Veterinarian

Position Description

The Shelter Veterinarian for the Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control facility (MACC) is responsible for providing and overseeing medical care for animals in the shelter’s custody, as well as for animals fostered and recently placed. This role involves performing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries for domestic animals while adhering to current veterinary standards of care.

• Plans and implements a comprehensive animal health care program, which includes population management, environmental sanitation, record-keeping, disease surveillance, physical examinations, vaccination, parasite control, disease testing, disease treatment, surgery, nutrition, outbreak response, and environmental enrichment for animals in the shelter and in foster homes. This must be consistent with state, local, MPHD, and MACC policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Educates staff and volunteers on animal disease and behavior.
• Ensures that each animal undergoes a physical examination upon intake, and that sick and injured animals are promptly diagnosed and prescribed treatment.
• Assesses and provides advice on treatment options for sick or injured animals, including associated risks and costs.
• Performs high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries and other necessary surgeries, such as enucleations, exploratory procedures, wound repair, tumor removal with biopsy, dentals, and amputations.
• Provides emergency medical care when needed, including IV catheter placement, emergency surgery, and transfusions.
• Monitors the health of shelter animals in collaboration with shelter staff, conducts diagnostic procedures, and administers timely treatment when required.
• Offers leadership, direction, guidance, and training for veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and other shelter staff, including training and oversight in sedation and euthanasia.
• Develops written protocols for the shelter’s veterinary clinic, including diagnostic and treatment plans, as well as animal disposition guidelines.
• Promotes a compassionate and caring attitude towards all animals, treating them humanely at all times, regardless of their condition.

• Advises and collaborates with shelter staff on behavior assessment, behavioral counseling, and animal training and enrichment programs.
• Maintains accurate recordkeeping in the computerized medical records system for all medical/surgical care provided, examinations, treatment, communication, and disease surveillance within the shelter.
• Conducts forensic veterinary exams for cruelty/legal cases, which may involve crime scene processing, evidence collection and handling, live examinations and necropsy, and preparing detailed legal veterinary statements.
• Manages budgets, plans, and coordinates veterinary supplies, equipment, and clinic needs.

• Assists in coordinating and supervising veterinary clinics, such as spay/neuter and vaccination programs for publicly owned animals and feral cats.
• Participates in collaborative programs with colleges and universities, including hosting student and professional interns for structured rotations.
• Ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations of the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medicine and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
• Implements appropriate inventory control procedures for medications and medical supplies, as well as regular maintenance schedules for medical equipment.
• Prepares regular progress reports, communicates with internal and external stakeholders as necessary, and takes initiative in problem-solving.
• Performs euthanasia of animals when required.
• Collaborates effectively with the shelter Director and staff.
• Supports and participates in departmental responses to disaster and emergency events.
• Demonstrates respect and courtesy towards all individuals (staff, volunteers, and the public), fosters teamwork, and performs duties in a manner that aligns with the organization's goals and encourages community support.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.