Shelter Veterinarian

This position primarily provides diagnostic assessments and provides standard medical care for the animals in the PAWS shelter. Procedures such as emergency surgery, spay and neuter surgeries of in-house or low-income clients, and dental procedures are the primary focus.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPerforms all surgical and other medical procedures of PAWS Spay/Neuter Clinic. Treats injured and ill animals in the shelter and helps monitor the health of the animals in the shelter and foster care program, practicing veterinary medicine from a herd health perspective in accordance with PAWS policies related to health and adoptability. Make recommendations for and/or perform euthanasia in accordance with PAWS health/adoptability policies.When serving as the primary veterinarian for the day, oversees all daily functions of the CAS department including medical care, radiology, dental procedures, clinical laboratory procedures, surgery, maintaining medical records, supervising and training veterinary student externs, and visiting veterinarians, assisting with implementation of herd health policy, training staff and externs in medical procedures as needed. Advises and assists with training clinic staff, shelter staff, and volunteers on the prevention of zoonotic diseases and other medical issues of concern.Leads veterinary students, volunteer veterinarians and relief veterinarians on days when acting as the primary veterinarian for the day.Stays current with developments in veterinary medicine, particularly those relevant to shelter medicine, and obtains the training and skills necessary to spay, neuter, and provide medical treatment for all species housed in the shelter.Performs other duties as required to support a positive work environment and maintain a professional public image. May be called upon to examine animals and prepare medical reports for use as evidence in animal abuse cases investigated by PAWS or legal authorities.Partners with shelter staff for ongoing educations, animal care and cooperation.Education:Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Medical Doctor from an accredited university or school of veterinary medicine, preferably with an emphasis on shelter medicine.Related Experience:At least one year of full-time veterinary experience working with dogs and cats is required. Two years is preferred.At least one year of experience practicing veterinary medicine in a shelter setting is preferred.At least one year of HQHV Spay and Neuter experience is preferred.Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations:Must have or can immediately obtain a valid Washington State License to practice Veterinary Medicine.Must currently have or can obtain a DEA License to purchase controlled drugs.Must have or can obtain a valid Washington driver’s license with no record of major or repeated minor traffic offenses.Required Competencies:Must be comfortable working as a solo veterinarian on site.Must be able to manage the staff and workload effectively and in a fast-paced environment to achieve department goals.Must be able to work maturely and respectfully with diverse groups of people and maintain high quality customer/public relations. Must possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, and provide a positive working environment built on team concepts.Must be able to work cooperatively with people and to communicate clearly about PAWS’ mission, the care and treatment of animals, and the safety of the public and other employees. Must be able to always represent PAWS professionally.Must be patient, organized, creative, and flexible, and able to balance concurrent projects and adjust to rapid, changing needs and work calmly under stressful conditions.Must exemplify the values of the organization in all interactions with coworkers and members of the public, including respect, trust, compassion, commitment, and courage.Must be able to follow clinic and PAWS SOPs and protocols and work within the PAWS budget and adoptability guidelines.Must have excellent attention to detail and record keeping.Technical Skills:Must have excellent medical and surgical skills, preferably in a high-volume setting, and experience including but not limited to physical exams, venipuncture, cytology, sample collection and analysis, laparotomy, wound repair, radiology, etc.Must be able to manage and respond to anesthetic emergencies and post-operative complications.Must be willing and able to work daily with companion animals and have a basic understanding of the needs and behavior of domestic cats and dogs. Must be able to handle individual animals in a caring, safe and humane manner.Must be computer literate and possess basic computer skills.Schedule:This position is full-time, exempt position with a weekend rotating schedule and on call availabilityTravel:NoneVaccinations:Tetanus recommendedRabies pre-exposure prophylaxis recommendedPhysical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.The Shelter Veterinarian must be able to lift a minimum of forty (40) pounds. Surgeries, examinations, and treatment of animals may require lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other moderately strenuous activities. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time, including working at a computer, surgery table and prep tableWork is performed at the PAWS’ facilities, which consist of multiple buildings. This position requires frequent walking between buildings and walking up/downstairs.This position requires the ability to walk dogs on leash and carry cat carriers, sometimes between buildings and outside in various weather conditions.Good vision and hearing are required.Hand/finger strength and dexterity are required.Work Environment:The work environment is primarily inside buildings, but frequent walking between buildings and standing outside to talk with foster parents, volunteers, and staff is required as well, in varying weather conditions.Scope of Supervisory Responsibilities:Supervises and directs clinic staff, visiting veterinarians, interns/externs, and volunteers, while acting as the veterinarian on duty. #J-18808-Ljbffr PAWS