Shelter Veterinarian

About the role

The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) is seeking a compassionate Veterinarian to join a nationally recognized agency working at the leading edge of municipal animal sheltering in veterinary care. Be part of a professional and high-performing team devoted to serving our community. In this position, you'll be a vital member of the Veterinary Services team, which includes the spay and neuter clinic and the shelter medicine program.

The spay and neuter clinic provides low-cost, high-quality spay and neuter services for the Seattle community. The shelter medicine program offers treatment to all kinds of animals and upholds high medical standards to ensure a safe, healthy environment for shelter animals and the people who interact with them. Our mission is to serve our community with respect for the human/animal bond. In addition to providing care to our shelter population, we offer access to quality veterinary care for animals who might otherwise not receive medical attention through monthly pet vaccine clinics and community outreach.

Responsibilities

• Perform spay and neuter as well as other types of surgery.
• Provide preventative treatments for infections, disease prevention and control, general health, parasite diagnosis and treatment, and dietary evaluations.
• Examine animals, evaluate their health, and perform veterinary medical and surgical procedures including vaccinations, prescribing and administering medications, anti-parasite treatments, tests, and lab work for infections and related health issues.
• Maintain medical records and drug-use logs and assist staff in developing and implementing medical-related policies and procedures to veterinary and sheltering practice standards.
• Ensure adherence to all state and federal laws, state regulations, accepted standards, the practice of veterinary medicine, drug control, and animal care and handling.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures (including dog, cat, and rabbit ovariohysterectomy and castration and dental preventative care), and other companion animal health issues.
• Perform and/or assist with euthanasia according to established protocols.
• May conduct examinations of animals and their living conditions and testify in criminal cases.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM).
• Current Washington State Veterinary License.
• A valid Washington Class C Driver’s License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Ability to obtain a DEA license.

Qualifications

You’ll feel most prepared for this role if you have:

• Knowledge of and experience with animal health protocols, surgical procedures, and companion animal health issues in a shelter setting.
• Knowledge of City, County, State, and Federal animal health laws.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, employees, key partners, volunteers, and the public.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and electronic veterinary medical records.
• Experience using PetPoint, ClinicHQ, and Petriage computer programs.

Working Conditions

• Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate but not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, standing, walking, and carrying objects and animals of moderate weight.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance and heavier amounts with assistance.
• Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, anesthetics, and sharp objects.
• May be required to provide medical consultations via phone on days outside the shelter and/or after hours, supporting staff with expertise and guidance.

Benefits

• Advanced diagnostic and treatment tools, including a full suite of Idexx diagnostic machines, dental equipment, and digital x-ray.
• A dedicated surgery suite.
• A skilled support team committed to the highest standards of animal care.
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment.
• Generous benefits package.
• Potential relocation assistance.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Professional association fees coverage.
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions.
• Free ORCA card for public transit.
• Paid Time Off includes:
  • 12 vacation days annually to start.
  • 12 paid holidays annually.
  • 2 floating holidays upon hire and annually thereafter.
  • 4 executive leave days annually (pro-rated depending on start date).
  • Up to 6 days of merit leave annually in recognition of the prior year’s performance.

Pay

The full salary range for the Veterinarian classification is $73.17 - $85.09 per hour or $152,779 - $177,668 annually. It is a step-progression position that is FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime) and is Civil Service represented.

This position requires 100% on-site work.