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The Humane Society of Western Montana is located in scenic Missoula, MT, along the Bitterroot River. We’re fortunate enough to serve over 1,500 animals each year, maintain an adoption rate of over 98%, and work with our community to enhance the lives of pets and their people. We are looking for two full-time veterinarians to join our team as we expand our services both within our community and to surrounding regions of Montana. 

Position Summary: 

Shelter Veterinarians are responsible for providing high-quality medical care to shelter animals, foster pets, low-income clients, and pets from partner shelters. Job duties include but are not limited to: spay/neuter; treatment of various medical conditions and herd health maintenance; developing, advancing and implementing shelter medical protocols; supporting and implementing community medical services; monthly travel to surrounding communities for 3-day spay/neuter/vaccination events (no travel in winter); upholding the values, mission, and position statements of HSWM; and, above all, practicing the humane treatment of all animals.

New graduates are encouraged to apply!

Essential Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality medical care for shelter pets focusing on identification, treatment, and prevention of health problems, thereby increasing adoptions and decreasing adoption returns
• Direct and conduct a cost contained sterilization program for shelter and public pets, as well as pets from transfer partners
• Perform non-sterilization surgeries (such as dentals and other soft tissue procedures) when deemed appropriate
• Evaluate and determine the health of incoming transferred animals
• Ensure that accurate and complete veterinary records for HSWM animals are maintained
• Provide counsel to adopters of pets with current or past non-wellness veterinary needs
• Oversee the scheduling of outside veterinary resources for procedures not available at HSWM in coordination with the Director of Operations
• Maintain effective communication with PAWS (Pet Adoption and Wellness Specialists) members and other teams about veterinary treatment plans and appropriately delegate tasks to ensure priorities are accomplished
• Provide on-call guidance to staff in emergency situations or situations requiring immediate medical problem-solving for shelter animals
• Advise on and perform euthanasia of animals deemed not suitable for adoption by shelter management
• Communicate shelter medicine practices and HSWM mission to other veterinarians to promote the objectives of HSWM
• Attend staff meetings and shelter-sponsored events
• Demonstrate a capacity to work with members of the community with a high degree of professionalism,  discretion, and confidentiality
• Travel with a team of HSWM employees and volunteers one to three times monthly to communities outside of Missoula to perform spay/neuter surgeries and provide basic preventative and wellness services

Medical Amenities

• New mobile hospital that includes digital x-ray, surgery suite, and dental equipment
• In-shelter surgery suite with preoperative prep table, heated cage banks, two surgery tables, and a dental machine
• Portable ultrasound machine
• Laser (photobiomodulation) therapy unit
• Bloodwork sent to hospital in town, with results in less than 24 hours
• Digital dental radiographs

Work Schedule

• Minimum of 36 hours per week: typically a 4-day work week, but hours may extend beyond normal shifts/work days depending on the needs of the shelter and veterinary programs
• Rotating weekends and on-call shifts for holidays (no after-hours)
• One to three monthly trips to rural regions of Montana with a team from HSWM; typically 3 days in duration (no travel during the winter)

Qualifications 

• Graduate of an accredited school of veterinary medicine
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Montana; maintain Continuing Education requirements to maintain state licensing
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain DEA license
• Has and maintains malpractice insurance
• Ability to conduct (or willingness to learn) high quality surgical sterilizations in a timely, efficient manner following standards of care guidelines
• Enthusiasm for shelter veterinary medicine, progressive animal welfare, and Fear Free techniques
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability and willingness to work closely with shelter employees and volunteers as well as members of the community from diverse backgrounds

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to sam.mitchell@myhswm.org.