Summary/Objective

The Staff Veterinarian (SV) performs surgeries at the Loving Spay and Neuter Clinic (LSNC) and examines and provides medical care for the pets at the Richmond Animal League (RAL) shelter.  This position ensures that all surgical and medical protocols are carried out according to published procedures and holds the entire staff to the highest standard of patient care. Candidates should possess leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and focus on providing exceptional veterinary care.  The AV is expected to continuously seek to further their knowledge of the most current diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical techniques as it pertains to RAL’s mission.  The AV is part of the decision making team and will collaborate on medical and operational policies.  The AV directly reports to the Veterinarian-in-Charge (VIC).

Essential Functions

Uphold Exceptional Animal Care Standards

1. Earn Fear Free certification and practice Fear Free techniques
2. Use gentle handling and surgical technique
3. Maintain sterility in surgery
4. Practice patience and flexibility with fearful and reactive patients
5. Ensure the patients are comfortable and their needs are met by our team

Performs Surgeries at the LSNC

1. Conduct an initial preoperative examination on all patients upon arrival to assess surgical candidacy
2. Guide drug choice and dosages based on established protocols and on individual patient needs
3. Create a game plan with the surgical staff for each day to optimize patient safety and process efficiency
4. Perform spay and neuter surgeries, and other procedures as appropriate, for LSNC patients
5. Perform spay and neuter surgeries and other elective and life saving surgeries as appropriate for RAL shelter pets
6. Utilize clinic software to input accurate medical record information
7. Assess recovery status on all patients after surgeries are complete and confirm that patients are fully recovered before check out begins
8. Remain on site until patients are fully recovered and ready for check out and be available by phone until the clinic closes
9. See post-operative recheck appointments as needed

Provide Veterinary Care to RAL Pets

1. Make contact with the Shelter Operations staff to determine their needs
2. Coordinate RAL appointments and procedures with the Shelter Veterinary Coordinator based on the surgery day
3. Triage RAL medical cases using established protocols
4. Perform intake examinations on all new RAL shelter pets in a timely manner
5. Conduct medical examinations on RAL shelter and foster pets and create management plans that are practical and affordable
6. Utilize shelter software to input accurate medical information
7. Confer with the Director of Kennel Operations regarding patient referral
8. Check in with Shelter Operations staff before leaving for the day

Take a Leadership Role at the LSNC and RAL

1. Consider all clinic staff to be a valuable part of the medical team
2. Exhibit flexibility to ensure safety and comfort of clinic staff as well as our patients
3. Interact respectfully with staff, volunteers, clients, and patients
4. Attend and participate clinic and RAL staff meetings and events
5. Consult with other veterinarians in house and in the private sector on medical cases
6. Make decisions using RAL’s mission as guidance

 Competencies

• Strong leadership qualities
• Exceptional surgical technique
• Excellent prioritization and organization skills
• Patience and calmness in stressful situations
• Superior problem solving skills
• Reliability and efficiency
• Constant Professionalism

About Richmond Animal League

Richmond Animal League is committed to saving lives by giving hope, help, and loving homes to animals in need. RAL is committed to reducing euthanasia rates, focusing our rescue efforts on Virginia shelter partners who are most in need of help.

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