Full-Time Shelter Staff Veterinarian

Description: The Maryland SPCA is an innovative dynamic organization that focuses on improving the lives of animals in turn enriching the human life. We foster various programs such as public & shelter spay /neuter, a shelter medicine program and community pop-up clinics. We are strong believers in community and collaborate with various organizations to enhance animal health. If you feel strongly about helping animals in your community, love shelter medicine and being part of a fun, passionate team, this job is for you. If you are a new graduate, interested in shelter medicine, and would like some mentorship in a supportive setting, this job is for you.

Position Summary: The full time Staff Veterinarian is responsible for the medical and surgical care of shelter residents and client owned patients. The Staff Veterinarian works in the following areas: MD SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic, Maryland SPCA Animal Shelter, and occasional community clinics.

Responsibilities:

Organizational

• Practice veterinary medicine from a shelter medicine focus perspective in accordance with Maryland SPCA policies. This includes diagnosis and treatment of sick and injured dogs and cats brought into the shelter and ensuring the continued health of animals while in our care
• Uphold the mission of the Maryland SPCA, and adhere to the organization's policies and procedures
• May assist with public relations, as needed
• Participate in continuing education regarding shelter medicine, sterilization protocols and related topics to help meet Maryland SPCA's goals
• Collaborate with different departments and veterinarians within the organization to ensure excellent medical care throughout the different programs offered by the MD SPCA
• Assist with ensuring that MD SPCA meets all regulatory guidelines set by the DEA, Department of Agriculture's MD Controlled Substance Division, and Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medicine
• Provide support to all shelter staff to ensure accurate medical understanding and treatment of animals

Administrative

• Maintain complete and clear medical records on all patients seen by the veterinarian
• Create clear diagnostic plans and treatment plans for sick/ailing shelter patients within our resources
• Work in conjunction with the behavior team to ensure the mental wellbeing of shelter residents
• Mentor and oversee Exam Room Veterinary Technicians on animal examination techniques and shelter medicine protocols
• Mentor and oversee the work of Spay/Neuter Clinic Veterinary Technicians on surgical prep, anesthesia monitoring, and recovery
• Attend management and staff meetings as needed
• Maintain Continuing Education requirements as set forth by the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medicine
• Collaborate with other staff veterinarians to achieve best practices in spay/neuter procedures, prevention and treatment of infectious disease, diagnosing non-infectious illnesses, and implementing treatment
• Provide input on whether a specific treatment in a shelter setting is reasonable, affordable, and if a pet will ultimately be adoptable after treatment

Medical Care

• Examine shelter animals and provide a clear attainable medical plan for staff to follow
• Provide health certificates for any animals crossing state lines
• Provide emergency and non-emergency medical treatment of shelter animals, surgical patients and foster animals
• Effectively diagnose illnesses
• Assist in identifying animals in need of emergency intervention and specialist consultations
• Pursue treatment options that fit within limited resources
• Gain authorization from the Director of Shelter Operations and the Chief of Shelter Medicine if patients require extensive diagnostics, consultations with outside veterinarians including veterinary specialists, or if outside emergency care is necessary
• Provide input on existing medical standard operating procedures and new initiatives
• Work with appropriate personnel to maintain a successful shelter medicine program

Surgical Care

• Perform on average 25-30 spay/neuter surgeries a day
• Perform spay/neuter surgeries on shelter and public animals, including pubescent and pregnant animals.
• Perform various soft tissue surgeries such as enucleations, mass removals, amputations, entropion etc.
• Coordinate and provide special medical care to animals, post surgically
• Provide input on existing surgical standard operating procedures and new initiatives
• Collaborate with other staff/contract veterinarians to ensure high quality, high volume surgical practices are implemented.
• Work with appropriate personnel to maintain successful surgery program
• Document surgical procedures in medical records, with clear plan if needed
• Experience and knowledge in dentistry is preferred, but not required

Community vaccine/wellness clinics

• Provide vaccinations for animals in the community
• Provide examinations to the best of our resources for patients based on event
• Provide basic wellness care for patients in community pop-up wellness clinics
• Communicate with clients compassionately and clearly
• Have a nonjudgmental attitude and focus on education of the public
• Keep accurate medical record for patients
• Communicate effectively and clearly with multiple departments to facilitate further care if needed

Qualification Requirements:

• 1-3 years relevant small animal veterinary experience including medicine and surgery. New graduates with interest in shelter medicine welcomed to apply. Mentorship available.
• No sanctions with the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
• Proficient in high quality, high volume sterilization surgeries for cats and dogs. Humane Alliance training preferred.
• Maintain an active Maryland Veterinary License, Maryland Controlled Dangerous Substance License, and Professional Liability Insurance Policy
• Able to exercise professional judgment in the best interest of the animals and the MD SPCA.
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative and team-building skills
• Strong communication skills
• Positive attitude and ability to deal with emotionally challenging situations

The Maryland SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The MD SPCA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the MD SPCA are based on the organization's needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion/beliefs, age, or any other protected status. The MD SPCA will not tolerate discrimination based on any of these characteristics. We encourage all applicants with a passion for our mission to apply. The MD SPCA strives to provide a safe work environment and encourage personal health. Therefore, it is a substance-free, drug-free workplace