Job Details

Job Title: Shelter Veterinarian
Department: Animal Care & Control
Date Posted: March 20, 2025
Salary: Starting at $92,301.17/year
Type of Employment: Regular Full-Time
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025

Saginaw County is a drug-free workplace; individuals must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen (including marijuana) and pre-employment physical.

General Definition of Work:

The Shelter Veterinarian provides professional veterinary care for animals in the custody of Saginaw Animal Care and Control, as well as community-owned animals seen in the shelter clinic. Responsibilities include diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions, performing spay/neuter surgeries, and ensuring the overall health and welfare of shelter and community-owned animals. The Shelter Veterinarian will work closely with shelter management and staff to develop and implement medical protocols, train staff, and oversee the healthcare of shelter animals and owners seeking services in the clinic.?

Essential Functions:

1. Shelter Medical Operations:

   • Coordinate, direct, and perform medical screenings, diagnoses, and emergency treatments of all impounded animals and community pets seen in the clinic.?

   • Perform medical services, including diagnostics, sterilization surgeries, preventive veterinary care, and emergency care.?

   • Prioritize the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare in all aspects of shelter animal care.?

   • Act as a subject matter expert and provide guidance for veterinary-related policies, procedures, and best practices.?

   • Ensure accurate and up-to-date medical records for all animals, maintaining regulatory compliance.?Log in or sign up to view

   • Advise, perform, and oversee euthanasia procedures in compliance with ethical and legal standards.?

   • Occasionally participate in meetings, providing feedback and insight on veterinary procedures and shelter operations.?

2. Training and Staff Development:

   • Provide ongoing training for shelter staff on medical care protocols, including cleaning, disinfecting, and handling animals.?

   • Ensure that all medical dietary requirements and humane care standards are met for shelter animals.?

   • Train staff to rapidly identify animals requiring isolation or veterinary care.?

3. Disease Prevention and Control:

   • Oversee daily visual monitoring of all animals for signs of illness or unusual behavior, ensuring appropriate action is taken as necessary.?

   • Manage quarantine and isolation processes with the shelter director for sick or at-risk animals.?

4. Animal Cruelty Investigations:

   • Provide expert assistance in animal cruelty investigations and assist law enforcement and Animal Control officers in cases of neglect or abuse.?

   • Testify in court as needed as a medical expert in animal cruelty cases.?

5. Public and Staff Communication:

   • Advise staff, volunteers, and the public on veterinary medical matters.?

   • Participate in public outreach, education, and fundraising events as needed, including rabies and vaccine clinics and spay/neuter initiatives.?

   • Engage in community outreach and education programs to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.?

   • Work closely with shelter management to make decisions that affect animal health, safety, and welfare.?

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited program.?

• Experience: At least one (1) year of veterinary experience in a shelter, kennel, or veterinary hospital, including experience in surgery such as spay/neuter procedures.?

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in shelter medicine or public health programs.?

Special Requirements:

• Valid and active veterinary license in the State of Michigan.?

• Valid DEA license (must be obtained within 10 weeks of appointment and maintained during employment).?

• Valid driver's license in the State of Michigan upon hire.?

Perks of Working for Saginaw County:

Saginaw County provides a comprehensive benefits package to its eligible employees, including:?

• Health/Dental/Vision coverage.?

• Defined Contribution (401a) retirement plan with employer contribution.?

• Short-Term Disability Insurance.?

• Health Care Savings Plan for retirement expenses with employer contributions.?

• County-paid life insurance.?

• 14 paid holidays per year.?

• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO).?

• Employee perks program offering various discounts.?

• Discount at the YMCA of Saginaw.?saginawcounty.com

• Competitive wages.