Veterinarian

Overview

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP), one of the largest animal welfare organizations in Pennsylvania, is seeking an experienced, energetic, and engaged shelter veterinarian to join our growing team! This is a combined position in shelter medicine, clinical medicine, and surgery. This ideal candidate will share our vision and passion for the humane and ethical treatment of animals within the community. Our doctors provide high-quality medical and surgical care to both shelter animals and public clinic patients.

Our medical team shares a strong commitment to community programs such as Pet Retention Program, Pet Food Pantry, Community and Working Cat Programs, Humane Health Coalition, and Street Medicine and Outreach. We also provide medical and surgical care as needed for a large variety of wildlife at HARP’s Wildlife Center.

Our Purpose

HARP operates three facilities: two large shelters, both with full service Veterinary Medical Centers open to the public, and a Wildlife Center run by licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialists. The shelters are both open door/managed admission and committed to providing the animals and people in the community with high-quality, low-cost wellness care and veterinary services. Our East End location recently moved into a state-of-the-art facility that includes modern, low-stress housing for shelter animals, a full surgical suite, digital radiography, ultrasound and a full in-house diagnostics lab.

HARP has a mobile clinic unit that now provides care at two free outside clinics per month, although we are looking to expand this service. The mobile clinic provides veterinary care to housing-challenged individuals as well as housed low income individuals.

The HARP medical team is also committed to mentorship, which includes a veterinary student extern program, in-house and off-site CE opportunities for our veterinary staff. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a veterinarian who is interested in working in an environment that offers the opportunity to pursue high quality, progressive shelter and clinical practice.

HARP provides competitive pay and excellent benefits and PTO to our employees. Applicants are eligible for signing and relocation bonuses. Our Veterinary positions are PSLF eligible.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Responsible for surgical and medical care for shelter and owned animals, as well as wildlife through the Wildlife Center as needed. Veterinarians are primarily scheduled at the East End or Northside, however, they may be scheduled on our mobile unit. Variable work schedule, including weekend rotation. This role is approximately 30% surgical, 30% clinical, 30% shelter, and 10% administrative.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures and companion animal health issues. Ensure compliance with Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) approved standards and national guidelines. Ensure that all state and federal laws, state regulations, and veterinary accepted standards regarding clinic operations, the practive of veterinary medicine, drug control and animal care and handling are adhered to.
• Help develop and implement protocols for superior veterinary care and disease control.
• Perform surgical sterilization of owned and shelter animals, including pediatric and HQHVSN (high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter).
• Perform veterinary medical and surgical procedures, including dentistry, appropriate for the care of shelter animals, owned animals, and wildlife; administer treatments, including vaccinations, when needed to ensure the health of shelter animals; prescribe and administer medications and anti-parasite treatments; perform diagnostic procedures.
• Perform all necessary client-requested euthanasia according to established protocols.
• Coordinate with local veterinarians and clinic/shelter professionals to promote positive and productive relationships.
• Establish and maintain medical record and drug use logs to standards of veterinary and sheltering practices; ensure that records are in order and complete.
• Allow for scheduling flexibility to cover for emergencies (i.e. staff veterinarian call off on a fully scheduled clinic and/or surgery day).
• Serve as positive mentor to veterinary technicians, veterinary technician students, pre-vet student volunteers, and veterinary student externs.
• Rotate on call weekly with other staff veterinarians. On call for shelter/foster animals only.
• Assist in training staff.
• Maintain positive relationships with co-workers, managers, directors, clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure confidentiality of employee, client, and animal information.
• Work at HARP Humane Health Coalition clinics as scheduled. Maintain and develop positive relationships with HHC and SDC clients.
• This is an exempt, full-time, 40 hour per week position, which may include one weekend day.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Outstanding customer service skills - ability to handle customers with tact and diplomacy in sensitive or stressful situations.
• Detail-oriented and ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain rapport with public and staff.
• Ability to relay medical information to different audiences.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse workforce.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Experience with shelter software a plus.

Work Environment: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases. The employee will primarily be working in the shelter environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, listen, hear; use hands to finger, manipulate, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to lift/or move up to a minimum of 50 pounds.

Safety & Health Program: 

This position is expected to cooperate in all aspects of the shelter’s Safety & Health program. This requires that all employees must: 

• Report all accidents immediately to their supervisor. 
• Wear required personal protective equipment.  No exceptions. 
• Report all hazardous conditions or other safety and health concerns to their supervisor immediately. 
• Participate in Safety Committee activities and support Safety Committee membership. 

Travel: 

Travel between locations and to vaccine clinics when necessary.

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctorate: Veterinary Medicine (Required).
• Current Veterinary License to practice in state of Pennsylvania (or ability to obtain).
• USDA APHIS Certified (or willingness to enroll in certification.
• Valid driver’s license.
• DEA license (or willingness to apply).
• Experience and/or interest in shelter medicine preferred.
• Experience in HQHV spay/neuter surgery preferred.

Preferred Experience:

Prior shelter experience preferred