Shelter Surgery Veterinarian

Summary: Veterinarian who will manage the care of shelter pets under medical treatment. Routinely, perform high quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries on shelter pets. Perform other surgeries, as needed, to ensure the health of shelter pets. Approximate allocation of medical duties: 20% oversee medical care of shelter pets, 80% spay/neuter or other surgeries. 

Essential Functions:

• Perform physical exams and diagnostics on shelter animals requiring medical care, including pets in foster care. Oversee pets in isolation for ringworm and parvo treatment. Document findings and treatment in the shelter management software. Examine, diagnose and treat injured or sick animals. Delegate follow-up treatment to trained medical rehab support staff. Document continued care and/or monitoring for the pet in the future for fosters or once the pet is adopted.
• Perform spay/neuter surgeries one to two days per week. Ability to perform 30-35 high quality spay/neuter surgeries daily. Perform pre-surgery physical exams on all surgical candidates to determine if animals are acceptable for anesthesia and surgical procedures. Performs other surgical procedures as needed to maintain the health of shelter animals. Oversee pre- and postoperative care, anesthetic administration and monitoring, emergency care, restraint and treatment.
• Train veterinary technicians on the proper recognition and testing of health abnormalities. Ensure staff know whom to contact in case of emergencies.
• Follow the highest safety and disease prevention protocols in the shelter including proper cleaning and animal handling and use of PPE. Assist in the prevention of disease control within the shelter.
• Develop and maintain medical examination and treatment standard operating procedures (SOPs) for approval by Director of Shelter Medicine.
• Manage inventory of medical treatment equipment, medicines and facilities to ensure a safe, healthy environment. Comply with all Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requirements on the storage and handling of controlled substances.
• Manage shelter medical rehabilitation support staff including, hiring, training, motivating, coaching to ensure a high-functioning team. Prepare performance reviews, approve time reporting and take appropriate disciplinary action, when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.
• Examine animals for transport and issue health certificates, as needed.
• Maintain continuing education and professional development necessary to retain a valid license to practice veterinary medicine in Texas and stay current on emerging trends in shelter medicine.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure the health and safety of staff and pets.
• Represent the Humane Society of North Texas in a professional manner in all circumstances.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities Needed to Perform the Essential Functions of this Position:

• DVW/VMD or equivalent degree from an AVMA accredited School of Veterinary Medicine.
• A valid license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners or the ability to obtain a valid veterinary license issued by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners by hire date.
• Shelter experience preferred, but not required. Mentorship available.
• Must have or obtain USDA Accreditation within six (6) months of hire date.
• Must have or able to obtain a valid Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registration certificate.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Organized and able to multitask well.
• Highly motivated with a professional attitude.
• Knowledge of breeds, diseases, medical conditions, and animal handling and behavior.
• Acquire and possess a thorough understanding of , and dedication to, animal welfare issues and policies/philosophies of HSNT.
• Ability to work independently and confidently using superior discretion and judgment.

Physical Demands:

• This position is regularly required to use hands, fingers, handle, talk, hear, stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch.
• The position holder must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds without assistance, up to 80 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to work standing for 6 or more hours and be able to bend/kneel repeatedly.
• Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus. 
•  By nature of the industry, consistently exposed to animals/animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available. There also may be occasional exposure to dead, sick, unruly, and/or dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and infectious diseases. 
• Must be able to deal with an often fast-paced and changing workload, which at times can be stressful.
• While performing the duties of this job this position may be exposed to animal odors or airborne particles.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the individual. Other duties than those listed herein may be assigned.