Veterinarian - Medical Director

Riverdale Animal Shelter is seeking a skilled and mission-driven Veterinarian to serve as Veterinary Medical Director.  As part of the shelter’s Leadership Team, the Medical Director will bring veterinary voice and perspective to operational decisions, provide leadership and direction for the health care team, practice shelter medicine, and ensure the quality care of shelter animals.

What you will love about us: 

Riverdale Animal Shelter (RAS) provides safe housing and compassionate care for thousands of homeless companion animals to include many cats, dogs, and the occasional goat. Our newly constructed facility is located just 15 miles from downtown Denver and includes a bright and spacious veterinary clinic. Our team is highly professional, yet also down-to-earth; and our supportive work culture allows employees to grow, use their skills, and truly be themselves. 

Benefits are fantastic to include robust medical and retirement plans with strong matching, generous vacation and sick leave,12 paid holidays, plus a floating holiday, paid self-care (admin) days, paid parental leave, onsite wellness rooms, free fitness centers, PSLF eligibility, professional memberships, uniforms, and CE support just to name a few. 

Schedules are flexible to include the possibility of intermittent remote options.

About you:

• Direct experience (or sincere interest) in practicing shelter medicine  
• Strong clinical as well as interpersonal skills. 
• Highly organized and creative problem solver
• Enjoy leading and mentoring others

This is a dynamic role that allows you to remain hands-on in veterinary care while also guiding the medical care team.

Examples of Clinical Responsibilities:

• Provide timely, quality veterinary care for shelter animals, including exams, vaccinations, diagnostics, and treatment of illnesses and injuries.

• Perform spay/neuter surgeries, dentistry, routine procedures, and emergency care as needed.
• Develop and follow medical protocols to prevent illness and promote animal health.
• Conduct daily rounds, update treatment plans, and ensure continuity of care.
• Provide direction and guidance for the medical care of foster animals. 
• Perform humane euthanasia when necessary and support staff training in compassionate end-of-life care.
• Offer medical input and documentation for cruelty, neglect, and abuse cases.
• Coordinate with local and state health departments as needed.
• Maintain accurate medical records in line with state, federal, and DEA requirements.

Examples of Leadership Responsibilities:

• Provide direct supervision and support for shelter veterinarians.
• Provide indirect supervision and direction for the Health Care team to include veterinary technicians, foster staff, and interns 
• Oversee recruitment, training, and recognition for health care staff.
• Serve on the shelter’s Leadership and Operations’ Teams. 
• Work effectively with shelter staff, animal protection officers, and volunteers to align veterinary operations with the shelter’s mission and goals.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local veterinary clinics, shelters, veterinary schools and colleges
• Oversee veterinary internship placements and processes. 
• Implement and continually evaluate health care protocols and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with professional and regulatory standards, including licensure and controlled substance management.
• Support staff development and well-being by continually identifying opportunities to enhance career growth and work-life balance. 
• Represent RAS at local, state, and national committees and conferences.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Exercise direct supervision of staff

• Genuine commitment to animal welfare and the humane treatment of animals.
• In-depth knowledge of (or a sincere interest in) shelter medicine.
• Proven leadership skills with experience supervising paid staff, students, and/or interns.
• Excellent clinical skills, including medical diagnostics, surgery, and dentistry.
• Proficient in HQHVSN ensuring high standards of care.
• Skilled in safe and humane animal handling, including fear-free techniques.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exhibit sound judgment with confidential or highly sensitive situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and capable of learning shelter software for accurate medical recordkeeping.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster positive, professional relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education & Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a practicing Veterinarian required, including at least 1 year in shelter medicine or a veterinary setting with a HQHVSN component.
• Minimum 2 years of experience providing direct supervision of paid staff, students, and/or interns.
• Experience in an open admissions animal shelter is preferred, and experience with community veterinary medicine, emergency/urgent care, and/or general small animal practice is welcomed. 

Licenses & Certifications 

• Current Colorado veterinary license (or ability to obtain promptly) with a clean practice record.
• DEA license (or ability to obtain) is preferred.
• Fear-free certification required within 60 days of hire. Training provided.

Even if you feel you do not meet all preferred qualifications but are interested in this role, please apply!

Work Environment

• Surgical suite, shelter, and office settings.
• Exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, fearful or fractious animals, and cleaning agents.
• Work may be emotionally challenging.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting/restraining of animals of varying sizes.
• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and cleaning.
• Handling surgical instruments, syringes, and needles.
• Repetitive motions associated with surgery and medical care.

Work Schedule

• Flexible schedule with possibility of intermittent remote work.

• Rotating on-call, phone support for some holidays and shelter closures.

Salary : $143,019 - $180,329