Career Center

Major Functions: 

Saving lives and solving problems is what we do. There is never a dull moment at Harbor Humane Society and the Shelter Veterinarian is a critical member of the leadership team helping to achieve Harbor Humane Society’s (HHS) mission and goals through the care of animals and oversight of the medical care of shelter and community animals. The Shelter Veterinarian must possess outstanding surgery, diagnostic, and clinical skills.  Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and a passion for shelter animal care and community medicine are essential.  The exceptional candidate will have previous experience with shelter operations. However, we are willing to provide additional training and mentorship to the right candidate.  

Job Summary: 

Responsible for daily care of all surgical patients and shelter residents, ensuring that all staff members are adhering to an excellent standard of care.  During designated training sessions, responsible for training employees and others in all aspects of patient care, efficient/safe clinic and care practices, while always maintaining a professional and friendly manner. 

Nature of Employment

*  The Shelter Veterinarian reports to the Executive Director. It is a salaried position and can be negotiated for part-time or full-time. Salary may be adjusted for part-time employees. Part-time requires a minimum of 2.5 scheduled days onsite at the shelter. Full-time is considered 4 scheduled days at the shelter. Both part-time and full-time may require fielding phone calls after hours and could occasionally include weekends or nights. The expectation is not more than 6-8 weekend days annually.

Compensation

The salary range for full-time is $100,000-$125,000. Starting salary is dependent on experience. Benefits include:

• Relocation/Sign On Bonus
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Continuing Education Support
• Annual Memberships to American Veterinary Medical Association and Association of Shelter Veterinarians
• License Fees paid for by Harbor Humane
• Paid Time Off- 3 weeks during first year and increases after the first year.
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, and Short-Term Disability Insurance available at discounted rates
• Harbor Humane Society qualifies as an accepted non-profit for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Essential Job Functions: 

1. Examine animals pre-operatively to determine their ability to withstand surgery. 
2. Perform surgical sterilizations.
3. Examine animals post-operatively to ensure appropriate healing.
4. Inoculate animals and provide recommendations for follow up care.
5. Supervise post-operative rechecks and order medical treatments as necessary to ensure complete surgical recovery.
6. Access individual patient issues and provide appropriate solutions.
7. Creatively problem solve daily.
8. Make reasonable and sensible medical decisions that fit within the mission of HHS.
9. Provide input and communicate any issues regarding the shelters or clinics disease control protocols, surgical protocols, or other medical issues with the Executive Director and Veterinary Services Manager.

Requirements

1. Must be a licensed Veterinarian in the state of Michigan.
2. Must hold or be able to obtain a DEA license and Michigan Controlled Substance license.
3. Proficiency in high quality, high volume spay/neuter techniques. Must be able to (or the desire to work up to be able to) perform 20-25 spay/neuter surgeries a day.
4. Passion for helping homeless animals and being their voice and advocate!

About Harbor Humane Society

Harbor Humane Society is a mid size Humane Society located in West Olive, MI, just miles away from Lake Michigan. We are a private non-profit who intakes over 3,500 animals a year through our Ottawa County Stray Animal Contract, owner surrenders, and transfers from overcrowded shelters. We adopt out thousands of animals a year and return hundreds of lost pets to their owners. We have a robust intake diversion program- doing what we can to help animals stay out shelters and with their families. We do what we can do make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Connections working at Harbor Humane Society