Career Center

The Shelter Veterinarian provides oversight of all aspects of veterinary care for our shelter. This position is primarily medical and surgical focused. Duties and responsibilities outlined below.

Primary:

• Provides oversight on the overall wellbeing of the shelter residents by ensuring their medical, behavioral, housing, and nutritional needs are being met.
• Makes recommendations and collaborates with management on herd health and disease control protocols.
• Oversight of all medical policies and practices in the HSHA Veterinary Department relating to surgery, drug and medication administration, examinations, and diagnostics.
• Performs physical examinations on shelter residents.
• Develops and oversees the execution of treatment plans for shelter residents to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries.
• Performs spay/neuter surgery on shelter residents and clinic patients.
• Performs other procedures including but not limited to dental, soft tissue, and orthopedic surgery on shelter residents.
• Performs necropsies as needed.
• Makes referrals to outside veterinary hospitals and veterinary specialists when appropriate.
• Interprets radiographs and diagnostic test results.
• Examines animals and documents findings for cruelty cases; provides expert witness testimony when appropriate.
• Makes euthanasia or rescue placement recommendations when appropriate; performs euthanasia for shelter residents when necessary.
• Keeps detailed patient records including surgical and/or treatment notes and exam findings.
• Oversees controlled substance ordering, use, and logging in accordance with all federal laws.
• Keeps current on trends in the veterinary field by attending seminars and conferences, watching webinars, and reading professional journals and articles.
• Treats animals humanely, with love and concern both on and off the job and transmits these values to others.
• Maintains effective and respectful communication with shelter staff in various departments as needed to coordinate and direct medical functions of the shelter.

New graduates encouraged to apply! We have a second full time veterinarian on staff to support you as you begin your shelter medicine career. 

Qualifications and skills:

• Current license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Pennsylvania
• Current DEA license or ability to obtain a DEA license
• Maintenance of malpractice/professional liability insurance
• Ability to work calmly and effectively within the frenetic nature of a shelter environment
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Proven time management, multitasking, and planning skills required
• Ability to communicate skillfully, respectfully, and compassionately with a culturally diverse staff, volunteer base, and client base
• Ability to use good judgment and display a professional manner in crisis situations
• Commitment to fostering a positive work environment by being a leader and motivator

Physical Requirements and work environment:

• Standing for extended periods of time
• Exposure to high noise levels
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Subject to animal bites and scratches; exposure to zoonotic disease
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals

About Humane Society of Harrisburg Area

The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) is a progressive animal shelter located in the state capital city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We offer competitive compensation, flexible scheduling, and diverse continuing education opportunities to help you grow in your veterinary practice. We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and employment qualifies for the Private Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Our culture at HSHA is based on Servant Leadership principles, and we adhere to our organizational values of teamwork, respect, grace, innovation, and effective communication in all areas of operations. HSHA has a strong foundation in the local community, providing a variety of low-cost veterinary services, behavioral support, humane law enforcement, and other pet ownership support services to the residents of the greater Harrisburg area. We recently added 4,000 square feet to our facility’s veterinary department to allow us to expand our medical offerings to include surgery, dentals, digital xray, in-house lab work and other affordable life-saving veterinary services to low-income pet owners.

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