Associate Veterinarian - Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital

Full-time, exempt (four 10-hour shifts per week)

Annual salary starts at $90,000, commensurate with experience 

Reports to the Director of the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it.  

The Richmond SPCA is seeking a dedicated Associate Veterinarian to join our full-service, low-cost hospital with a mission to provide quality, accessible care to our community. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem solver who practices veterinary medicine in alignment with access to care principles, high-quality/high-volume spay and neuter techniques and treatment plans that meet pet guardians where they are while improving patient wellbeing. The candidate will provide help and support to our high-volume Smoky’s Spay & Neuter Clinic as needed. This is a unique opportunity to join a well-respected group of doctors, licensed veterinary technicians, and support staff. 

Essential Functions

• Deliver wellness, sick and urgent care and provide physical examinations 
• Perform soft tissue surgery, dentals and other routine surgeries as needed
• Develop ongoing treatment plans for acutely- and chronically-ill patients
• Perform high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries (HQHVSN)
• Follow infectious disease protocols
• Maintain thorough medical records
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with and deliver education to a varied client base and medical support staff
• Practice medicine that supports access to care, using critical thinking and decision making that aligns with our mission
• Interpret and perform routine diagnostic tests, including radiography 
• Make euthanasia decisions aligned with our no-kill philosophy
• Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings
• Other job-related duties as assigned 

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary college required 
• Successful applications for or current/in good standing Virginia Veterinary License, DEA license, AVMA membership and liability insurance coverage
• Successful completion of a criminal background check 
• Ability to react to change productively 
• Ability to work in an environment that is fast-paced and high-stress 
• Professional, courteous attitude and effective communicator
• Weekday daytime availability
• Reliable transportation including during inclement weather

Qualifications, Skills and Expectations

• Commitment to the no-kill philosophy and operating model, access to care for pets of economically-disadvantaged guardians, shelter diversion programs, HQHVSN and TNVR 
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Punctual, with a sense of urgency 
• A collaborative, team-oriented and professional work style
• Integrity and a dedication to the organization’s mission and values
• Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every patient
• Able to effectively communicate with members of the public
• Strong computer skills with ability to navigate shelter software, Microsoft Office products, and ability to learn new software quickly and completely 
• Good time management and prioritization skills
• Flexibility and the ability to effectively multi-task
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate changing demands
• Commitment to collaborating across departments and with partner animal control/municipal shelters
• Positive “can do” outlook and ability to rebound quickly from unpleasant situations while maintaining composure 
• Ability to keep information in confidence 
• Effective interpersonal skills, including those focused on conflict resolution 
• Professional written and verbal communications skills 
• Experience in an animal shelter, high-volume spay/neuter clinic or public hospital environment a plus, particularly one focused on access to care 

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to work around animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges), loud noises, animal waste, and various chemicals 
• Able to be on your feet for an entire 10-hour shift (assistance may be provided in coordination with physician recommendations) 
• Able to move around the building 
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as routinely manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds

Work Environment

• Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, disinfectants, radiation, anesthetic gases 
• High levels of noise 
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people) 

All employees are eligible to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital of the Richmond SPCA. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave. 

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term disability, and paid time off.

Fees associated with renewal of Virginia Veterinary license, DEA license, AVMA membership, and professional liability insurance coverage are offered for our full-time veterinarians.