Shelter Veterinarian

Helping Hands Humane Society

Job Description

Helping Hands Humane Society (HHHS) is looking for a full-time Veterinarian to join our medical team in providing care for the homeless dogs, cats, and small mammals of our community. HHHS is located in the capitol of Kansas, Topeka, and serves the residents of Shawnee County. The shelter is 30 minutes from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, one hour from Kansas State University in Manhattan and one hour from Kansas City. Join an exceptional team making a difference in animal welfare!

Employment Benefits:
• Sign-on bonus + 6 month performance bonus
• Competitive salary DOE; negotiable
• Generous PTO (vacation, medical, personal time) with annual rollover
• Excellent health and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with company match
• Flexible schedule - hours worked are typically Monday - Friday
• Paid Professional Dues
• Paid CE
• Paid holidays
• Discounts on adoptions, pet food and basic vet services
• Free dog training classes
• HHHS is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

Primary Accountability:
The Veterinarian is responsible for all medical decisions for animals in the shelter; to include, but not limited to, performing surgeries, veterinary health checks, health certificates, euthanasia and comprehensive health care for all the animals that are under the care of or are property of Helping Hands Humane Society (HHHS).

Major Duties:
• Leads the daily operations of the HHHS Medical Center.
• Provides and oversees medical care for all animals under the care of HHHS; performs spay/neuters and other surgeries and dentals; supervises the preparation of animals for surgical procedures and treatments; evaluates and manages all emergency medical cases at HHHS; prescribes and administers medications.
• Collects body tissue, feces, blood, urine or other body fluids for examination and analysis.
• Determines animal’s medical status regarding euthanasia; performs euthanasia as deemed appropriate; assists with euthanasia training and certification.
• Operates diagnostic equipment such as CBC, chemistry, radiographic equipment; interprets all chemical and imaging results.
• Establishes and conducts quarantine and testing procedures to prevent the spread of diseases to other animals or to humans, and to maintain compliance with applicable government regulations.
• Conducts postmortem studies and analyses to determine the causes of animal deaths.
• Supervises medical staff as well as veterinary students during mentorships, externships, and veterinary school rotations; provides feedback and evaluation; coordinates with area veterinarians to provide additional services to HHHS when necessary.
• Maintains accurate records regarding treatments, surgical procedures and medications; records all medical procedures completed and medications given in animals’ records in shelter database; maintains accurate control drug log books.
• Writes, develops, and implements all Standard Operating Procedures for the medical department.
• Participates in local, state and national associations such as Kansas Veterinary Medical Association and Association of Shelter Veterinarians.
• Provides internal training to all HHHS employees regarding animal care, treatment, or medical procedures.
• Maintains a humane and caring attitude at all times towards animals in-care of HHHS.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Currently licensed in state of Kansas to practice veterinary medicine. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine. Must be qualified and eligible to obtain DEA license. Experience in shelter medicine preferred. Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to work individually and in a team environment.
• Ability to safely handle animals declared vicious, on bite quarantines or stray.
• Ability to handle and deal with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work efficiently with attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, set priorities and organize work load.
• Willingness to lead and offer direction.

Physical Demands:
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, stoop, bend, squat or kneel.
• Ability to safely push, pull, and lift up to 40 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to physically handle and restrain domestic animals.
• Ability to read computer screens, mail, and talk on phone.

Work Environment:
• Interaction with staff and customers.
• Potential exposure to parasites and infectious diseases that may be carried and transmitted by animals.

This is a full time job