Shelter Veterinarian

Job Description

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.

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.

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.

Perform basic dental procedures for shelter animals.

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.

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.

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.

• Humane treatment of animals
• Adherence to all organizational policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal clinical…