Description

The Shelter Veterinarian plays a key role in advancing the SPCA of Brevard’s mission by providing high-quality medical care to shelter animals and performing high-volume spay/neuter and wellness surgeries. This position oversees all aspects of animal health and welfare within the shelter, ensures adherence to best medical practices, and supports the organization’s efforts to serve local rescues and pet owners through accessible veterinary services.

Key Responsibilities

Medical and Surgical Care

• Perform physical examinations, diagnostics, and treatment for animals in shelter care and rescue partner programs.
• Conduct high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries in accordance with established HQHVSN standards.
• Perform other surgical and medical procedures, including dentals, mass removals, wound repair, and euthanasia when necessary.
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records for all animals.
• Implement and monitor preventive health care protocols, including vaccinations, deworming, and parasite control.
• Provide remote support/diagnosis, etc outside of regular hours, as needed 
• Perform physical examinations, diagnostics, and treatment for employee animals as time allows. Basic veterinary care, not serving as the primary vet of record.
   

Shelter Health Management

• Oversee the general health of the shelter population and develop disease prevention and outbreak response protocols.
• Collaborate with shelter leadership to ensure humane population management and minimize length of stay.
• Supervise and mentor veterinary technicians, assistants, and medical support staff.
• Assist with staff training on animal handling, sanitation, and biosecurity procedures.

Community Programs and Partnerships

• Provide medical and surgical services to animals from partner rescue groups at discounted rates.
• Support community spay/neuter, vaccine, and wellness initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership.
• Educate adopters, fosters, and the public about animal health, behavior, and preventive care.
• Represent the SPCA of Brevard in community outreach and professional events as needed.

Compliance and Administration

• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding veterinary practice, controlled substances, and shelter operations.
• Maintain appropriate inventory and storage of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
• Contribute to program planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create, maintain, and audit shelter medical protocols.
• Keep current with industry best practices/updated guidelines.
• Oversee shelter drug inventory and DEA compliance.
• Work with shelter manager & director to make decisions regarding euthanasia, behavior issues, etc.
• Provide guidance/support to shelter medical staff.
• Actively participates as a member of the management team; attends applicable meetings.
• Takes immediate action, in conjunction with Executive Director, to address and safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the SPCA at risk.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.
• Current license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida (or ability to obtain one promptly).
• Proficiency in surgical procedures and shelter medicine best practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work well within the frenetic nature of the shelter environment.
• Ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers, and community in a professional, pleasant, and respectful manner at all times. 

Physical Requirements:

• Standing for extended periods of time.
• Exposure to high levels of noise.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, and co-lift up to 150-200 pounds.
• Subject to animal bites and scratches
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Preferred:

• Experience in HQHVSN programs or community-based veterinary services.
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience, preferably including high-volume spay/neuter or shelter medicine.
• Knowledge of shelter software and medical record systems.
• Fear-Free Shelter certification or equivalent training. If not certified, willing to become certified.