Shelter Veterinarian

Saginaw County Animal Care & Control

Job Description

The Shelter Veterinarian provides professional veterinary care for animals in the custody of the Saginaw Animal Care and Control and community owned animal seen in the shelter clinic. This includes diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions, performing spay/neuter surgeries, and ensuring the overall health and welfare of shelter and community-owned animals. The Shelter Veterinarian will work closely with shelter management and staff to develop and implement medical protocols, train staff, and oversee the health care of shelter animals and owners seeking services for animals in our clinic.

Essential Functions:
1. Shelter Medical Operations
• Coordinate, direct, and perform medical screenings, diagnosis, and emergency treatment of all impounded animals and for community pets seen in the clinic.
• Perform medical services, including diagnostics, sterilization surgeries, preventive veterinary care and emergency care.
• Prioritizes the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare in all aspects of shelter animal care.
• Acts as a subject matter expert and provides guidance for veterinary-related policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensures accurate and up-to-date medical records for all animals, maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Advise, perform, and oversee euthanasia procedures in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Occasionally participates in meetings, providing feedback and insight on veterinary procedures and shelter operations.
2. Training and Staff Development
• Provide ongoing training for shelter staff on medical care protocols, including cleaning, disinfecting, and handling animals.
• Ensure that all medical dietary requirements and humane care standards are met for shelter animals.
• Train staff to rapidly identify animals requiring isolation or veterinary care.
3. Disease Prevention and Control
• Oversee daily visual monitoring of all animals for signs of illness or unusual behavior, ensuring appropriate action is taken as necessary.
• Manage quarantine and isolation processes with the shelter director for sick or at-risk animals.
4. Animal Cruelty Investigations
• Provide expert assistance in animal cruelty investigations and assist law enforcement and Animal Control officers in cases of neglect or abuse.
• Testify in court as needed as a medical expert in animal cruelty cases.
5. Public and Staff Communication
• Advise staff, volunteers, and the public on veterinary medical matters.
• Participate in public outreach, education, and fundraising events as needed. Including rabies and vaccine clinics and spay/neuter initiatives.
• Engages in community outreach and education programs to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
• Work closely with shelter management to make decisions that affect animal health, safety, and welfare.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited program.
Experience:
• Moderate (one (1) or more years) of veterinary experience in a shelter, kennel or veterinary hospital.
• Experience in surgery, including spay/neuter procedures.
Preferred:
• Experience in shelter medicine or public health programs.
Special Requirements:
 Valid and active veterinary license in the state of Michigan.
 Valid DEA license (must be obtained within 10 weeks of appointment and maintained during employment).
 Valid driver’s license in the State of Michigan upon hire.

Perks of Working for Saginaw County
Saginaw County provides a comprehensive benefit package to its eligible employees. Health/Dental/Vision; Defined Contribution (401a) qualified retirement plan, with employer contribution; Short-Term Disability Insurance; Health Care Savings Plan to cover expenses in retirement, with employer contributions; County paid life insurance; 14 paid holidays per year, accrued PTO; an employee perks program to help with discounts; discount at the YMCA of Saginaw; and competitive wages.

This is a full time job