Senior Veterinarian

Detroit Animal Care and Control

Job Description

Description
The Senior Veterinarian - Animal Care and Control will oversee the provision of high quality veterinary care and systemic application of research and learning in order to develop and implement a robust strategy that advances health outcomes in Detroit Animal Care and Control. Under general supervision of the Animal Care and Control Director, the Senior Veterinarian – Animal Care and Control provides leadership and direction for a veterinary team and oversees routine, critical medical, surgical care of all animals in the shelter and a broad variety of clinical and laboratory activities. The incumbent carries out medical evaluation protocols, herd health practices, medical aspects of foster care, treatment of animals not yet ready for adoption, husbandry standards, euthanasia practices and other shelter related medical practices. The position requires focused expertise combining elements of epidemiology and infectious disease control.

Examples of Duties
- Conduct daily rounds and examine, diagnose and prescribe treatment for shelter animals in accordance to protocols.
- Perform emergency triage and stabilization of ill and injured animals.
- Administer vaccines and perform other routine services, including client education, connected with preventative health maintenance.
- Perform routine sterilizations and surgeries including adult and pediatric sterilizations and other routine soft tissue surgery.
- Order diagnostic tests as needed, interpret results and recommend treatment plans.
- Monitor shelter population for signs of contagious disease and develop plans for outbreak response and implement protocol with staff, if needed.
- Supervise veterinary staff and direct shift and work area assignment in order to maximize coverage.
- Provide oversight and training for shelter staff on proper euthanasia techniques, disease prevention, cross-contamination, and intestinal parasites.
- Evaluate the health and provide input on the temperament of an animal for future adoption.
- Examine document and treat neglect and cruelty cases, and testify in court, as needed.
- Perform humane euthanasia.
- Administer medication both oral and injections, including IV, IM, SQ.
- Administer controlled substances and keep accurate logs.
- Maintain accurate and complete medical records.
- Communicate instructions clearly to the shelter staff and other veterinarians.
- Maintain a positive work ethic and rapport with staff and clients.
- Oversee and coordinate the purchase of all medication, clinic supplies, and equipment.
- Humanely treat and care for all animals entrusted to Detroit Animal Care and Control.
- Serve on committees, attend continuing education courses, and attend staff meetings.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and American Veterinary Medical Association standards and guidelines.
- Prepare briefings, memos, analytical and statistical reports and develop policy and procedures.
- Present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
- Assume responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing education, participating in professional committees and work groups and contributing to a work environment where continual improvements in practice are pursued.
- Serve as needed/assigned by supervisor in Health Department veterinary and public health activities, including emergency response efforts.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree required.

Two (2) years of experience practicing shelter veterinary medicine.

One (1) year of supervisory experience.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted to meet the education and experience requirement of this position.