What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shelter Veterinarian position at Kent County?
At our shelter, your patients are your clients, allowing you to focus entirely on meaningful, hands-on veterinary care without the pressures of traditional practice. Most animals arrive with no background information, and our shelter veterinarian becomes the first true medical record for each one that walks through the door. This gives you the chance to be both healer and detective as you uncover conditions and solve problems that genuinely change lives. This is deeply purpose-driven work, grounded in compassion and curiosity. With flexible scheduling including work-from-home options, you can embrace this rewarding challenge while still enjoying the work-life balance you deserve.
We are seeking a dedicated Shelter Veterinarian to provide high-quality medical care to shelter animals that advances animal welfare and lifesaving outcomes in our community.
We will hire all levels, so if you don't have high volume spay/neuter, not to worry, we'll help teach that on the job.What You’ll Do
• Provide medical and preventive care, including exams, diagnostics, treatments, and vaccinations
• Perform high-volume spay/neuter surgeries and common shelter surgeries
• Assess and treat sick or injured animals and monitor their progress
• Support population health, disease prevention, and medical protocols
• Oversee pre- and post-operative care and maintain accurate medical records
• Make appropriate medical decisions within shelter guidelines and budgets
• Perform and guide staff on humane euthanasia when necessary
• Supervise, mentor, and support veterinary support staff
• Manage medical supplies and controlled-substance compliance
Dental and vision at no additional cost to employees.
Not sold yet on why Kent County? Our pension plan is designed to provide long-term financial security by offering a lifetime monthly benefit once you meet the required age and years of service. If you'd like to learn more about our Pension plan, click here: Retirement benefits
A few more things to note that are specific to this Veterinarian role: flexible hours, medical autonomy, vacation/PTO (120 hours credited upon hire and monthly accrual of 13 hours and 20 minutes per month of vacation PLUS 80 hours annually PTO).
• DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college or university
• Minimum of one year of clinical veterinary experience and/or shelter medicine or surgery experience
• Preferred: One year of supervisory or team-lead experience
Licensure & Additional Requirements
• Current license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Michigan
• Current DEA license
• Current Michigan Veterinary Controlled Substance license
• Valid Michigan Driver’s License
*Notices will come via email so please be sure to monitor the email address indicated on your application*
Salary : $108,127 - $122,974