Shelter Veterinarian

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for providing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) services and performing skilled professional work in the surgical sterilization of animals. Oversees the full spectrum of medical care for all animals at Marion County Animal Services, including examinations, diagnostics, treatment, ongoing monitoring, and ensuring humane, compassionate care throughout their stay.

• Performs HQHVSN surgeries for dogs, cats, and occasionally rabbits, at the shelter and on the mobile surgical clinic, for both shelter and privately-owned animals.
• Oversees pre- and post-operative care of animals.
• Assists with overseeing the maintenance of surgical equipment, medical supplies, and clinic area.
• Triages, examines, and treats healthy, diseased, and injured animals with little to no history or background, including those that may be fearful, fractious, or aggressive. Based on medical evaluation, decides on appropriate disposition of individual animal, considering available resources, prognosis, and the health and safety of other animals and people; outcomes may include adoption, rescue partner transfer, foster and/or humane euthanasia when appropriate.
• Leads in the recognition and management of infectious disease concerns in the shelter, offering educated recommendations and directing appropriate response measures to safeguard the health and well‑being of all animals.
• Assesses shelter health and overall herd health, provides recommendations and implements plans.
• Performs and assists with Humane Euthanasia as needed; may be needed to train and/or assist newly certified employees.
• Perform occasional necropsiesto determine cause of death, illnesses, and/or in relation to field enforcement cases.
• Creates treatment protocols for individual animals and regularly seen shelter ailments; collaborates with coworkers, as needed, to determine most appropriate path.
• Administers vaccinations and microchips at Marion County Animal Services and at off‑site locations, including during vaccination and microchip clinics for the community.
• Safely and humanely handles animals of all species, attitudes, and behaviors, in accordance with Fear Free standards; assists with guiding employees, volunteers, and others with the same respect and expectation.
• Must have superior data entry skills and the ability to clearly communicate via written word; must maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records.
• Performs routine filing and record keeping tasks, including controlled substance logs.
• Asses, examine, treat, and create treatment plans for animals involved in active investigations; compose and articulate findings in both written and oral form.
• May be required to deploy to active investigation scenes to evaluate, triage, and treat any animals at the location.
• May be required to testify in court.
• Provides veterinary services during emergency/disaster situations.
• May be asked to provide medical assistance or support for livestock; training and support will be provided and available.
• Provides training and guidance for veterinary students at the shelter or mobile clinic from universities.
• May assess and provide training and recommendations for employees, fosters, and volunteers.
• Supports and occasionally participates in daily playgroups, following Dogs Playing for Life model.
• Occasionally participates in outreach adoption events on weekends or evenings.
• Remains available on a rotating on‑call basis for animal emergencies.
• Attends trainings, conferences, events, seminars, meetings, hearings, and other continuing education opportunities.
• Provides superior customer service to both internal and external customers and stakeholders, including but not limited to general public, adopters, fosters, rescue partners, pet owners, volunteers, and veterinary community partners. Service is provided in person, electronically or by phone contact.
• Leads by example for all staff and volunteers.
• Assists Senior Shelter Veterinarian, Veterinary Technician Supervisor, and Department Director with creating and implementing SOPs, budgeting, and championing for changes to align with best practices in animal welfare.
• Collaborates with management to meet…