Senior Shelter Veterinarian (2293) - Animal Care and Control, Office of the City Administrator

Examples of Important and Essential Duties: 

• Directs, coordinates and performs the screening, diagnosis, and basic and emergency medical treatment of all impounded animals; develops a comprehensive program of health care services for the animal shelter, and establishes medical standards and procedures for the maintenance of healthy, safe and sanitary facilities.

• Provides and participates in training for subordinate staff and other staff regarding ongoing cleaning and disinfecting of all equipment and areas of the animal shelter where animals are housed; assures that special medical dietary requirements are met and that proper, humane care is provided for all shelter animals.

• Provides ongoing training for staff throughout the department to rapidly identify animals requiring isolation or veterinary care.

• Develops a comprehensive disease prevention program for the animal shelter; supervises the visual monitoring on a daily basis of impounded animals, including those that may be isolated or quarantined, for signs of illness or unusual behavior; assures that problems are promptly reported; determines and directs appropriate action as required; serves as a consultant to Shelter Veterinarians on difficult and complex cases.

• Provides the training of appropriate staff in administering first aid and vaccinations to animals, tranquilization, the performance of euthanasia by injection and other paramedical duties; performs euthanasia as required.

• Advises staff and the public on matters within the veterinary medical field; participates in the inspection of animals used in fairs, parades and other events.

• Provides professional assistance in the investigations of mistreatment or neglect of animals and occasionally testifies in court as the medical expert in the investigation of animal cruelty and neglect cases.

• Assists with emergency and disaster response services.

• Directs the ordering, maintenance and control of drugs, medical equipment, food and supplies used in the veterinary division; estimates veterinary requirements for the budget, and monitors expenditures.