Lead Veterinarian

About the role

PHS/SPCA is a successful, well-established non-profit humane society committed to serving the animals and people of our community. Among our major programs, PHS/SPCA adopts fully 100% of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in our care and, through our charitably funded Hope Program, makes well and finds homes for thousands of animals who come to us sick, injured or too young to survive without supportive care.

Responsibilities

• Recommend, develop and implement veterinary medical protocols and procedures for all departments and programs.
• Monitor health of the shelter population and work collaboratively with shelter managers to recognize, contain and treat contagious diseases, including zoonotic diseases.
• Mentor, guide, train and advise Veterinarians, staff and volunteers to promote better animal husbandry and excellence in veterinary medical care.
• Train Staff Veterinarians as needed and as appropriate.
• Regularly conduct rounds with Staff Veterinarians to discuss medical and surgical cases.
• Ensure animal medical records are maintained as required by law.
• Ensure every animal has a clear and concise plan regarding any medical condition(s), diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
• Act as a liaison for the public and staff regarding concerns, disputes or misconceptions of animal medical care at PHS/SPCA.
• Act as the primary contact person for situations that may arise involving the public related to PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and veterinary medical care.
• Maintain California Veterinary License in good standing.
• Pursue adequate and appropriate continuing education to continue to provide the Standard of Care.
• Maintain current premise permits and DEA licenses for PHS/SPCA facilities as appropriate and as required by law.
• Serve as the Supervising Veterinarian for all Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permits.
• Be available to advise veterinary department managers on occasion regarding after hours emergencies.
• Examine, diagnose and prescribe treatment for animals in PHS/SPCA care as needed and as appropriate.
• Provide emergency medical care as needed.
• Consult with specialists on specific medical cases when appropriate.
• Perform surgical sterilization of owned and shelter dogs, cats and rabbits.
• Perform and assist as needed in the daily activities of the Department.
• Euthanize and/or assist with euthanasia of animals as needed in accordance with PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and California state law.
• Assist Animal Rescue & Control, Humane Investigations and/or the District Attorney in the investigation and prosecution of cases of animal cruelty or neglect.
• Perform and record necropsies as needed.
• Appear in court to substantiate findings as necessary.
• Work with Veterinary Services managers to ensure department equipment in good working order.
• Provide staff, volunteer and public educational lectures as needed.
• Participate in writing educational materials and articles for PHS/SPCA.
• Participate in periodic vaccine clinics, educational programs and special events as needed.
• Supervise Staff Veterinarians.
• Indirectly supervise other Veterinary Services staff and volunteers in conjunction with department Managers.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; minimum of five years working with animals in a clinical environment with a strong preference for shelter medicine experience; equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Possess and maintain California State Licenses Veterinarian in good standing with a valid DEA license.
• Possess a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record to be insured by our insurance company.

Benefits

• Medical /Dental /Vision/Life Insurance /Flex Spending
• Sick, Vacation and Holidays
• Continued Education and Licensing Renewal Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Retail Discounts
• Free Vaccines, Spay/Neuter, Microchipping, and Two Pet Adoptions
• EEO/M/F/D/V/SO