Job Description

The Tupelo Lee Humane Society (TLHS) associate veterinarian is responsible for the medical department and the spay and neuter clinic. This role manages shelter medical efforts, high-volume spay/neuter surgical procedures (with occasional other procedures), wellness services, and disease control protocols. The associate veterinarian is a key member of the shelter staff and the face of the medical department in the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Shelter Medicine

• Provide medical examinations, care, monitoring, and overall health oversight for animals under TLHS care, including foster animals.
• Perform or supervise monitoring of all shelter animals, including isolated/quarantined animals, for signs of illness or unusual behavior.
• Perform high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and other surgical procedures for animals under TLHS care, as well as wellness services to the public.
• Perform wellness services through organized clinics in-shelter and in the community throughout the year.
• Develop, manage, and train staff in preventative shelter medicine protocols.
• Perform humane euthanasia in accordance with TLHS policies and protocols.
• Update staff training, diagnostic, and treatment protocols as appropriate.
• Communicate animal condition and status effectively with shelter staff.
• Maintain accurate medical records and information on all animals.
• Maintain control of shelter medications with emphasis on DEA-regulated substances.
• Maintain appropriate inventory of supplies, vaccines, and medications.
• Collaborate with shelter staff on animal medical needs.

Medical Department Management

• Maintain control of all medications with emphasis and protocol on DEA-regulated substances.
• Supervise clinic staff.
• Assist the Executive Director in hiring clinic administration and veterinary technician staff, as needed.
• Adhere to the veterinary services budget and provide input during planning sessions, board meetings, and committee meetings as needed.
• Actively participate as a member of the leadership team.
• Support TLHS’s vision and commitment to the community for the benefit of all animals.
• Follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe, professional, efficient, and effective work environment.
• Assist with euthanasia training, maintain certification, and develop euthanasia protocols with the Director of Operations as outlined by the Board of Directors.
• Participate in veterinary medicine associations and ensure compliance with all legal regulations.

Qualifications

Must be currently licensed in the State of Mississippi to practice veterinary medicine and be qualified and eligible to obtain a DEA license. Experience in veterinary medicine and shelter medicine with high-volume surgical/sterilization experience is desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

Supervisory experience is preferred. Knowledge of shelter medicine, epidemiology, and disease recognition in a shelter setting is helpful/required. Strong decision-making and diagnostic skills, accurate medical recordkeeping, strong customer service and communication skills, and interest in networking with other professionals are important. Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, and work professionally with staff, volunteers, and clients. Ability to direct work of others, train/develop employees, and evaluate performance.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an animal shelter with shared office space. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous or fractious animals, high noise levels, temperature extremes, odors, dust, air contaminants, bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, anesthetics, and sharp objects. Field conditions will also be encountered. Occasional lifting of 50+ pounds, prolonged standing, and continuous animal handling/restraint in a clinical setting.

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Benefit details may vary based on position and eligibility.