Relief Veterinarian

About the role

The Louisiana SPCA Community Clinic provides access to high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter services as well as preventative and essential veterinary care to the public in addition to managing the shelter population for both Orleans and Plaquemines Parishes. The position plays a crucial role in keeping pets and owners united throughout the course of medical treatment, with the primary focus being the care of the animal and the client, to help enhance the lives of both the pet and the person. The focus in the shelter clinic is the management of the 300 animal population.

Responsibilities

• Provide ‘best in class’ preventive and essential medical care, as well as oversee all aspects of veterinary care at a high-volume outpatient clinic.
• Perform and oversee all aspects of surgical procedures amenable to being performed on an outpatient basis and refer triage cases that do not fall within the Community Clinic’s parameters of care.
• Converse professionally and respectfully with clients, employees, and volunteers and be able to relay important medical information in non-technical terms. This includes communicating effectively during examinations and providing medical test results in order to allow owners to make informed choices regarding the medical care of their pets.
• Document all exam findings, test results and treatment recommendations in patients’ medical records, as well as follow written and verbally communicated Louisiana SPCA Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain records for DEA regulated substances and oversee the handling of controlled substances by trained veterinary technicians.
• Treat all animals humanely, properly, and with compassionately at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance.
• Counsel owners about end of life and other sensitive medical care decisions.
• Perform humane euthanasia.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Compassionate, with excellent problem solving and diagnostic skills.
• A critical thinker, with the agility to manage multiple demands and tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• An analytical and inquisitive mind, with a current professional license to practice veterinary medicine and a current DEA license.
• Team attitude and ability to maintain great working relationships with clients and staff.
• Intermediate computer and keyboard skills, including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Interest in animal welfare and population control and serving underserved populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of team.
• Demonstrated ability to work in high-volume, fast-paced clinic environment with a diverse group of people.

Education and/or Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited university and possess a current Louisiana Veterinary License.
• Current DEA, and Board of Pharmacy licenses.
• 2 years of experience in general small animal practice or shelter medicine preferred.
• Trained in or experienced with high volume spay/neuter surgery preferred.
• Trained and experienced in performing all aspects of dentistry procedures preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications and Assistance

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Physical Requirements

• Should not be allergic to animals or have nut allergies; must be able to work with all animals.
• Must be able to work with industrial strength cleaners and disinfectants.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, reach; perform strenuous physical activities including frequent walking and running, standing, bending and stooping.

Working Conditions

• Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches
• Works in an area with high noise levels

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K match
• PTO and paid holidays
• Qualification and assistance for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Compensation

Compensation hourly $70-$85 hr commensurate with experience.