The San Antonio Humane Society is a an award winning campus, a community leader in shelter medicine and spay/neuter services. We are located in a brand new medical building with advanced medical equipment. We provide great benefits, DEA licensing, TX License fees, AVMA membership, AVMA-PLIT fees, a Simple IRA, ASV, and VIN access. We are looking for a new member to join our team who is energetic, passionate about shelter medicine, and possesses the qualities of our core values: Responsibility, Respect, Customer Service, Integrity, Adaptability and Compassion.
The associate veterinarian will perform high volume surgeries (specifically but not limited to) spays and neuters on both public, TNR, and shelter animals at any location operated by the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS). This position works with the Chief veterinarian and other associate veterinarians to complete daily rounds of all shelter animals to ensure maintained medical and behavioral health. Writes and maintains SOPs when necessary. May also make sure protocols are followed by staff in times of outbreak/emergency. Applicants must be available by phone for consultation on patients belonging to the SAHS whenever staff is present within the building. The Associate Veterinarian position will be under the direction and supervision of the Chief Veterinarian.
The applicant must be a good leader with a professional demeanor and presentation
The application should possess knowledge of population medicine within a shelter environment, and strive to understand and overcome the challenges and rewards that come with this
The applicant must be cognizant of the limitations present in shelter medicine (diagnostic testing, medication costs) and work to the best of their ability with the tools available
Must be capable of learning to operate and maintain medical equipment (bloodwork analyzers, digital x-ray, therapeutic laser, water treadmill, microscope, etc.)
The applicant must be able to communicate effectively with all staff and administrators regarding medical care and protocols that are in place
Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help
The applicant must be comfortable with public speaking as the applicant will be asked to communicate with a wide variety of audiences ranging from children to donors. The San Antonio Humane Society is proud of our relationship with the media and the applicant may be asked to make appearances as well.
The applicant must be able to view each publicly owned animal as an individual and act in accordance with their veterinary oath
The applicant may at times be asked to communicate with owners of these animals and needs to be able to communicate effectively and respectfully
The applicant must personify the core values of the shelter: Responsibility, Respect, Customer Service, Integrity, Adaptability and Compassion
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure the health and wellbeing of the animals belonging to the SAHS by effectively managing cases and following established protocols.
Capability of high quality high volume spay and neuters (HQHVSN) every shift.
Expected to perform between 30-40 surgeries and over time be able to improve and increase frequency
Previous high volume experience preferred, onsite training available
Perform or arrange for other miscellaneous surgeries and treatments for animals owned by the SAHS (amputations, enucleations, entropion repair, etc)
Consistent walk-throughs of the facilities to check the health and wellbeing of all inhabitants
Supervision of the Surgery and Clinic technicians, including Performance Guidance and Reviews, Scheduling, hour approval etc.
Supervision of the medical department and the maintenance of animal health
Must be available by phone for shared on call duties for consultation on patients belonging to the SAHS whenever staff is present within the building
Provides holiday, disaster, and weekend coverage as required
Other duties as requested
Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Providing Education
Provides accurate information and friendly professional service to the public and staff in a positive, courteous, and professional manner
Interacts with all departments cohesively and communicates information effectively
Capable of problem-solving and conflict resolution
Maintains full knowledge of basic animal care in order to educate the public during wellness clinics
Animal Handling
Will be asked to handle (on average) 30-40+ dogs and cats per day, with the expectation to increase and improve frequency over time
Must be able to learn and work towards proficient animal restraint for various procedures for the safety of co-workers, self, and patients
Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior; for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior
Must be able to learn how to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals
Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help
Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job and transmits these values to others
Capable of problem-solving and conflict resolution
Ability to handle a variety of situations in a professional and courteous manner
Follows appropriate PPE protocols both in the clinic and in isolation wards
Assist with fundraising activities and special events as needed
Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel
Any other duties as assigned
Physical / Emotional Requirements of the Job
Must be able to work standing or sitting for 10 or more hours
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with help
Must be able to bend, stoop, and kneel repeatedly
Must be able to see fine detail in a variety of situations
Must have reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations
Must have good range of motion in joints especially wrist, knees, elbows
Must have good range of motion in your back for twisting etc.
Work Environment
Job may require performance of tasks that involve potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, animal and human
Any allergic condition that would be aggravated from exposure or through contact with animals or chemicals used to sanitize facilities, vehicles or equipment, is a disqualification
Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases
Exposure to high noise levels when in kennel area
Potential for animal bites and scratches while handling pets
May be expected to work weekends, holidays, disasters, and off hours
The San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill organization that has served Bexar County and its surrounding areas since 1952. The SAHS shelters, medically treats, and rehabilitates thousands of dogs and cats every year. Many of the dogs and cats in our care have been abused, injured, surrendered by their owners, or found as strays. As a no-kill organization, every treatable pet in our care stays in our care until they find a home or necessary placement with another no-kill organization. No pet in our care is ever euthanized to create space. Thousands of dogs and cats in San Antonio and its surrounding areas are saved from euthanasia every year due to the mission and practices of the SAHS.
Through our adoption, volunteer, foster, spay/neuter, and educational programs, we inform and educate the public on the importance of responsible pet ownership. We serve as one of the largest dog and cat adoption organizations in San Antonio, Texas, helping to decrease the community’s large pet overpopulation problem in a humane manner. As a local nonprofit, we are not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). We do not receive funding from the fe...deral government, the HSUS, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).