Shelter Veterinarian

Shelter Veterinarian

Shelter Veterinarian 150 150 PVASTX
Palm Valley Animal Society
Published
April 20, 2021
Location
Edinburg
Category
Medical  
Job Type
Contact Name (not public)
Donna Casamento
Main Phone
956-720-4563 x226

Description

Shelter  Veterinarian

JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTS TO:  Medical Director 

LOCATION:     PVAS Locations - Edinburg, TX

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Staff Veterinarian works closely with the Medical Director, Lead Veterinarian, Shelter Manager, and Executive Director to oversee the health of the shelter populations. This position, with the Medical Team, works to provide surgical and medical care to the animals at two PVAS locations in the Rio Grande Valley. The focus is population-driven medicine, with attention on individual cases as the shelter’s resources continue to develop. You will work with an amazing staff at PVAS one of the most caring, dedicated, and professional veterinary teams working in shelter medicine today.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Performs spay/neuter surgeries on adopted, impounded, or owned dogs and cats including pre-pubescent sterilizations
  • Performs medical examinations on animals for which the department is responsible and prescribes, performs, and oversees recommended treatments as may be necessary
  • Maintains animal health and treatment records as required
  • Works to ensure the general health and welfare of sheltered animals by providing guidance and training to staff and volunteers
  • Addresses disease issues in the shelter through the development and implementation of appropriate sanitation and health management protocols
  • Monitors animals being held in quarantine for signs of illness and makes recommendations as needed if/when animals become sick regarding treatment, testing, etc.
  • Ensures best practices are in place regarding animal health and care
  • Through continuing education, stays current on new trends, protocols, and opportunities to improve animal care, surgical protocols, and techniques, sanitation, disease control, etc.
  • Helps ensure adequate medical supplies and equipment are available and in proper working condition at all times
  • Assists in training staff on matters of shelter health, sanitation, animal handling, and other related areas
  • Reports any issues or concerns immediately to the Medical Director and/or Executive Director and assists in the resolution of problems related to animal health
  • Serves as veterinary representation for PVAS in the community and area veterinary associations
  • Administers vaccinations and microchips to appropriate animals
  • Embraces a "one team" approach to accomplish daily tasks, goals, and projects by interacting, cooperating, assisting, training, and learning from volunteers
  • Performs other duties as necessary which are related to or logically associated with this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Must possess a DVM or VMD degree from an accredited college or university and be licensed to practice as a Veterinarian in the State of Texas, or be able to obtain and maintain a veterinary license in good standing with the state veterinary board upon hire. 

Experience: At least one (1) year of experience working in the capacity of a Veterinarian to include performing spay/neuter surgeries and pre-pubescent sterilizations required. Shelter Medicine Certification or experience working in an animal shelter preferred.

Miscellaneous: Must possess and maintain a current, valid Texas Driver’s License.

Skills and Requirements

  • Must possess enthusiasm for working in a growing/evolving animal shelter environment. Leadership in this area is critical!
  • Must possess skills needed to perform various medical procedures, e.g., spay/neuter and other minor surgeries, examination and treatment of various injuries and illnesses, pre and post-operative care and monitoring of animals, etc.
  • Must have the ability to deal diplomatically and professionally with sensitive issues and problems.
  • Must have the ability to render quick, responsible decisions under stressful and emotional circumstances.
  • Knowledge and understanding of herd management practices and principles as they apply to shelter health.
  • Have the ability to teach/train staff, volunteers, and/or interns on matters of animal health, disease recognition, and control, animal behavior, restraint, etc.
  • Must be able to use and understand shelter/medical software programs and other basic equipment associated with day-to-day operations. Experience with ShelterLuv a plus.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships and communications with staff, volunteers, government agencies, veterinarians, law enforcement, volunteers, civic groups, and the general public.
  • Ability to troubleshoot during times of increased disease and develop appropriate solutions.
  • Ability to help establish and maintain best practices regarding sanitation, health, and animal well-being
  • Assist in securing necessary premises, clinics, and controlled drug permits.

Work Environment:

  • While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently exposed to odors or airborne particles including animal fur and toxic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is very loud. Frequent driving between facilities is required as well as consistent availability after-hours, on weekends, and on holidays.

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • 457B Retirement Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Relocation assistance

Schedule:

  • 8-hour shift
  • 5 days on with 2 days off
  • Some emergency on-call

PVAS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, domestic partner status, or medical condition.

 

How To Apply

Email CV and Cover Letter to donna@pvastx.org