Description

Under general direction, provides medical care and treatment to animals at the animal shelter; examines, diagnoses, and performs treatment for impounded animals; and develops a comprehensive animal health care services program.  May supervise and direct the day-to-day activities of animal services staff, volunteers and others responsible for the medical management of impounded animals.  Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

• Performs high volume, high quality spay/neuter surgeries of shelter animals and owned animals including dogs, cats, and rabbits; may provide consultation and education to pet owners on spay/neuter procedures and explain possible complications.
• Determines the need for diagnostic procedures and medical treatments; provides high quality shelter medicine by performing physical exams, treatments, and surgical procedures on shelter animals.
• Monitors and evaluates the shelter population for behavioral conditions, specifically identifying animals for whom euthanasia is the best outcome due to safety or quality of life concerns. Create enrichment and behavior modification plans to lower the fear, anxiety and stress caused by life in the shelter.
• Administers injections to humanely euthanize animals in accordance with California State Law and Department guidelines and policies.
• Ensures the humane care of shelter animals and safeguards herd health by following the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ guidelines for standards of care in animal shelters and evolving industry best practices.
• Provides expertise to Animal Control Officers for cruelty investigations or rescues where medical intervention is necessary; conducts necropsies when necessary for evidence collection; prepares written veterinary statements, and testifies in court as appropriate for animal welfare/cruelty cases.
• Effectively communicates the condition and status of animals with staff, public and animal groups.
• Advises staff on matters within the veterinary field.
• Trains appropriate staff in administering first aid and vaccinations to animals, the performance of euthanasia and other paramedical duties.
• Participates in vaccination clinics.
• Assists with emergency and disaster services.
• Ensures appropriate medication is administered by veterinary staff within clinical and statutory requirements, and supervises the use and security of controlled drugs.
• Implements and maintains medical record and drug use logs to established standards of veterinary and sheltering practices, ensuring that records are complete, accurate and compliant at all times.
• Maintains medical records for sheltered animals during rounds and collaborates with the shelter medical support team.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.