Shelter Veterinarian

The City of Fort Worth is the 13th largest city in the U.S. and the fastest growing among large cities. Fort Worth has received multiple accolades, including number one Downtown (Livability), and the second-best City in the nation for Job Seekers (Forbes). Our employees serve the needs of over 900,000 residents. We are seeking individuals that reflect our values of exceptional customer experience, mutual respect, embracing our diversity, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and accountability.

A Shelter Veterinarian job is available with The City of Fort Worth Code Compliance Department.  The department is currently recruiting to hire one or more compassionate and knowledgeable Shelter Veterinarians to provide care for at-risk animals for its Animal Campuses at 4900 Martin Street, Fort Worth, TX 76119 and 351 Hillshire Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76052.

The City of Fort Worth has a progressive animal welfare program that enjoys broad based support from elected officials, industry, residents, and animal welfare agencies.  At its Silcox Animal Care and Adoption Center, the City opened a new medical treatment ward in October 2014 and added outdoor kennels and dog enrichment areas in 2015.  On April, 23-25, 2021, the city celebrated the grand opening of its new state of the art North Animal Campus paid for by a $13.5M bond program approved by the residents of Fort Worth in 2018.  The new campus boasts a fully equipped veterinary hospital for shelter pets along with five separate dog kennels, each with 10 enrichment yards, a cat ward with windows for every cat and staff and volunteer space overlooking the 7.5 acres campus.

The Shelter Veterinarian job responsibilities include:

• Responsible for providing high quality and fast pace medical care of animals in the shelter;
• Perform clinical, laboratory and surgical veterinary services for sheltered animals with High Quality High Volume spay, neuter and other surgeries, including pre-and post-operative care;
• Perform examinations, diagnose, create treatment plans, and monitoring treatments as needed along with emergency triage and stabilization for sick/injured animals;
• Ensure accurate and thorough record keeping for each individual animal treated;
• Assist with the development of policies, procedures and protocols which relate to the veterinary needs of sheltered animals, including disease prevention;
• Make recommendations on shelter disease management protocols, sanitation, and procedures and identify animal cruelty and consult during cruelty investigations;
• Assist management in the development and implementation of policies which impact animal and, indirectly, human health;
• Participate in the planning of the daily veterinary activities to ensure efficient and effective operation;
• Interact with staff pertaining to issues associated with the health, feeding, husbandry, nutrition, breeding and diseases, and injuries to keep all parties informed of the status of animals;
• Conduct staff training on recommended practices on topics involving animal health, well-being, medical care or other related topics; and
• Exercise independent medical judgment when examining, caring for and treating impounded animals in accordance with City policies and procedures and in compliance with applicable State laws.

At the Fort Worth Animal Shelter each day is filled with diverse opportunities. We work closely with veterinary technicians, customer service representatives, kennel technicians, animal control officers and partner organizations to be at the forefront of animal welfare. Come see why over 120 dedicated staff call The City of Fort Worth home.

The Fort Worth Animal Campuses are open seven days per week.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from a college or university accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree and no previous experience required.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Texas within six (6) months employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain the required Controlled Substances Registration / Certification within six (6) months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Shelter medicine experience;
• High Volume High Quality Spay/Neuter experience;
• General practice experience;
• Leadership experience;
• Experience with pet enrichment including group play;
• Knowledge or experience with Trap, Neuter, Release and Return to Field programs; and
• Board Certification in Shelter Medicine through American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.