Veterinary Medical Director

Veterinary Medical Director (Veterinarian)

The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant, well-established, and respected non-profit animal welfare organization. Through our nationally ranked high-volume spay and neuter clinic (we are ranked as one of the top 10 clinics in the country!), successful adoption program, surrender support and deferment programs and a commitment to excellent animal care, the Sacramento SPCA is giving more than shelter and saving animals one life at a time.

The Veterinary Medical Director (VMD) provides strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for all veterinary services within the animal shelter, including high-level oversight of the Shelter Medicine Department, the High-Quality High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) Clinic, and Vaccine/Wellness services. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, humane, and evidence-based veterinary care while supporting organizational mission, regulatory compliance, staff development, and optimal animal outcomes.

The Veterinary Medical Director serves as the senior veterinary authority for the organization, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and partnering closely with shelter department managers to align medical programs with shelter operations to meet community needs and exceptional patient care.

Essential Job Functions

• Medical & Clinical Leadership
• High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) Oversight
• High-Volume Vaccine, Wellness & Access-to-Care Programs
• Shelter Medicine Oversight (Strategic & Programmatic)
• Leadership, Personnel Management & Culture
• Compliance, Risk Management & Quality Assurance
• Operations, Budget & Interdepartmental Collaboration

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide recommendations regarding humane euthanasia for shelter and public-owned animals when medically or ethically indicated.
• Report animal behavior concerns to appropriate Animal Care or Behavior leadership.
• Ensure timely follow-up of medical treatments and client communications for animals treated through clinic or shelter medical programs.
• Participate in organizational meetings and cross-departmental planning as needed.
• Provide phone consultation when offsite as scheduling permits.
• Participate in staff training, public education, media engagements, conferences, and professional presentations as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational mission and operations.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter, shelter medicine, and community-based veterinary care.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to analyze outcomes data and drive continuous quality improvement.
• Ability to balance medical ethics, operational realities, and community impact.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively in a high-volume environment.

Education and Experience:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in shelter medicine, HQHVSN, or high-volume clinical practice management and leadership required.
• Current license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of California.
• Valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and perform prolonged clinical and surgical duties.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently or up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Allergies aggravated by exposure to animals or cleaning chemicals may be disqualifying.

Working Conditions:

• Minimum 40-hour workweek; evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency response may be required.
• Regular exposure to sick, injured, fractious, or dangerous animals, parasites, and infectious diseases.
• Fast-paced, emotionally charged, mission-driven shelter and clinic environment.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and with or without cause.