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Shelter Veterinarian - Full-time

Direct Jobs, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718

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The Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary seeks a compassionate and skilled Shelter Veterinarian to provide comprehensive medical care for 400+ cats in our cage‑free sanctuary. The Shelter Veterinarian will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of feline health and welfare, managing health protocols for special populations including FIV+ and FeLV+ cats, performing surgical procedures, and collaborating with shelter staff to maintain our no‑kill philosophy and commitment to individualized care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Medical Care & Treatment

Provide comprehensive medical care for 400+ cats in our cage‑free sanctuary environment, including wellness exams, diagnostics, and treatment plans.

Diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, from acute illnesses to chronic health issues affecting shelter cats.

Address chronic conditions and provide quality‑of‑life care for long‑term sanctuary residents.

Conduct intake examinations and establish treatment protocols for newly rescued cats.

Oversee and perform humane euthanasia when medically necessary in accordance with shelter protocols.

Surgical & Procedural Services

Perform spay/neuter surgeries and other necessary surgical procedures.

Conduct dental procedures and oral health treatments.

Manage surgical protocols, sterile technique, and post‑operative care.

Population Health Management

Develop and implement health protocols for special populations, including FIV+ and FeLV+ cats and diabetic cats.

Oversee preventive care programs including vaccinations and parasite control.

Monitor and manage shelter population health, disease prevention, and infection control.

Ensure compliance with all health regulations and shelter medicine best practices.

Staff Supervision & Training

Assist with training veterinary support staff in medical care protocols and procedures.

Collaborate with shelter staff to ensure optimal health and comfort for every cat.

Serve as a phone resource and medical consultant for on‑call staff.

Communicate effectively with staff regarding patient care, treatment plans, and clinic operations.

Compliance & Administration

Maintain Arizona veterinary license in good standing.

Oversee controlled substances in compliance with DEA regulations.

Maintain accurate medical records and documentation for all patient care.

Develop and ensure organizational medical protocols are followed.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the shelter's mission.

Core Competencies

Clinical Excellence:

Strong diagnostic skills and clinical judgment in feline medicine. Proficiency in surgical procedures including spay/neuter and dental work. Ability to manage complex medical cases and provide high‑quality care in a shelter environment.

Passion for Feline Welfare:

Deep commitment to no‑kill philosophy and individualized patient care. Compassion and empathy for animals, especially at‑risk and special‑needs cats. Understanding of shelter medicine principles and feline behavior.

Communication & Collaboration:

Effective communicator with ability to explain medical conditions and treatment plans to staff. Collaborative approach to working with shelter team. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships.

Leadership & Training:

Ability to supervise and mentor veterinary support staff. Skill in training others on medical protocols and best practices. Willingness to serve as medical resource for shelter operations.

Decision‑Making & Problem‑Solving:

Sound clinical judgment and ability to make difficult medical decisions. Creative problem‑solving in a resource‑conscious environment. Flexibility and adaptability in addressing diverse medical challenges.

Organization & Attention to Detail:

Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple patients and priorities. Thorough and accurate record‑keeping. Attention to detail in medical protocols and controlled substance management.

Emotional Intelligence:

Compassionate approach to end‑of‑life care and difficult medical decisions. Ability to maintain professional composure under pressure. Emotional resilience and self‑care awareness in shelter medicine environment.

Collaboration & Shared Leadership:

Ability to work collaboratively with Medical Supervisor in shared supervision of medical team. Strong team player who values input from veterinary technicians and support staff. Willingness to coordinate clinical decisions and protocols with Medical Supervisor. Collaborative approach to managing daily medical operations and staff oversight.

Professionalism & Work Ethic:

Positive attitude and strong work ethic. Reliability and dependability in meeting shelter medical needs. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Team‑oriented mindset focused on collective success rather than individual authority.

Required

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or VMD degree

Arizona State Veterinary License in good standing

DEA Certification

Strong surgical skills including spay/neuter and dental procedures

Passion for feline medicine and shelter work

Compassionate approach to working with at‑risk and special‑needs cats

Positive attitude, professionalism, and strong work ethic

Commitment to no‑kill philosophy and animal welfare

Preferred

Experience in feline medicine and/or shelter medicine

Knowledge of FIV and FeLV & diabetic management and care protocols

Experience supervising and training veterinary support staff

Strong organizational and decision‑making skills

Emotional intelligence and ability to work independently while collaborating with shelter staff

Certification or training in shelter medicine best practices

We welcome experienced veterinarians who can hit the ground running, as well as newer graduates with a passion for feline welfare and shelter medicine.

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