Medical Director, Veterinarian

American Veterinary Medical Association; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) seeks an experienced Animal Shelter Veterinary Medical Director to lead our veterinary services program and shape the future of one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier municipal animal service organizations. The Medical Director will lead a collaborative veterinary team, mentor professionals, and provide strategic direction for shelter medicine.

This role supports a new animal shelter opening in 2027 and serves thousands of animals annually with a

Qualifications

• DVM and eligible for Washington veterinary license.
• Progressive supervision or management experience in veterinary medicine.
• Experience with high-volume, quality spay/neuter surgery and shelter medicine.

Responsibilities

• Lead all veterinary clinic operations, shelter medicine programs, and medical staff.
• Supervise veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and clinic volunteers.
• Establish strategic goals, policies, and performance measures.
• Oversee surgery, diagnostics, treatment, vaccination, disease prevention, and humane euthanasia.
• Lead infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response.
• Manage foster medical programs and animal population health.
• Develop and manage clinic budgets, grants, contracts, and controlled substance inventory.
• Partner with animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, universities, and community organizations.
• Participate in labor relations, organizational planning, and leadership initiatives.
• Promote Lean continuous improvement, innovation, employee engagement, and evidence-based decision making.

Skills

Shelter medicine leadership

Population management

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder communication

Coaching and development

Data-driven decision making

High-volume surgery oversight

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent

Unrestricted Washington veterinary license

DEA registration

Job description

Are you a visionary shelter medicine leader committed to advancing animal welfare, public service, and organizational excellence? Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is seeking an experienced Animal Shelter Veterinary Medical Director to lead our veterinary services program and help shape the future of one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier municipal animal service organizations.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a collaborative veterinary team while preparing for operations in a new animal shelter in 2027. The Medical Director serves as a member of the RASKC senior leadership team, providing strategic direction for shelter medicine, mentoring veterinary professionals, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring exceptional care for thousands of animals each year.

About RASKC

RASKC provides animal sheltering, animal control services, pet licensing, adoptions, foster care, and community programs for 25 cities and unincorporated King County. We are committed to protecting public health and safety while promoting the humane treatment of animals.

SCOPE OF JOB DUTIES:

In order to be considered minimally qualified for this role, you must demonstrate knowledge, skill and ability to perform the following:

• Lead all veterinary clinic operations, shelter medicine programs, and medical staff.
• Supervise veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and clinic volunteers.
• Establish strategic goals, policies, and performance measures.
• Oversee surgery, diagnostics, treatment, vaccination, disease prevention, and humane euthanasia.
• Lead infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response.
• Manage foster medical programs and animal population health.
• Develop and manage clinic budgets, grants, contracts, and controlled substance inventory.
• Partner with animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, universities, and community organizations.
• Participate in labor relations, organizational planning, and leadership initiatives.
• Promote Lean continuous improvement, innovation, employee engagement, and evidence-based decision making.

The successful candidate is:

• A collaborative and forward-thinking leader.
• Experienced in shelter medicine and population management.
• Comfortable making timely medical and operational decisions.
• Passionate about coaching and developing employees.
• Skilled at building partnerships and communicating with diverse stakeholders.
• Data-driven and committed to continuous improvement.
• Dedicated to exceptional customer service, equity, and animal welfare.
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent.
• Unrestricted Washington veterinary license (or ability to obtain).
• DEA registration (or ability to obtain).
• Progressive supervisory or management experience in veterinary medicine.
• Experience performing high-volume, quality spay/neuter surgery and shelter medicine.

Preferred Qualifications

• Shelter medicine leadership.
• Budget development and management.
• Grant administration.
• Public sector or nonprofit leadership.
• Experience with Chameleon software.
• Lean or continuous improvement experience.

Why Join Us

• Lead a highly respected regional animal services program.
• Help open and shape a new animal shelter.
• Influence the future of shelter medicine in King County.
• Work alongside a collaborative leadership team committed to innovation, employee development, and exceptional service