Shelter Veterinarian

About the role

The Shelter Veterinarian serves as the organization's medical leader, overseeing the health and welfare of shelter animals while working alongside an experienced four-member veterinary team. This position provides medical direction, performs examinations and diagnostics, develops treatment plans, establishes medical protocols, and ensures compliance with shelter medicine best practices and all applicable state and federal regulations. As the lead surgeon, this individual performs high-quality spay/neuter surgeries and other routine procedures for HSTV animals and our shelter partners while providing clinical leadership for our low-cost, appointment-based PetHelp Community Clinic. This position works closely with the Executive Director, Veterinary Practice Manager, and Operations Manager to advance animal welfare, improve shelter operations, mentor veterinary staff, and expand access to veterinary care throughout our community.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical direction for the shelter’s veterinary program
• Perform examinations and diagnostics
• Develop treatment plans
• Establish medical protocols
• Ensure compliance with shelter medicine best practices and state/federal regulations
• Serve as lead surgeon, performing high-quality spay/neuter surgeries and other routine procedures for HSTV animals and shelter partners
• Provide clinical leadership for the low‑cost, appointment‑based PetHelp Community Clinic
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Veterinary Practice Manager, and Operations Manager to advance animal welfare, improve shelter operations, mentor veterinary staff, and expand access to veterinary care

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD)
• Licensed (or eligible for licensure) in Tennessee
• DEA license and USDA accreditation (or ability to obtain)

Qualifications

• Shelter medicine and/or high‑volume spay/neuter experience preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaborative skills
• Passion for animal welfare and community veterinary medicine

Skills

• Leadership
• Communication
• Collaboration

Benefits

• Up to $2,000 annually for licensure, DEA registration, continuing education, and professional development
• Paid maternity leave after one year of service
• Voluntary benefits: dental, vision, life/ADD/STD/LTD/Accidental coverage
• 20 days of paid time off (PTO)
• Eight paid holidays and three flex holidays with pay
• Paid bereavement day for the death of a pet
• Opportunity to shape and grow a progressive veterinary program
• Work alongside an engaged leadership team committed to innovation and lifesaving
• Make a meaningful impact on thousands of animals and families each year

Pay

Competitive salary of $110,000–$120,000, based on experience.

Schedule

Negotiable full‑time schedule promoting work‑life balance.

Contact: Ryan Hughes, Executive Director, 865-573-9675, info@humanesocietytennessee.org