| FLSA Status: Exempt
As the only organization providing animal control and sheltering services to the City of Philadelphia, no
two days at ACCT Philly are the same. An open admissions shelter and founding member of the
Philadelphia No Kill Coalition, ACCT works with a wide network of stakeholders to support people and
pets in Philadelphia. By both providing and overseeing veterinary services, the Medical Director ensures
the animals at ACCT are supported via management of population health, emergency triage,
spay/neuter, TNR, and foster clinic, with a priority on saving lives through creative approaches and
maximizing resources through coordination and collaboration with our partners. The Medical Director
leads a small but mighty team of nurses, a staff veterinarian, and a committed cohort of contract
veterinarians and veterinary volunteers. They also function as ACCT’s representative in a few key
relationships, such as University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary medicine program, and as a part of the
Leadership team, helps to steward ACCT Philly as an organization. In medicine, ACCT is committed to
implementing efficient and modern best practices and maintaining the highest standards for
performance.
Qualifications
Knowledge of contemporary shelter medical protocols; knowledge of various species, primarily dogs and
cats, and familiarity with symptoms of diseases common to dogs and cats; strong communication skills
in a frequently challenging environment; comfortable with advising on euthanasia decision making, to
alleviate and prevent suffering but committed to explore all options for lifesaving; comfortable with
electronic medical records, email communication, etc.; ability to work with animals of unknown
disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies;
commitment to Fear Free animal handling and husbandry practices; demonstrates a commitment to
lifesaving; views animals as individuals and is willing to employ creative, novel approaches to meet their
needs including drawing on the resources of our partners; must be adaptable and receptive to rapidly
evolving protocols and able to rally others with an air of excitement and opportunity; treats animals and
people with respect; values collaboration and enjoys working with people, including those who may
have a significantly less developed understanding of relevant concepts; available to modify schedule as
needed to meet the needs of the organization; able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds.
Resources Available
- ACCT Philly veterinary nursing staff, including a medical manager, with varied background in
animal welfare and veterinary medicine
- 2-3 surgical nurses are present at all times when surgery is ongoing, most days with
additional volunteer support
- In house diagnostic abilities include: Idexx Counter top ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer
and two Catalyst One Chemistry Analyzer units, 9 Snap Pro test readers to use with
FeLV/FIV and 4DX Snap ® patient side tests, microscope, diff quick stain and fecals via zinc
flotation.
- Partnership with University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine includes no cost
consults with teaching staff when on shelter campus for rotations and frequent
communication with the U Penn Vet Shelter Medicine Program.
- Reimbursement for Pennsylvania license
- Annual continuing education allowance
- Professional dues and license fees covered
Work Environment
ACCT Philly is open to the public 10am to 6pm daily and staffed 24 hours/day, Staff may have as many as 300 interactions with the public in a given day, including with volunteers and rescue partners. The
shelter operates at a fast pace and experiences rapid turnover of patients. While performing the duties
of the job, employees are frequently exposed to odors and high levels of noise.
Education and Licensure Requirements
Veterinary licensure in the State of Pennsylvania or licensure in another state with the intent and
ability to gain licensure in the State of Pennsylvania within 4 weeks of being hired. |
