Purpose of Classification 

The purpose of this position is to develop and implement standards of animal care and to coordinate and manage treatments for animals in the care of the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Provides lead direction to staff responsible for following prescribed treatment and maintaining treatment records for animals brought to the shelter; ensures that the highest level of service and care are provided and that changes in animals' conditions are recorded.

·         Assists in the development and implementation of goals, policies, and procedures for the shelter; recommends changes in procedures as needed.

·         Provides preventative treatments for infections, disease prevention and control, general health, parasite diagnosis and treatment, behavioral evaluations and modification, dietary evaluations, and grooming (healthy coat maintenance.)

·         Examines animals, evaluates animals' health and performs veterinary medical and surgical procedures including vaccinations, prescribing and administering of medications, anti-parasite treatments, tests and lab work for infection, and spay and neuter surgery.

·         Performs surgical sterilization of dogs, cats and rabbits, including pediatric and high volume spay/neuter.

·         Performs in-house inspections with shelter staff.

·         Coordinates with local veterinarians and clinic/shelter professionals to promote positive and productive relationships; arranges for full-service care at a veterinary hospital for severely injured, sick or diseased dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals; provides full orders for care.

·         Performs all necessary euthanasia according to established protocol.

·         Establishes and maintains medical record and drug use logs to standards of veterinary and sheltering practices; ensures that records are in order and complete.

·         Ensures that all state and federal laws, state regulations, accepted standards, and SAWA policies and procedures regarding clinic operations, the practice of veterinary medicine, drug control, and animal care and handling are adhered to.

·         Maintains up-to-date knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures and companion animal health issues.

·         Builds effective relationships through positive interaction and communication with the community, volunteers and staff.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

·         Assists in monitoring inventory and ordering of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.