Relief Veterinarian

Job Description

Job Description

FLSA: Non-exempt (hourly) REVISED: 07/24/2025

REPORTS TO: Chief Veterinarian REVIEWED: 01/08/2025

SUPERVISES: N/A

Position Summary:

Under administrative direction, responsible for providing high quality veterinary care of shelter and/or client owned animals, shelter medicine, spay/neuter surgeries as well as carrying out disease control protocols. Some positions may require an emphasis on affordable veterinary care and vaccinations, some may require an emphasis on high volume spay and neuter surgery, and others may require emphasis on duties related to shelter medicine and population management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Interested applicants should note in their application which area they would prefer to work in:

• Vaccine Clinic

  • Administers vaccinations, microchips, dewormer, and other preventative medications for client owned companion animals and shelter animals during vaccine clinics.

  • Explains diagnoses to owners and provides recommended next steps for health concerns identified on physical exam.

• High Volume Spay and Neuter Surgery

  • Performs high volume spay/neuter procedures for client owned and/or shelter animals.

  • Performs pre-operative physical exams, administers perioperative medications, and manages postoperative surgical care for surgical patients.

  • Reviews medical records of shelter animals prior to surgery.

• Shelter Medicine

  • Reports the status of overall shelter health to management.

  • Collaborates with management and veterinary staff to create both real time adjustments to shelter protocols, as well as preemptive planning to mitigate the impact of disease outbreaks.

  • Diagnoses and treats illness and injury in shelter animals and occasionally client owned companion animals, recommends course of treatment, diagnostic testing, or euthanasia; species include dogs, cats, pocket pets, reptiles, fish, and occasionally farm animals.

  • Administers pre-euthanasia sedation and performs euthanasia when necessary.

• General

  • Administers vaccinations, microchips, and preventative medications for shelter animals.

  • Maintains accurate and detailed electronic medical records.

  • Dresses appropriately and professionally to project a positive image to the public.

  • Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• DVM/VMD degree from an accredited School of Veterinary Medicine.

• Three (3) years of surgical experience in medical care of animals, to include spaying and neutering, preferred.

License & Certification Requirements:

• Valid License issued by the Nevada State Board Veterinary Medical Examiners.

• Valid Controlled Substance Registration Certification issued by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

• Valid Dispensing License issued by the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy.

• Valid Controlled Substance License issued by the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Animal shelter medicine and surgical procedures/protocols.

• Principles and practices of immunization as related to infectious diseases of animals.

• Proper review/audit of medical procedures to ensure that efficient and effective medical procedures are being practiced.

• Standard clinical office practices and procedures, including the operation of standard office equipment.

• Communicating effectively with co-workers and the public, in person and over the telephone.

• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill in:

• Instructing (training) staff, providing clinical oversight and case management assistance.

• Performing surgery to spay, neuter, and treat animals.

• Demonstration of genuine concern, compassion, and care for animals.

• Diagnosis of medical conditions and determining appropriate course of treatment.

• Explaining medical conditions and treatment options to staff and the public.

• Reviewing medical charts and records.

• Maintaining accurate medical and clinical records and preparing accurate and timely reports.

• Performing high volume of spay/neuter surgeries on a daily basis.

• Use of business software and associated computer hardware.

• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.

• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

• Communicating, relating, and interacting with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Physical ability and mobility to work in a typical clinical setting; stand for extended periods of time; strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds frequently, 50 pounds occasionally; hand and finger dexterity required to perform tasks required of a veterinarian; vision to read printed materials; hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Team Members are continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, cleaning chemicals, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and occasional work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold and extremely hot temperatures.

All employees work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission. Employees must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding customer service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this position. This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive listing or description of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of incumbents in the job.

I have read and understand the above to be a general description of the duties, physical demands, and occupational exposures of the position for which I am being hired.