Shelter Veterinarian

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Shelter Veterinarian

Department: DeKalb County Animal Services - Shelter Medicine

Reports To: Shelter Director, Medical Director

Location: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them.

As a Veterinarian with LifeLine Animal Project, responsibilities will include but are not limited to

overseeing the health care of all animals in the shelter, such as providing medical examinations,

vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, treatments for illnesses or injuries, and coordinating the

overall health management of animals. This role includes ensuring compliance with animal welfare

laws and shelter policies while collaborating with staff and volunteers.

The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our

community. We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks,

provide services to clients, and care for our animals.

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

• Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards -- Be Courageous --

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

Key Responsibilities:

• Medical Care: Provide routine veterinary care to shelter animals, including health assessments, diagnostic tests, vaccinations, and treatments for injuries and illnesses.
  • Selects appropriate and cost-effective diagnostic procedures when necessary, and establishes appropriate therapeutic protocols.
  • Establishes thorough and accurate treatment plans.
• Surgical Procedures: Perform spay/neuter surgeries, dental procedures, and other necessary surgical interventions.
• Emergency Care: Provide emergency veterinary care as needed for injured or sick animals in the shelter.
• Records and Documentation:
  • Maintain accurate medical records for all animals in the shelter, tracking vaccinations, treatments, and surgeries performed.
  • Ensure all controlled drugs and prescribed medications are logged properly, and timely.
  • Services and treatment performed for court related cases must be logged immediately following the service. Court testimony is sometimes required by the treating physician.
  • Court cases need to take priority to be done that day unless an emergency happens. You may also be required to testify in court on the animals behalf so make sure the records are complete at the time of the exam.
• Animal Intake and Quarantine: Oversee the intake of new animals into the shelter, including quarantine protocols for potentially contagious animals.
• Animal Welfare: Assess and monitor the general welfare of animals in the shelter, ensuring they receive adequate care, nutrition, and enrichment.
• Collaboration with Shelter Staff: Work closely with shelter management, animal care staff, and volunteers to ensure smooth operations and optimal care for animals.
• Public Education: Provide guidance and support to shelter staff and the public on animal care, health issues, and responsible pet ownership.
• Adoption Support: Evaluate animals for adoption suitability, including behavior and medical health assessments, and provide recommendations for adoption.
• Foster Relations : Express empathy and compassion with foster parents and communicate in a way that foster parents will understand treatment recommendation and after-care follow-up.
• Compliance and Regulations: Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to animal care and shelter operations.
• Additional Duties as Needed, to include but not limited to providing assistance at other LifeLine locations.

Leadership and Management:

• Follow the established rules and policies that govern normal hospital operations.
• Communicate the practice’s objectives to the hospital staff.
• Motivate staff and help build and maintain morale.
• Demonstrate and model LifeLine’s core values and standards.
• Consistently demonstrate a professional demeanor and take initiative to drive efforts and acts to achieve success.
• Take an active role in hospital staff meetings contributing to the on-going success and quality improvement of the organization.
• Promote a cooperative working environment. Understanding the value of teamwork, and enthusiastically and willingly performs as necessary to help the hospital function as a unit. Teamwork is very important to a successful career in veterinary medicine as well as a successful career with Lifeline. Teamwork is a top priority at Lifeline.
• Respectfully and directly address concerns or disagreements with superiors and colleagues.
• Regularly and frequently review hospital communications to remain informed.

Personal Conduct:

• Adhere to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures, including but not limited to uniforms, grooming, smoking, and personal calls, as stated in the hospital procedures manual.
• Serve as a representative of the hospital, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and other staff members.
• Demonstrate initiative in everyday duties by seeking other work during down times, assisting other employees, and filling in for other employees as needed.
• Adhere to the posted work schedule - arriving for work promptly and beginning work at scheduled start time.
• Follow hospital policies for reporting lateness or absences.
• Keep work areas organized and exercise time-management skills to maximize personal efficiency.
• Prioritize tasks and handle multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary school.
• Licensing: Must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the jurisdiction where the shelter is located.
• Must have or willing to get your USDA certification to write health certificates.
• Experience: Previous experience in a shelter, animal rescue, or clinical setting preferred.
• Compassion: Strong passion for animal welfare and a commitment to providing high-quality care in a shelter environment.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent diagnostic and decision-making skills, particularly in high-stress situations.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to handle the physical demands of the job, including lifting animals and performing surgeries.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position
• Fast-paced environment with a variety of medical cases.
• Exposure to potentially zoonotic diseases, and the physical demands of handling animals in various conditions.

Salary:

• Salary ranges vary based on experience but generally fall between $110,000 and $145,000 annually.

The Shelter Veterinarian plays a crucial role in improving the lives of shelter animals and supporting the shelter's mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals.