Animal Care and Control Shelter Veterinarian

About the role

The Shelter Veterinarian for the Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control facility (MACC) provides and oversees medical care for animals in the shelter’s custody, in addition to providing medical care for animals fostered and recently placed. The role also involves performing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries and additional surgeries as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements a comprehensive animal health care program including population management, environmental sanitation, record-keeping, disease surveillance, physical examinations, vaccination, parasite control, disease testing, disease treatment, surgery, nutrition, outbreak response, and environmental enrichment for animals in the shelter and in foster homes.
• Educates staff and volunteers regarding animal disease and behavior.
• Ensures that each animal receives a physical examination upon intake, and that sick and injured animals are diagnosed, and treatment is prescribed.
• Assesses and advises as to treatment options for sick or injured animals, including risks and costs thereof.
• Performs high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries and additional surgeries as necessary, including but not limited to enucleations, exploratory, wound repair, tumor removal with biopsy, dentals, amputations, etc.
• Provides emergency medical care as needed, including but not limited to IV catheter placement, emergency surgery, transfusions, etc.
• Maintains accurate recordkeeping in the computerized medical records system for all medical/surgical care provided, examinations, treatment, communication, and surveillance of disease within the shelter.
• Performs forensic veterinary exams for cruelty/legal cases, including crime scene processing, evidence collection and handling, crime scene/live animal photography, live examinations and necropsy, and emergency care. Prepare detailed legal veterinary statements. Attend court and testify as expert witness when required.
• Budgets, plans, and coordinates veterinary supplies, equipment, and clinic needs.
• Assists with coordination and supervision of veterinary clinics, such as spay/neuter and vaccination of publicly owned animals and feral cats.
• Assists with collaborative programs with colleges and universities, including hosting student and professional interns for structured rotations.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations of the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medicine and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
• Implements appropriate inventory control procedures for medications and medical supplies. Implements regular maintenance schedules for medical equipment.
• Prepares regular progress reports. Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as needed for visibility and success of the program. Takes initiative to identify and solve problems.
• Performs euthanasia of animals.
• Works cooperatively with the shelter Director and staff.
• Supports and participates in departmental response to disaster and emergency events.
• Treat people (staff, volunteers, and the public) with respect and courtesy, foster a spirit of teamwork, and perform duties in a manner that assists the organization in the achievement of its goals and encourages community support of its work.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree from an accredited university.
• Licensure: Active Tennessee license to practice veterinary medicine. Must possess (or obtain within sixty days of employment) and must thereafter maintain DEA controlled substances registration to administer, prescribe and dispense controlled substances. Valid class “D” driver’s license. Must receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations.
• Regular walking and standing. Lift up to 50 pounds on a regular and recurring basis. Perform routine keyboard operations. Lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances. Humanely restrain an animal. Use protective clothing or gear.

Qualifications

• Experience with high volume spay/neuter and pediatric surgeries.
• Experience volunteering at or working in an animal shelter.