What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shelter Veterinarian position at Humane Society of Harford County?
The Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC) is seeking a compassionate, experienced Shelter Veterinarian to join our veterinary team. This position serves as one of several veterinarians supporting the medical care and well-being of animals in our open-admission shelter. The Shelter Veterinarian provides preventive care, medical treatment, surgical services, and guidance on shelter medicine best practices while working collaboratively with fellow veterinarians, technicians, and shelter staff.
This is an outstanding opportunity to work with a progressive, dedicated, and collaborative team of staff and volunteers. This role plays a critical part in improving live release rates, animal wellness, and community impact. If you are a licensed veterinarian with a heart and passion for shelter animals, we invite you to learn more about this opportunity!
Essential Responsibilities
Shelter Medicine & Animal Care
- Serve as an attending veterinarian for shelter and foster animals.
- Perform physical examinations, diagnostics, treatment planning, and follow-up care for shelter residents.
- Provide preventive medicine, including vaccination protocols, parasite prevention, and disease management.
- Diagnose and treat common medical conditions, injuries, and infectious diseases.
- Perform humane euthanasia when medically or behaviorally indicated and in accordance with shelter policies.
- Provide emergency veterinary care when on-site and consultation for urgent medical matters as needed.
Surgery
- Perform high-volume spay/neuter surgeries and other routine shelter-related surgical procedures.
- Maintain surgical and anesthesia protocols consistent with current veterinary standards of care.
- Ensure appropriate pain management and post-operative care for surgical patients.
- Assist in determining surgical priorities based on shelter population needs.
Regulatory Compliance
- Serve as the Responsible Veterinarian of Record for the Humane Society of Harford County or share responsibilities with other veterinarians.
- Maintain all required veterinary licenses, registrations, and certifications in good standing.
- Hold and maintain an active Maryland veterinary license and DEA registration.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local veterinary regulations.
- Maintain oversight of controlled substances.
Shelter Health & Population Management
- Assist with population health management to support positive outcomes and animal welfare.
- Provide recommendations regarding disease prevention, outbreak response, sanitation practices, and shelter health initiatives.
- Ensure accurate and timely medical documentation for all animals.
Staff Support & Education
- Collaborate with leadership and fellow veterinarians regarding medical concerns impacting shelter operations.
- Foster a positive, team-oriented culture focused on animal welfare and quality care.
Qualifications
Required
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) from an accredited veterinary school.
- Active Maryland veterinary license in good standing.
- Active DEA registration.
- Ability to serve as Responsible Veterinarian of Record for the State of Maryland.
- Professional liability insurance.
- Experience performing routine surgical procedures, including spay/neuter surgeries.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to participate in a rotating weekend coverage schedule, typically including at least one weekend per month.
Preferred
- Previous shelter medicine experience.
- 3-5 years of veterinary experience or demonstrated proficiency in surgery and clinical care.
- Experience with high-volume spay/neuter programs.
- Familiarity with shelter management software, population management, and electronic medical records.
What We Offer
- Compensation range $85-$100/hour, commensurate with experience.
- Flexible schedule averaging approximately 20 hours per week.
- Opportunity to create a schedule that works for both you and the organization.
- Supportive and collaborative team of veterinarians, technicians, and shelter staff.
- Continuing education opportunities.
- Meaningful work serving animals and the community.
- Benefits package negotiable based on schedule and employment arrangement.
About HSHC
The Humane Society of Harford County is the county's only open-admission animal shelter, caring for more than 3,000 animals annually. As a private nonprofit organization, we provide shelter, medical care, adoption services, foster programming, humane education, community support services, and animal protection resources to improve the lives of animals throughout Harford County.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
Salary : $75,000 - $100,000