Director of Veterinary Services

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is one of Washington’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organizations, providing essential care to more than 9,000 animals in our shelter each year. As a donor‑funded organization, we rely on community support to find loving homes for nearly 7,000 pets, reunite more than 1,100 lost animals with their families and assist thousands more through innovative community programs.

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is searching for our Director of Veterinary Services (DVS). This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works closely with the C Suite, our Directors, Managers and Leads, as well as the Vet staff. This is a full‑time position, working on‑site to support the team. Our ideal candidate has at least 5 years of Shelter Medicine and surgical experience, and at least 3 years of progressive leadership in a shelter setting.

Experience working with behavior case management of dogs and cats is a bonus, specifically knowledge of medical and behavioral techniques and programs commonly used in shelter settings, is a huge plus. The DVS will be expected to spend 25% of their scheduled time on the floor performing medical and surgical casework, the other 75% will be leadership and administrative duties.

About us:

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is the largest private shelter in the Pacific Northwest and carries seven municipal contracts throughout Pierce County. Tacoma is in the Puget Sound region of the Pacific Northwest, with access to year‑round nature, a close drive to the cultural mecca of Seattle, and unique ecosystems to explore around the state. Veterinary Services boasts a full‑service in‑shelter animal care facility for dogs, cats, rabbits and other critters with Idexx in‑house laboratory equipment and send‑out testing options, digital dental and full body radiology, tonoscopy, mobile ultrasound, and electronic medical records.

A dedicated 2 table surgical suite is available for HQHVSN surgery and a new 26 foot La Boit mobile S/N unit vehicle was received in 2025 which has been put into service through our targeted TNR program. The Veterinary Department also includes 3 additional full‑time Shelter Veterinarians, a Veterinary Services Manager, 4 full‑time Licensed Technicians, 10 Veterinary Technician Assistants, 1 TNR Community Clinic Coordinator and 3 Foster Coordinators, who are versatile, dedicated employees with extensive experience and a passion for shelter medicine.

The DVS will spend roughly 25% of their time in hands on medical, including but not limited to:

• Performing behavior and medical examinations, diagnostics, and determine treatment plans for our shelter and foster populations.
• Performing surgery on shelter population including sterilization as well as other soft tissue surgeries as needed.
• Consult and collaborate with external veterinary partners as needed to manage complicated cases.
• Evaluating and participating in shelter pathway planning.
• Conducting cruelty/neglect examinations as well as provide necropsy and forensic case review and prepare reports for legal cases. Provide expert witness testimony as needed.
• Participate in shelter animal rounds, protocol review and implementation, and special tasks or committees as assigned.
• Provide medical care via the Veterinary Department through the telemedicine program to triage concerns from our foster parents and adoption partners, conduct virtual appointments, and provide guidance for medical/behavioral concerns.

The DVS should expect to spend the remaining 75% of their time in providing leadership and direction to the team, as well as completing required administration tasks, including but not limited to:

• Leading and inspiring our veterinary team including direct management of our Shelter Veterinarians, and the Veterinary Services Manager, including assistance with scheduling and employee review.
• Supporting our Relief Veterinarians
• Working to develop and update existing medical protocols that are consistent with industry best practices.
• Participating in management level planning, including strategic meetings, training of shelter staff,…