Shelter Veterinarian

Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

Job Description

Job Summary

Harness your veterinary expertise to drive positive change in the Nation’s Capital! Join the dynamic and experienced team at HRA, the Washington, D.C. region's leading animal services provider, where your veterinary expertise will play a pivotal role in diverse programs making a tangible impact on our community.

Recognized as a nationwide leader, HRA stands at the forefront of innovation, launching and embracing initiatives that define the future of animal welfare. From providing individualized care for the 8,000+ unique animals we shelter each year to pioneering community medicine programs that serve people and pets in their homes and neighborhoods, your contributions as part of our veterinary team will help to transform lives. Our veterinary team’s purview is comprehensive; in addition to shelter medicine, we respond to calls for assistance in homes and neighborhoods to prevent unnecessary pet relinquishment and to foster a holistic, compassionate approach to animal care. Join us as we grow our veterinary team to provide new wellness opportunities for under resourced communities and seize the opportunity to broaden your skills as a veterinarian in an open admission animal shelter by treating a diverse array of animal species and supporting every aspect of our essential work.

Generously supported by donor and grant funding, HRA invests in extensive medical treatment for the shelter population, a mobile veterinary clinic, ever-expanding community wellness resources, and up-to-date medical equipment including digital radiographs, IDEXX equipment for in-house CBC and chemistry panels; ultrasound; anesthesia monitoring equipment; and three surgical suites to foster excellence in the care for shelter and community animals. Grant funders supporting the HRA include organizations like the Banfield Foundation, Mars, Inc., PetSmart Charities and Petco Love.

Embark on a fulfilling career surrounded by support and mentorship, where your passion for animal welfare aligns with a purpose-driven work culture. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our community and their beloved pets.

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide medical care for shelter animals, community cats, and client-owned pets, including evaluation, case management, treatment decisions and direction of support staff.
Perform up to 35 spay/neuter surgeries per day for shelter animals, community cats, and client-owned pets using high-quality, high-volume efficiency techniques.
Complete other general practice-type surgeries such as mass removals and dental procedures.
Mentor and work alongside shelter and surgical technicians to provide consistent and high quality medical and surgical care; direct technicians to follow established protocols.
Communicate with other departments and pet owners regarding treatment recommendations.
Maintain an understanding of the programs of HRA and work collaboratively with all departments across the organization to ensure the highest level of service and care are provided to animals and people.
Participate in consultation and oversight of the medical care of individual animals in the care of HRA including regular rounds and inspections with shelter staff.
Work with the Humane Law Enforcement team to properly assess, document and treat animals who have been victims of animal cruelty and are now being sheltered.
Provide vaccinations and basic wellness care on site and in the community at subsidized free or low-cost clinics.
Assist in the development, implementation, and revision of goals, policies, and procedures for HRA.
Coordinate and collaborate with local veterinarians and clinic/shelter professionals to promote positive and productive relationships; participate in arranging for care at private veterinary hospitals as needed.
Perform euthanasia according to established protocols including decision making requirements.
Maintain medical record and controlled substance logs to standards of veterinary and sheltering practices and organizational SOPs; ensure that records are in order and complete and maintained in organizational systems; provide information in a manner understandable by adopters.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures and companion animal health issues.
Build effective relationships through positive interaction and communication with the community, volunteers and your colleagues.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Knowledge of and ability to provide general veterinary medicine and care.
Knowledge of or willingness to learn high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (up to 35 sterilizations per day).
Knowledge of preventative medicine and population herd health.
Knowledge of animal breeds, behavior, shelter operations, and infectious disease control.
Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament or species.
Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
Ability to be flexible, meticulous and able to prioritize.
A collaborative approach to work, with an ability to bring out the best in peers
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficient at use of computer programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet, and database management software to efficiently accomplish work.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish and wildlife.
Work is performed in a shelter medical center setting and outdoors.
Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
Ability to take phone consultations, rotating evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on a daily basis, including but not limited to: lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting and bending, walking and standing on feet.
Exposure to disinfectant and bleach solutions when cleaning.

Benefits & Offerings

Health, Dental + Vision Insurance
401K (plus company match)
4 weeks of paid time off
10 paid company holidays including 1 floating holiday per annum
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for DC residents
Waiver of Animal Adoption Fee
25-50% discount on some dog behavior training classes
Online/store discount
Transportation Benefit for DC residents
Annual continuing education (CE) allowance of up to $1500
Annual Student Loan Repayment Stipend of up to $5000
Free bloodwork provided by IDEXX
Costs covered for DC veterinary license, controlled substance registration and liability insurance through AVMA PLIT.
As a 501 (c)3 organization, your dedication may qualify you for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Upward mobility and growth opportunities

Education & Experience

Current valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the District of Columbia (or willingness to pursue a D.C. license).
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience in shelter medicine, community medicine, and/or HQHVSN preferred but not required

The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.

This is a full time job