As one of two veterinarians on staff, the Shelter Veterinarian will provide high-quality medical care to shelter animals, including spay/neuter, treatment of various medical conditions, and herd health maintenance. The Shelter Veterinarian contribute to the development, advancement, and implementation of shelter medicine protocols and standard operating procedures shelter-wide to deliver and ensure humane medical treatment of all animals under ARF’s care. ARF is committed to the highest standard of care and provides resources to pursue treatment of unique cases through outside referrals and specialty hospitals. New x-ray and ultrasound equipment will be installed in 2023. Part-time or full-time considered.

Specific Responsibilities:
As a member of ARF’s senior leadership, the Shelter Veterinarian’s duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• In collaboration with the CEO, Staff Veterinarian, and Shelter Manager sets the shelter’s medical objectives, practices, plans and decisions that influence operations to ensure optimal health of sheltered animals and lead to their adoption
• With the Staff Veterinarian leads the evaluation and establishment of shelter medical protocols and supervises staff of veterinary technicians and assistants in the implementation of those protocols
• Continually improves the medical management program and ensures high-quality medical care and services for shelter guests including those temporarily in foster care, focusing on identification, treatment and prevention of health problems thereby increasing adoptions and decreasing adoption returns
• Maintains effective communication with shelter colleagues through daily contact, in scheduled meetings, informally or in writing, as needed to coordinate and direct medical functions of the shelter
• Provides leadership in situations requiring immediate medical problem solving
• Communicates directly with the CEO, Staff Veterinarian, and Shelter Director, and Adoption Coordinators, and adopters with regard to care of all animals in ARF’s custody and the transition of care from the shelter to an adopter’s veterinarian
• Participate in fundraising and communications campaigns to support ARF’s mission
• Treats people and animals with respect; contributes to effective teamwork; promotes intra- and inter-departmental cooperation; and fosters relationships in the community as an ambassador for ARF’s work

Performs the duties of a staff veterinarian, including but not limited to the following:

• Provides medical services to all shelter animals, including physical examinations, diagnostics, medical rounds, and treatments
• Performs sterilization surgeries and other surgical procedures for shelter animals
• Ensures appropriate medication is administered by shelter veterinary staff as directed
• Advises, performs, or oversees euthanasia performed within the shelter 
• Refers shelter animals for outside specialty care and coordinates treatment
• Maintains complete digital records of procedures, diagnoses, and treatment for all animals in ARF’s custody, including documents provided to adopters and their veterinarians to ensure seamless continuity of care from shelter to home
• Maintains appropriate licensing and completes required continuing education courses. Adheres to state regulations and organizational protocol regarding animal care, treatment, advocacy, and the mission of ARF

Qualifications:

• Current license in the State of New York to practice veterinary medicine
• Current DEA license (Willingness to obtain DEA license)
• Ability to work well within the busy nature of shelter environment
• Proven organizational, time management, and planning skills
• Comfort with technology and shelter management/practice software
• Consistent exercise of maturity, good judgment, and professional conduct in all settings, in person and digitally
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills to assess department and shelter-wide operations and identify changes and innovations to enhance ARF’s mission and maximize the impact of donor contributions
• Treats people and animals with respect; contributes to effective teamwork; promotes intra- and inter-departmental cooperation; and fosters relationships in the community as an ambassador for ARF’s work

About ARF Hamptons

Since 1974, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons has provided care and sanctuary for homeless cats and dogs until loving homes can be found. ARF is a leading animal rescue and adoption center on Long Island. In addition to its rescue and adoption program, ARF operates a pet food pantry, free vaccine clinics, and free spay/neuter clinics for feral cats. In 2023, ARF will open a fully renovated facility including new kennels, renovated catteries, and an 8,000 sq. ft. training building for dogs.

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