Lead Veterinarian

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Flex Spending

Retirement plan & employer matching

Education licensing reimbursement

Job summary

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA in San Mateo, CA, is seeking a Lead Veterinarian to oversee the shelter's veterinary medical program and lead a team of clinicians. The role focuses on clinical leadership, protocol development, and high standards of animal care.

The position offers a competitive salary ($175,000–$250,000 DOE), a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for relocation assistance and student loan repayment negotiation. Exempt, full-time with potential for part-time.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities in a shelter setting.
• Excellent communication with staff, volunteers and the public about medical issues.
• Ability to develop and implement veterinary protocols across departments.

Responsibilities

• Recommend, develop and implement veterinary medical protocols and procedures for all departments and programs.
• Monitor health of the shelter population and manage contagious diseases.
• Mentor and train veterinarians, staff and volunteers to promote animal care excellence.
• Maintain medical records and ensure clear plans for each animal.
• Provide emergency medical care and consult with specialists when needed.

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

California veterinary license

DEA license

Job description

Job Title: Lead Veterinarian

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time (Will consider Part-Time)

Salary: $175,000 - $250,000 per year (DOE)

Competitive Compensation Package Available; Relocation and/or Student Loan Repayment Negotiable

If you’re looking for an opportunity to lead a team of dedicated shelter veterinarians, PHS/SPCA may be the perfect place for you!

Who we are:

PHS/SPCA is a successful, well-established non‑profit humane society committed to serving the animals and people of our community. Among our major programs, PHS/SPCA adopts fully 100% of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in our care and, through our charitably funded Hope Program, makes well and finds homes for thousands of animals who come to us sick, injured or too young to survive without supportive care.

Who you are:

You thrive in a fast‑paced, animal shelter environment, holding animal health and welfare as the primary concern. In addition to practicing shelter medicine, you enjoy communicating and educating staff, volunteers and the public regarding medical issues, zoonotic diseases and specific animal population diseases. You’re looking for an opportunity to lead a team of dedicated shelter veterinarians in overseeing a strong, well‑established shelter veterinary medical program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Recommend, develop and implement veterinary medical protocols and procedures for all departments and programs.
• Monitor health of the shelter population and work collaboratively with shelter managers to recognize, contain and treat contagious diseases, including zoonotic diseases.
• Mentor, guide, train and advise veterinarians, staff and volunteers to promote better animal husbandry and excellence in veterinary medical care. Train staff veterinarians as needed and as appropriate.
• Regularly conduct rounds with staff veterinarians to discuss medical and surgical cases.
• Ensure animal medical records are maintained as required by law.
• Ensure every animal has a clear and concise plan regarding any medical condition(s), diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
• Act as a liaison for the public and staff regarding concerns, disputes or misconceptions of animal medical care at PHS/SPCA. Act as the primary contact person for situations that may arise involving the public related to PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and veterinary medical care.
• Maintain California Veterinary License in good standing. Pursue adequate and appropriate continuing education to continue to provide the Standard of Care.
• Maintain current premise permits and DEA licenses for PHS/SPCA facilities as appropriate and as required by law. Serve as the Supervising Veterinarian for all Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permits.
• Be available to advise veterinary department managers on occasion regarding after‑hours emergencies.
• Examine, diagnose and prescribe treatment for animals in PHS/SPCA care as needed and as appropriate.
• Provide emergency medical care as needed.
• Consult with specialists on specific medical cases when appropriate.
• Perform surgical sterilization of owned and shelter dogs, cats and rabbits. Perform other surgical procedures as indicated.
• Perform and assist as needed in the daily activities of the department.
• Euthanize and/or assist with euthanasia of animals as needed in accordance with PHS/SPCA policies and procedures and California state law.
• Assist Animal Rescue & Control, Humane Investigations and/or the District Attorney in the investigation and prosecution of cases of animal cruelty or neglect. Perform and record necropsies as needed. Appear in court to substantiate findings as necessary.
• Work with Veterinary Services managers to ensure department equipment in good working order.
• Provide staff, volunteer and public educational lectures as needed. Participate in writing educational materials and articles for PHS/SPCA.
• Participate in periodic vaccine clinics, educational programs and special events as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise staff veterinarians.
• Indirectly supervise other veterinary services staff and volunteers in conjunction with department managers.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Assist in interviewing, hiring, training employees and volunteers; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees and volunteers; address complaints and resolve problems.

Qualifications:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; minimum of five years working with animals in a clinical environment with a strong preference for shelter medicine experience; equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Possess and maintain California State Licenses Veterinarian in good standing with a valid DEA license.
• Possess a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record to be insured by our insurance company.
• Upon hire, must pass a background check.
• Proficient knowledge of Chameleon database software or become proficient within the first six months from hire date. Basic knowledge or become proficient with Microsoft Office and computer keyboarding skills (data entry).
• Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to customers, volunteers, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to communicate in a calm and clear manner with the public, volunteers and fellow employees, especially in stressful situations. Ability to remain calm and focused in emergency situations.
• Must be open to new ideas and have the ability to compromise and be flexible when appropriate.
• Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide. Ability to perform these operations using units, weight measurement, and volume.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to treat all animals regardless of species or temperament with compassion and as equally deserving of veterinary care.
• Ability to work independently.

Excellent Benefits Package Available

• Medical /Dental /Vision/Life Insurance /Flex Spending
• Sick, Vacation and Holidays
• Continued Education and Licensing Renewal Reimbursement Available
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Retirement plan & employer matching
• Available to all employees with pets:
• Free vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions
• Discounted euthanasia services/cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.

For more information about our available job opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website at www.phs-spca.org/careers.

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO