Relief Shelter Veterinarian

Job Summary:

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Per Diem Shelter Veterinarian to support the health and well-being of animals in our care. This position provides temporary veterinary coverage during staff absences, high intake periods, or special projects. The ideal candidate is experienced in shelter medicine or high-volume spay/neuter, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and shares our commitment to animal welfare and public health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality medical and surgical care to shelter animals, including examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and spay/neuter surgeries.

• Perform evaluations for illness, injury, and behavior, and make recommendations for treatment, rehabilitation, or euthanasia as needed.

• Ensure compliance with shelter protocols, local/state laws, and veterinary best practices.

• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records using shelter management software.

• Assist with population management, disease control, and outbreak response planning.

• Collaborate with shelter staff, technicians, and volunteers to ensure the highest standard of care.

• Educate staff and foster caregivers on animal health topics, including medication administration, post-op care, and infectious disease prevention.

• Provide compassionate end-of-life care and humane euthanasia when required.

Qualifications:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an accredited institution.

• Current veterinary license in the state of Montana.

• DEA license (or eligibility to obtain one).

• Minimum of 2 years of clinical or shelter experience preferred, but not required.

• Proficiency in high-volume spay/neuter surgery strongly preferred.

• Strong interpersonal, decision-making, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and adapt quickly to changing shelter environments.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work on feet for extended periods.

• Comfortable handling animals of various sizes, temperaments, and health conditions.

• Exposure to zoonotic diseases, cleaning chemicals, and emotionally stressful situations.

Why Join Us:

By working as a relief veterinarian with our team, you will help save lives, reduce animal suffering, and promote responsible pet ownership. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a direct impact on underserved animal populations and support a mission-driven organization.