Veterinarian

Veterinarian

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent from an accredited veterinary college and current NYS Licensure or eligibility for NYS licensure
• Two or more years clinical practice as a small animal DVM; shelter medicine experience strongly preferred
• Fear Free® Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) within 60 days or hire
• Low Stress Handling® University Silver-Level certification is required within six months of hire
• USDA certification within 1 year of hire

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, practical, high quality veterinary care in accordance with ASPCA protocols and shelter medicine principles and best practices
• Monitor the health and welfare of the shelter population, identifying potential disease outbreaks, and implementing appropriate control measures
• Ensure effective use of quarantine and isolation to manage individual animal needs and protect population health, while balancing the physical and behavioral needs of the animals
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques
• Develop skilled, efficient, Fear Free diagnosis and treatment plans for a wide variety of illnesses and injuries
• Perform sterilization surgery, dental procedures, and other surgeries using multi-modal anesthesia and analgesia
• Administer vaccines and preventatives according to protocols
• Perform humane euthanasia as needed
• Work with partner veterinary clinics/hospitals as needed, including referrals for advanced care
• Stay abreast of shelter medicine practices and trends and ensure their consistent application
• Obtain relevant continuing education as required by the ASPCA and the state licensing board
• Keep the Director of Veterinary Services apprised of patient medical progress
• Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff
• Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders
• Competently and compassionately explain animal’s condition to staff and volunteers with easily understood language
• Assist in staff training across all areas, ensuring all staff understand shelter disease control protocols, nutritional guidelines, preventative and vaccination schedules, and the importance of daily monitoring
• Participate in daily rounds alongside behavioral and sheltering staff, collaborating openly to provide excellent and integrated care
• Regularly attend all Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings
• Maintain thorough, high quality veterinary records, documenting all exam findings, test results, and treatments
• Maintain accurate chain of custody and evidence disposition records
• Provide expert testimony in court, if requested
• Complete certificates of veterinary inspection, as appropriate, for transfer of animals between facilities and/or placement of animals released from care
• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses
• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 5% of the time
• Able to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Maintain strict confidentiality when dealing with criminal cases
• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally
• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice
• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress
• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas
• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand
• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others
• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others
• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions
• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same
• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly
• Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected
• Ability to set a clear direction and inspire others to work towards shared goals
• Sets a high standard by modeling transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles
• Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly
• Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships
• Values ongoing training and education
• Willing and able to work in a variety of environments including but not limited to: Indoor climate-controlled spaces, Outdoor natural climate spaces where extreme temperatures and/or precipitation are possible, On surfaces that are wet or uneven, In loud or continuously noisy areas
• Willing and able to work with chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects
• Able to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time
• Able to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies
• Able to comfortably handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations
• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties