Shelter Veterinarian

Overview

Objective: Provide veterinary leadership to the shelter through active management, administrative oversight, and hands-on animal care. Develop, implement, and evaluate protocols for veterinary medical and surgical care for shelter animals in accordance with best practice standards. Provide high-quality medical and surgical care, including spay/neuter and other procedures, for shelter animals. Coordinate with veterinarians, veterinary staff, other departments, and off-site veterinary partners to optimize animal care.

Ensure compliance with state and federal laws governing animal care, veterinary medicine, reportable diseases, and controlled substances.

• Work closely with Shelter Managers/Supervisors.
• Coordinate care and maintain relationships with off-site veterinary partners.
• Communicate and collaborate with supporting departments.

Administrative Veterinary Medical Care:

• Develop, apply, evaluate, monitor, and review veterinary standard operating procedures for the care, diagnosis, and medical/surgical treatment of shelter animals.
• Ensure compliance with state laws regarding rabies and other reportable diseases, including bite quarantines, rabies testing, and disease reporting.
• Oversee ordering, handling, and recording of controlled substances, ensuring compliance with DEA and state regulations.
• Develop, apply, and review disinfection and sanitation protocols to limit infectious and zoonotic diseases in the shelter.
• Remain knowledgeable about best practices in shelter medicine and surgery, including those set forth by ASPCA/Humane Alliance and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, and implement them as appropriate.
• Stay current with new equipment and techniques to provide more comprehensive veterinary care internally.

General Veterinary Medical Care Operations:

• Perform spay/neuter surgeries for shelter dogs, cats, and rabbits, including pediatrics, in-heat and pregnant animals, pyometras, and cryptorchids.
• Perform additional soft tissue surgeries for shelter animals such as mass removals, enucleations, and amputations.
• Conduct physical examinations and develop treatment and monitoring plans for healthy, sick, and injured animals.
• Provide medical support for shelter and foster animals, including follow-up on post-surgical cases.
• Manage daily medical rounds for shelter animals.
• Participate in animal outcome decisions, including medical and behavioral euthanasia.
• Perform euthanasia when appropriate and train/certify euthanasia technicians in accordance with state law.
• Other duties as assigned.

Data Management:

• Ensure medical records, electronic and/or written, are accurate and complete in accordance with DEA, State Veterinary Board, state laws, and other applicable regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of controlled substance use and storage.

Employee Management:

• Serve as a positive, motivating leader for all staff, promoting the mission and programs of the organization.
• Foster open, direct, and solution-focused communication within the team.
• In conjunction with the Lead Veterinary Technician, hire, supervise, train, motivate, orient, and evaluate shelter medical staff and interns/volunteers.
• Provide performance feedback for medical staff, including 90 Day and annual reviews, and deliver counseling for employee misconduct or policy violations with appropriate resolution.
• Identify staff training needs and develop plans to address them; create and lead training programs for medical and shelter staff and supervise those selected for specialized training opportunities.
• Support interns for their specific activities within the department.
• Plan and lead regular medical staff and shelter staff meetings.
• Work with shelter management and leadership staff to assist in developing and monitoring departmental budgets.
• Maximize resources by using funds efficiently to meet animals’ veterinary care needs while honoring donor intent and maintaining financial health.

Position Requirements:

• Humane treatment of animals
• Adherence to all organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal clinical signs and behavior of animals pre- and post- surgery
• Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, diagnosis and treatment of animal illness and injuries, veterinary soft tissue surgery, and animal handling and restraint
• Knowledge of disinfecting procedures, antisepsis, and asepsis
• Commitment to continuing and continual education to stay abreast of updates in veterinary medicine and to communicate new information to staff
• Familiarity with federal and state-controlled substance laws and regulations
• Familiarity with the New Jersey state veterinary practice act and laws regarding euthanasia, reportable diseases, and rabies protocols
• Flexible and efficient time management skills and the ability to prioritize and multitask
• Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate information clearly to clients and staff
• Analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to identify areas of…