay/neuter surgery, as well as a variety of soft tissue surgeries and dentistry.

The Staff Veterinarian will be responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of the shelter population as well as providing veterinary care to low-income pet owners. The Staff Veterinarian will participate in training and mentoring of veterinary interns, support staff and veterinary students, as well as work with other staff veterinarians.

• Performs examinations, vaccinations and diagnostic tests for shelter animals, recently adopted animals, and public clinic patients according to established guidelines.
• Oversees chronic medical cases with the goal to decrease length of stay in the shelter and promote adoption with research, creativity, and outside resources in accordance with SH protocols and resources.
• Performs high quality high volume spay and neuter (HQHVSN) surgeries.
• Performs other soft tissue surgeries (amputation, enucleation, cystotomy, gastrotomy/enterotomy, etc.) and dentistry.
• Opportunity to perform orthopedic surgery if candidate has pre-established skill set.
• Utilizes population management strategies which maximize life-saving capacity.
• Oversees pharmacotherapy of behavioral cases to ensure a good quality of life for shelter patients.
• Provides on-site leadership and direction to Veterinary Intern and Veterinary Staff.
• Provides input and pertinent medical information to other departments as needed to facilitate the health care of all SH animals.
• Provides input and pertinent medical information for the establishment of health care and disease control/sanitation and safety protocols.
• Assures compliance with federal, state and local regulations concerning legend drugs, euthanasia and other veterinary practices.
• Advises, performs or oversees euthanasia in accordance with SH procedures and federal regulations.
• Maintains a positive attitude and exemplifies the high level of care that SH provides to shelter guests (people and animals alike).
• Maintains accurate files and records, especially pertaining to medical, surgical, and euthanasia records. Adheres to the files and records retention policy and procedures.
• Follows all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures.
• Works closely with all departments and effectively communicates the medical needs of shelter animals.
• Collaborates and works congruently with other staff veterinarians and veterinary services leadership.
• Provides support and training as needed within Veterinary Services Team, for other departments and shelter volunteers.

• Carries out approved program or procedure changes in order to maintain compliance with any safety, health and labor regulations.
• Assures a clean, orderly and positive working environment.
• Assists with volunteer and staff training as requested.
• Attends department and full staff meetings as requested and provides ideas and suggestions designed to improve programs and working conditions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Provides instruction to staff and volunteers regarding animal health and wellbeing.

• Daily verbal and written communication both within the veterinary services department and between SH teams (Intake, Foster, Animal Care, Adoptions and Behavior) and volunteers.
• Daily communication with Seattle Humane customers and clinic clients through direct contact, over the telephone, via telemedicine/telehealth or written communication.
• Regular written or verbal communication with outside veterinarians, veterinary technicians or animal welfare agencies as needed.

• Minimum of 1 year of clinical experience in veterinary medicine for Level 1 Staff Veterinarian; minimum 3 years for Level 2 Staff Veterinarian.
• Strong surgical and clinical skills; shelter medicine, HQHVSN and pediatric experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to provide feedback and mentor others with empathy and compassion.
• Ability to assist in risk assessment and management of infectious disease on both individual and population levels.
• Ability to think critically and problem solve.
• Low stress animal handling skills related to a clinic/shelter environment.
• Ability to multi-task in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while maintaining a high standard of care.
• Must be able to read, write, listen and communicate rapidly and effectively.
• Should be able to identify…