Lead Veterinarian

Peninsula Humane Society

• $175K — $250K *
Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with 5+ years in clinical settings; preference for shelter medicine.
  • Valid California State Veterinarian License and DEA license in good standing.
  • California Driver's License with a clean driving record validated by insurance.
  • Background check required upon hire.
  • Proficient in Chameleon software or willingness to learn. Basic Microsoft Office proficiency required.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially under stress.
  • Compassionate care for all animals, regardless of species or temperament.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement veterinary medical protocols across all departments.
  • Monitor shelter animal health and collaborate on disease containment strategies.
  • Mentor and train veterinarians and volunteers on animal care best practices.
  • Conduct daily rounds and discussions on medical and surgical cases with staff veterinarians.
  • Maintain legal requirements for animal medical records and treatment plans.
  • Act as a public liaison for veterinary care concerns and policies.
  • Provide emergency medical care when necessary.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
  • Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays.
  • Reimbursement for continued education and licensing renewals.
  • Employee Assistance Plan for personal support.
  • Retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
  • Free veterinary services for personal pets including vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures.
  • Discounts on veterinary services and products for employees' pets.
Full Job Description
Job Title: Lead Veterinarian

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time (Will consider Part-Time)

Salary: $175,000 - $250,000 per year (DOE)

Competitive Compensation Package Available; Relocation and/or

Student Loan Repayment Negotiable

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):

  • Recommend, develop and implement veterinary medical protocols and procedures for all departments and programs.


  • Monitor health of the shelter population and work collaboratively with shelter managers to recognize, contain and treat contagious diseases, including zoonotic diseases.


  • Mentor, guide, train and advise Veterinarians, staff and volunteers to promote better animal husbandry and excellence in veterinary medical care. Train Staff Veterinarians as needed and as appropriate.


  • Regularly conduct rounds with Staff Veterinarians to discuss medical and surgical cases.


  • Ensure animal medical records are maintained as required by law.


  • Ensure every animal has a clear and concise plan regarding any medical condition(s), diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.


  • Act as a liaison for the public and staff regarding concerns, disputes or misconceptions of animal medical care at PHS/SPCA. Act as the primary contact person for situations that may arise involving the public related to PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and veterinary medical care.


  • Maintain California Veterinary License in good standing. Pursue adequate and appropriate continuing education to continue to provide the Standard of Care.


  • Maintain current premise permits and DEA licenses for PHS/SPCA facilities as appropriate and as required by law. Serve as the Supervising Veterinarian for all Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permits.


  • Be available to advise veterinary department managers on occasion regarding after hours emergencies.


  • Examine, diagnose and prescribe treatment for animals in PHS/SPCA care as needed and as appropriate.


  • Provide emergency medical care as needed.


  • Consult with specialists on specific medical cases when appropriate.


  • Perform surgical sterilization of owned and shelter dogs, cats and rabbits. Perform other surgical procedures as indicated.


  • Perform and assist as needed in the daily activities of the Department


  • Euthanize and/or assist with euthanasia of animals as needed in accordance with PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and California state law.


  • Assist Animal Rescue & Control, Humane Investigations and/or the District Attorney in the investigation and prosecution of cases of animal cruelty or neglect. Perform and record necropsies as needed. Appear in court to substantiate findings as necessary.


  • Work with Veterinary Services managers to ensure department equipment in good working order.


  • Provide staff, volunteer and public educational lectures as needed. Participate in writing educational materials and articles for PHS/SPCA.


  • Participate in periodic vaccine clinics, educational programs and special events as needed.


Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises Staff Veterinarians. Indirectly supervises other Veterinary Services staff and volunteers in conjunction with department Managers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include assisting in interviewing, hiring, training employees and volunteers; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and volunteers; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; minimum of five years working with animals in a clinical environment with a strong preference for shelter medicine experience; equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous supervisory experience preferred.


  • Possess and maintain California State Licenses Veterinarian in good standing with a valid DEA license.


  • Possess a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record to be insured by our insurance company.


  • Upon hire, must pass a background check.


  • Proficient knowledge of Chameleon database software or become proficient within the first six months from hire date. Basic knowledge or become proficient with Microsoft Office and computer keyboarding skills (data entry).


  • Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, volunteers, and other employees of the organization.


  • Ability to communicate in a calm and clear manner with the public, volunteers and fellow employees, especially in stressful situations. Ability to remain calm and focused in emergency situations.


  • Must be open to new ideas and have the ability to compromise and be flexible when appropriate.


  • Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide. Ability to perform these operations using units, weight measurement, and volume.


  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.


  • Ability to treat all animals regardless of species or temperament with compassion and as equally deserving of veterinary care.


  • Ability to work independently.


Excellent Benefits Package Available
  • Medical /Dental /Vision/Life Insurance /Flex Spending
  • Sick, Vacation and Holidays
  • Continued Education and Licensing Renewal Reimbursement Available
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Retirement plan & employer matching


Available to all employees with pets:
  • Free vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions
  • Discounted euthanasia services/cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.


For more information about our available job opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website at www.phs-spca.org/careers.

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