The Shelter Veterinarian provides oversight of all aspects of veterinary care for our shelter. This position is primarily medical and surgical focused. Duties and responsibilities outlined below.

Primary:

• Provides oversight on the overall wellbeing of the shelter residents by ensuring their medical, behavioral, housing, and nutritional needs are being met.
• Makes recommendations and collaborates with management on herd health and disease control protocols.
• Oversight of all medical policies and practices in the HSHA Veterinary Department relating to surgery, drug and medication administration, examinations, and diagnostics.
• Performs physical examinations on shelter residents.
• Develops and oversees the execution of treatment plans for shelter residents to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries.
• Performs spay/neuter surgery on shelter residents and clinic patients.
• Performs other procedures including but not limited to dental, soft tissue, and orthopedic surgery on shelter residents.
• Performs necropsies as needed.
• Makes referrals to outside veterinary hospitals and veterinary specialists when appropriate.
• Interprets radiographs and diagnostic test results.
• Examines animals and documents findings for cruelty cases; provides expert witness testimony when appropriate.
• Makes euthanasia or rescue placement recommendations when appropriate; performs euthanasia for shelter residents when necessary.
• Keeps detailed patient records including surgical and/or treatment notes and exam findings.
• Oversees controlled substance ordering, use, and logging in accordance with all federal laws.
• Keeps current on trends in the veterinary field by attending seminars and conferences, watching webinars, and reading professional journals and articles.
• Treats animals humanely, with love and concern both on and off the job and transmits these values to others.
• Maintains effective and respectful communication with shelter staff in various departments as needed to coordinate and direct medical functions of the shelter.

Qualifications and skills:

• Current license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Pennsylvania
• Current DEA license or ability to obtain a DEA license
• Maintenance of malpractice/professional liability insurance
• Ability to work calmly and effectively within the frenetic nature of a shelter environment
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Proven time management, multitasking, and planning skills required
• Ability to communicate skillfully, respectfully, and compassionately with a culturally diverse staff, volunteer base, and client base
• Ability to use good judgment and display a professional manner in crisis situations
• Commitment to fostering a positive work environment by being a leader and motivator

Physical Requirements and work environment:

• Standing for extended periods of time
• Exposure to high noise levels
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Subject to animal bites and scratches; exposure to zoonotic disease
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals