Veterinarian, Shelter

Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) is seeking a skilled and motivated Shelter Veterinarian to support daily shelter operations and provide high-quality medical care for animals in our care. This position is ideal for a veterinarian who enjoys structured, mission-driven work in a collaborative public service environment, with minimal public-facing responsibilities and a predictable weekday schedule.

This role focuses on internal shelter medicine and operational support. An LLC or contract arrangement is not required; this is a County position with the stability and benefits of public service employment.

About Lee County Domestic Animal Services

Lee County Domestic Animal Services is a progressive municipal shelter dedicated to animal welfare, operational excellence, and responsible public service. Our facility is designed to support efficient, high-quality veterinary care in a shelter setting and is equipped with:

• Fully equipped surgery suite, wet tables, and exam rooms
• Digital X-ray and dental equipment
• A well-stocked pharmacy with flexibility to adjust formularies
• Computerized medical records with multiple workstations, including a private veterinarian office
• A knowledgeable and experienced team of veterinary technicians and animal care staff

Our department operates with a strong emphasis on professionalism, ethical decision-making, transparency, and teamwork.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under general direction, the Shelter Veterinarian provides medical assessment, treatment, and oversight for shelter animals while supporting shelter protocols, staff training, and regulatory compliance. This position requires independent clinical judgment, sound decision-making, and the ability to balance medical care with shelter operations.

Public interaction is limited and generally not required unless you choose to participate in community events, court-related matters, or educational outreach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Performing medical evaluations, triage, and treatment for sick or injured animals
• Managing infectious and zoonotic disease cases in accordance with public health standards
• Assisting with the development, review, and implementation of medical and shelter care protocols
• Supporting cruelty investigations and providing documentation or testimony when required
• Training and advising shelter staff on best practices in shelter medicine and animal care
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient medical environment

Schedule and Work Environment

• Primary schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
• This position offers a consistent daytime schedule, with flexibility to adjust hours as operational needs arise
• Occasional schedule shifts may occur to support shelter needs, special projects, or emergency situations

After-hours responsibility:

This position includes limited after-hours phone availability for medical guidance. This is not a traditional on-call rotation and does not involve nightly duty. Responsibilities are primarily limited to answering the phone when contacted to provide professional guidance or decision support.

Education, Experience, Licensing

Minimum qualifications include:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited institution
• Active Florida Veterinary License in good standing at time of hire
• USDA Category I accreditation or ability to obtain within six (6) months
• Ability to obtain and maintain DEA registration
• Valid Florida driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Supplemental Information

Why Join Lee County Domestic Animal Services?

This position offers the opportunity to practice meaningful shelter medicine without the demands of private practice ownership, client billing, or constant public interaction. You will be part of a supportive, mission-driven team focused on animal welfare, operational efficiency, and professional integrity.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services is committed to staff development, evidence-based shelter medicine, and continuous improvement.

Professional Benefits

• Paid membership fees for professional organizations (AVMA, FVMA, HSVMA, ASV, etc.) after probation
• Paid continuing education related to shelter medicine after six months of employment
• Stable public service employment with a collaborative work environment

Interested in learning more?

We invite you to view the short video below to learn more about our mission, our impact, and what it’s like to work at Lee County Domestic Animal Services. https://youtu.be/Vcxy3QdyIc4

About Lee County:

Lee County is located in beautiful Southwest Florida and is home to over 700,000 residents. We are dedicated to serving our community with high-quality services and a focus on sustainability and innovation. Join us in making Lee County a great place to live, work, and visit. Find out more about Lee County at Lee County Government.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.