Lead Veterinarian

Job Title: Lead Veterinarian – Veterinary Care Center
Reports To: Executive Director / Director of Operations
Supervises: Clinic Manager, Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants

Position Summary

The Lead Veterinarian provides medical leadership and operational oversight for the Veterinary Care Center, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and compassionate care for both shelter and public animals. This role is responsible for supervising clinical staff, guiding medical protocols, and optimizing workflow across shelter, surgical, and walk-in services.

Key Responsibilities

Medical Leadership

• Oversee all veterinary care and ensure adherence to best medical practices and standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain medical protocols and procedures.
• Provide mentorship, training, and performance oversight for veterinarians, externs, and clinical, and shelter staff.
• Ensure humane, ethical, and high-quality treatment of all animals.

Staff Supervision & Management

• Directly supervise the Clinic Manager and collaborate on overall clinic operations.
• Lead and support a team of veterinarians, technicians, externs, and assistants.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable work environment.
• Participate in hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.

Surgical Program Oversight

• Design and manage an efficient surgical schedule for spay/neuter services (public and shelter)
• Ensure surgical protocols maximize efficiency while maintaining patient safety and quality care.
• Monitor outcomes and implement improvements as needed.

Walk-In Clinic Operations

• Ensure smooth daily operation of the walk-in clinic 
• Develop workflows that balance efficiency with quality client service.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and adjust staffing or processes as needed.
• Support team in delivering timely and compassionate care to the public.

Operational Efficiency & Planning

• Collaborate with leadership to improve clinic performance and capacity.
• Monitor key metrics (surgery volume, patient flow, outcomes, etc.).
• Identify opportunities for growth, improved access to care, and cost efficiency.
• Assist in budgeting, inventory control, and resource allocation.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal veterinary regulations.
• Maintain accurate medical records and proper documentation.
• Promote a safe work environment for staff and patients.

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary school.
• Active veterinary license (or ability to obtain) in the state.
• 3–5+ years of clinical experience, preferably in high-volume or shelter medicine.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with high-volume spay/neuter programs is highly desirable.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent surgical and clinical skills
• Ability to manage high-volume workflows efficiently
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication with staff, leadership, and the public
• Commitment to animal welfare and accessible veterinary care

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, high-volume veterinary clinic setting
• Combination of surgical, clinical, and administrative responsibilities
• Regular exposure to animals, including those that may be ill or injured

Benefits

• Full time Salary: $130,000 – $145,000 with bonuses.
• Signing bonus and moving expenses offered.
• An advantage of working for a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is that you may qualify for student loan forgiveness.
• Additional benefits include pretax health insurance allowance, 401K, annual CE allowance, all licenses and most dues are paid, employee discount and paid time off.