Veterinarian in Charge

Overview

Portsmouth Humane is a private, non-profit organization that is contracted by the City of Portsmouth to provide animal sheltering services. Annually, we intake around 2,000 animals, most of which are cats/kittens or dogs/puppies. Our mission is to create a safe, compassionate, inclusive community for people and animals through education and resource programs that elevate animal welfare standards and champion the human-animal bond.

Portsmouth Humane daily operations are supported by a small staff of animal welfare professionals. Additionally, we rely on the support of our Board of Directors, volunteers, foster caregivers, sponsors, donors, and the community.

Portsmouth Humane is seeking a Veterinarian in Charge to serve in our new clinic for shelter pets! The essential role of the Veterinarian in Charge is to offer veterinary oversight for Portsmouth Humane and Norfolk Animal Care Center (NACC), establish and maintain medical protocols, and provide high-quality veterinary services to the shelter animals, including, but not limited to: high-volume spay/neuter, dental cleanings, soft-tissue surgeries, examinations, and diagnostics.

No. of Vacancies
1
Specific Skills
  • License to practice as a veterinarian in the state of Virginia
  • Drug Enforcement Agency controlled substance registration
  • Must possess and maintain independent insurance and provide proof to Portsmouth Humane
  • Experience in shelter medicine and the ability to perform a high volume of spay/neuter services or the willingness to participate in associated training to elevate surgical skills
Responsible For
Essential Functions
  • Consult with and advise clinic and shelter leadership regarding operational procedures
  • Develop and maintain protocols pertaining to all aspects of veterinary care and advise on animal care and sanitation protocols
  • Perform spay, neuter, dental, and other surgical and animal medical procedures for sheltered and foster pets
  • Oversee and perform surgical monitoring, administration of pre-anesthetic and anesthetic drugs, and post-surgical monitoring through discharge
  • Complete rounds to assess health of shelter animals and provide veterinary intervention as warranted
  • Provide after-hours counseling to shelter leadership regarding urgent cases – note: not expected to provide emergency care
  • Perform veterinary services for NACC per the contract between Portsmouth Humane and NACC
  • Oversee vaccination clinics for public animals
  • Offer medical support to foster pets and provide medical counseling, including via telehealth appointments if appropriate
  • Supervise, support, and train Licensed Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants
  • Maintain clinic’s controlled substance log
  • Ensure clinic compliance with all applicable laws established by the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency
  • Participate in continuing education programs in accordance with state requirements
  • Oversee purchasing of clinic supplies and products as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned
Additional Requirements
  • Ability to lift 30 pounds
  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, stoop, and walk for an 8-hour+ workday
  • Ability to work around pet dander, dust, and other allergens
  • Must be comfortable handling dogs, cats, and other small animals of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to deal with difficult and stressful situations involving animals and guests
  • Ability to read, write, listen, and understand in English
  • Must show compassion towards both people and animals
  • Must be able and willing to consciously choose positivity and optimism when faced with challenges in the workplace
  • Willingness to work in an environment with loud noises and some strong smells
Job Nature
Full Time
Educational Requirements

Degree in Veterinary Medicine from an accredited university of Veterinary Medicine

Experience Requirements
Salary
Competitive salary, based on experience
Other Benefits
  • Medical Insurance
  • Personal time off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Health Insurance
  • Access to Mental Health Resources through Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid annual Continuing Education requirements
  • Paid professional insurance premiums and licensing fees
Job Level
Sr. Position

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