Summary:

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are not listed in general order of importance. They include, but are not limited to: 

Veterinary Care & Medical Practice

• Provide timely, practical, high-quality veterinary care in accordance with ASPCA protocols, R&R SOPs, shelter medicine principles, and best practices, including oversight and direct patient care delivered by medical team members. 

• Develop skilled, efficient, low-stress diagnostic and treatment plans for a wide variety of illnesses and injuries. 

• Perform HVHQSN surgeries, dental procedures, and other surgical procedures using appropriate techniques, anesthesia, and multimodal analgesia. 

• Administer vaccines and preventatives according to established protocols. 

• Guide appropriate and timely decisions about humane euthanasia and perform humane euthanasia as needed. 

• Work with partner veterinary clinics and hospitals as needed, including referrals for advanced care. 

• Complete certificates of veterinary inspection, as appropriate, for transfer of animals between facilities and/or placement of animals released from care. 

Shelter Population Health & Daily Medical Oversight

• Play a leading role in daily rounds alongside behavior and sheltering staff; ensure individual patients and the shelter population are assessed daily, and that treatment or intervention recommendations are implemented in a timely manner.

• Monitor the health and welfare of the shelter population, identify potential disease outbreaks, and implement appropriate control measures. 

• Ensure effective use of quarantine and isolation to address individual animal needs and protect population health, while balancing animals physical and behavioral well-being. 

• Keep the Senior Director of Veterinary Services apprised of patient medical progress, population health concerns, and significant medical or welfare issues. 

Collaboration, Communication & Meetings

• Maintain regular and close communication with veterinary colleagues in other ASPCA programs, including the Adoption Center, Animal Recovery Center, ASPCA Animal Hospital, and Community Medicine, to support the welfare of animals in our care, share information in a timely manner, and ensure decisions regarding treatment, pathway plans, and outcomes are informed by all relevant considerations. 

• Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff. 

• Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders. 

• Competently and compassionately explain animals medical conditions to staff and volunteers using clear, easily understood language. 

• Regularly attend Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings. 

Records, Legal Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain thorough, high-quality veterinary records, documenting all exam findings, test results, diagnoses, treatments, and relevant medical recommendations. 

• Maintain accurate chain of custody and evidence disposition records. 

• Provide expert testimony in court, if requested. 

• Maintain strict confidentiality with criminal case information

• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses. 

Animal Welfare, Safety & Compliance

• Provide a safe, compassionate environment for animals in our care, staff, volunteers, and clients by using low-stress handling techniques. 

• Adhere to all protocols put forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 

• Follow and ensure compliance with all ASPCA R&R SOPs. 

• Provide input on written SOPs and related materials, including information sheets and data sheets. 

• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets. 

Training, Mentorship & Continuous Improvement

• Assist in staff training across all areas to ensure staff understand shelter disease control protocols, nutritional guidelines, preventative care and vaccination schedules, and the importance of daily monitoring. 

• Teach and mentor staff on shelter medicine principles and R&R shelter medicine protocols. 

• With the Senior Director of Veterinary Services, contribute to a culture of learning at the R&R Center, modeling a standard of continual improvement in all aspects of animal care. 

• Stay current on shelter medicine practices and trends and ensure their consistent application. 

• Obtain relevant continuing education as required by the ASPCA and the state licensing board. 

Cross-Program Support

• Deploy with other ASPCA teams, including but not limited to Community Engagement, Community Medicine, National Field & Disaster Response, and the Cruelty Recovery Center, based on availability and programmatic needs.

Education and Work Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent from an accredited veterinary college

• Eligibility for NYS licensure required; current licensure in NYS strongly preferred

• Minimum 2 years clinical practice as a small animal DVM</