Veterinarian

Reports to: Director of Clinic Operations

About the role

Performs high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter surgery utilizing the ASPCA/Humane Alliance model. Provides wellness veterinary services and non-spay/neuter surgeries when needed. All duties will be performed in a manner consistent with achieving the mission and vision of Paws Humane Society. Works closely and cooperatively with the Director of Clinic Operations to ensure that standards of care are met.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-surgery physical examinations (or visual assessment of free-roaming cats in humane box traps) on all surgical candidates to determine if animals are acceptable anesthetic/surgical candidates. Document physical exam findings and any adverse events on appropriate medical records.
• Provide high-volume wellness care to public clients. Examine, diagnose, and treat post-surgical medical complications of animals spayed/neutered at Paws Humane.
• May be required to provide after-hours/weekend emergency care to shelter-housed animals.
• Ensure knowledge of, and adherence to, laws, regulations, and industry best practices related to clinic and shelter operations. Provide the highest level of service and care in a timely manner to pets, caregivers, and animals housed in the shelter.
• Conduct daily rounds to observe shelter animals, noting changes in behavior and physical condition, and respond promptly to address concerns.
• Provide training and direction to shelter staff regarding animal care, including sanitation protocols and protocols to maintain the mental and physical well-being of animals.
• Determine when euthanasia is appropriate in medical cases and participate in determining if euthanasia is appropriate for behavior cases. Ensure euthanasia is performed according to established protocol.
• Make medical decisions for shelter animals, consulting with the Executive Director when cost is significant and/or multiple medically sound options exist.
• Work with local veterinarians and clinic/shelter professionals to promote positive and productive relationships.
• Engage with volunteers consistently, communicating professionally and respectfully, and expressing gratitude for their service and dedication.

Duties and responsibilities are not exclusive or all-inclusive and may evolve over time. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from an accredited college or university.
• One year of professional veterinary medical experience.
• License to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Georgia.
• Knowledge of current veterinary practices and techniques relating to high-volume spay/neuter surgery, vaccination protocols, treatment of injured and ill animals, and animal diseases—their prevention, control, and eradication.
• Knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures, and companion animal health issues.
• Knowledge of county, state, city, and federal animal health laws and regulations, as well as animal regulation procedures and problems.

Skills

• Ability to exert moderate but not constant physical effort, typically involving stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting, carrying objects and animals of moderate weight.
• Ability to operate, maneuver, and/or adjust equipment such as surgical instruments, syringes, catch poles, microscopes, diagnostic equipment, and computer terminals.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet, and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training, such as surgery and injections.
• Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, tastes, odors, and textures associated with job-related tasks.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with pet owners, staff, volunteers, the general public, and animal control officers.
• Ability to apply principles of influence systems such as supervision, managing, leading, teaching, directing, planning, coordinating, and controlling.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in developing approaches and techniques for problem resolution.
• Ability to work under potentially unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors (e.g., temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, violence, noise, wetness, disease) may cause discomfort and pose a risk of injury.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance