Overview

This individual is responsible for overseeing veterinary services within Animal Care Services. Key responsibilities include performing sterilization surgeries for dogs and cats, evaluating and providing medical care and treatment for shelter pets, and ordering euthanasia when necessary to alleviate suffering. This role also ensures that pets receive appropriate vaccinations, preventive care, medical treatments, nutrition, and sanitation. Additionally, this role is responsible for medically investigating cases of animal cruelty and providing testimony in court cases. Lastly, this individual will train staff on essential medical needs and provide functional oversight to the Lead Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistants.

Responsibilities

· Determines and prescribes appropriate treatments for injuries or illnesses in impounded animals. Includes surgical interventions on companion animals, exotic animals, pocket pets, and livestock. They triage, stabilize, and medically manage animals in critical condition

· Ensures all animals receive the necessary vaccinations, parasite preventatives, nutrition, and husbandry

· Carries out spay and neuter surgeries as necessary for animals with a high potential for adoption, or as part of departmental programs and initiatives

· Conducts medical evaluations of animals to determine suitability for placement or assigns euthanasia when necessary for severely ill or injured animals

· Promotes animal health by advising shelter staff on sanitation protocols, feeding practices, general husbandry, and overall care

· Guides foster parents on pet nutrition, healthcare, and overall wellness for animals in foster care

· Addresses residents' questions and concerns regarding medical services and veterinary public health issues

· Documents disease cases as required by the Texas Animal Health Commission and other relevant regulatory and health agencies, ensuring compliance with all necessary reporting requirements

· Maintains regulatory compliance with animal welfare organizations and other agencies, such as the DSHS and DEA, to uphold standards and promote the well-being of the animals in their care

· Serves as a leader with functional oversight of all staff when necessary and direct supervision of the clinic team, including the lead veterinary technician, and veterinary assistants

· Prepares and delivers in-service training for ACS staff

· Conducts intake examinations and necropsies for cases of animal cruelty

· Provides detailed reports on the conditions of the animals and descriptions of potential cruelty and neglect for case files

· Performs necropsies to determine the cause of death in animals as needed. Testify in court regarding animal related cases and crimes

· Participates in investigations and impoundments related to animal cruelty as needed

· Certifies that animals in rabies quarantine are free of rabies

· Ensures deceased animal specimens are prepared and sent to the state lab for testing

· Conducts annual inspections of quarantine facilities to ensure compliance with all municipal and state laws

· Provides education and training to employees about zoonotic diseases and prevention methods

· May be asked to perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

· Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited university

· Two (2) years of experience

Required

· Valid Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration in good standing approved by the DEA

· Licensure in good standing to practice Veterinary Medicine in Texas

· Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) registration in good standing

· A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire