Shelter Veterinarian

Position Title:Shelter Veterinarian

Report To: Executive Director

Hours: Full Time

Salary: $80,000-$110,000 depending on experience and qualifications

Benefits: Paid Health and Dental Insurance, 4 weeks of paid time off annually

Qualifications (Required): Degree of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited University. License to practice in the State of Missouri or be eligible to successfully obtain a license to practice. Have a DEA license or have the ability to obtain a DEA license for controlled substances.

Qualifications (Preferred): Experience in shelter medicine or high-volume spay/neuter clinics. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Occupational Hazards: Animal hair and dander, possibility of domestic and wild animal bites. Exposure to potentially communicable diseases, such as ringworm, rabies, etc. Exposure to chemicals such as detergents, bleach, etc. Applicants should be free of allergies, asthma or back problems and must be able to lift 40 lbs

Duties and Responsibilities : The Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) Veterinarian provides high-quality medical care to shelter animals, including spay/neuter and treatment of various medical conditions. The Veterinarian is responsible for developing, advancing, and implementing shelter medicine protocols and ensuring humane medical treatment of all animals at CMHS.

● Ensures high-quality medical care and services for shelter animals including those temporarily in foster care.

● Perform spay/neuter surgeries and other medical surgery procedures as required for CMHS animals, our low cost program, and community TNR program. Provide follow-up on post surgical complications.

● Provide recommendations on adequate quarantine procedures, vaccinations, and sanitation practices to control infectious disease in the shelter.

● Provide medical treatment, vaccinations and animal cruelty court testimony for animal control as described in the Boone County/City of Columbia contract.

● Assist with vaccination clinics and other special events as needed.

● Maintain compliance with the MVMB Facility Permit and the Department of Agriculture.

● Oversees the maintenance of shelter drug and supply inventory while meeting and maintaining DEA requirements.

● Additionally, this position may be responsible for other duties as assigned though not specifically enumerated above and for all duties specifically delegated by the Executive Director.

Human Resources/Personnel Management:

● Hire, train, supervise and evaluate the CMHS Veterinary Staff

● Develop guidelines and requirements for staff continuing education

● Work closely with the University of Missouri Shelter Medicine Veterinarians, students, and staff

● Assist in the establishment and training of staff procedures and protocols such as disease control, intake, and quarantine

● Inform veterinary staff and ensure compliance of shelter policy, procedures and guidelines

● Provide shelter staff with clear concise information regarding the medical condition, diagnosis, treatment plan and long term prognosis of animals in care at the shelter

● Provide guidance to staff for situations requiring immediate medical problem solving

Community/Customer Service:

● Maintain the professional image of the organization

● Represent the organization in the community by attending community or professional meetings when requested

● Ensure that clients, visitors, volunteers, students and community service workers are provided great customer service during all shelter activities

Animal Welfare:

● Provide medical services to all shelter animals, including physical examinations, diagnostics, medical rounds, and treatments

● Examine animals as requested by CMHS staff and present recommendations as to treatment or disposition

● Ensure appropriate medication is administered by veterinarian technicians and CMHS staff in the absence of shelter veterinary staff

● Perform and/or supervise all spays/neuters and other surgical procedures

● Advise, perform or oversee euthanasia performed within the shelter

● Perform, when necessary, diagnostic tests such as heartworm, FeLV, FIV and other blood work or designate a trained alternative staff member that you oversee to complete the task

Administrative:

● Maintains appropriate licensing and completes required continuing education courses. Adheres to state regulations and organizational protocol regarding animal care, treatment, advocacy, and the mission of CMHS

● Oversee the veterinary staff to ensure that medical records and documentation are accurate and in compliance with the law

● Work with Lead Veterinary Technician to ensure practical scheduling of all types and numbers of spays/neuters for all surgery programs