Veterinarian in Brighton

Summary

Riverdale Animal Shelter (RAS) a seeking a skilled and compassionate, full‑time Veterinarian to help ensure quality medical care for shelter animals. Reporting to the Managing Veterinarian, the Veterinarian will serve on the Health Care team, working closely with other veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians providing a range of medical and surgical care services. The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in shelter medicine, experience with high-volume spay‑neuter, and possess strong medical, surgical, as well as interpersonal skills.
What you will love about us:

Riverdale Animal Shelter (RAS) provides safe housing and compassionate care for thousands of homeless companion animals to include many cats, dogs, exotics, and the occasional goat or pig. We are an open admissions shelter and operating within a Socially Conscious/PACT framework to support the best outcomes for animals and our community. Our newly constructed facility is located just 15 miles from downtown Denver and includes a bright and spacious veterinary clinic. Our team is highly professional, yet also down‑to‑earth; and our supportive work culture allows employees to grow, use their skills, and truly be themselves.

Benefits are fantastic to include robust medical and retirement plans with strong matching, generous vacation and sick leave,12 paid holidays, plus a floating holiday, paid self‑care (admin) days, paid parental leave, onsite wellness rooms, free fitness centers, PSLF eligibility, professional memberships, uniforms, and CE support just to name a few.

Schedules are flexible to include the possibility of intermittent remote options.

About you

• Direct experience and/or genuine interest in animal welfare and practicing shelter medicine
• Strong clinical and people skills
• Highly organized and creative problem solver
  Enjoy leading and mentoring others

Examples of duties

• Complete examinations, daily rounds, and provide treatment plans for shelter animals.
• Perform surgical procedures, including spay/neuter, dentals, enucleations, cherry eye, entropion repairs, mass removals, dental extractions, soft tissue repairs, and orthopedic procedures/amputations.
• Conduct emergency triage and stabilize ill and injured animals.
• Maintain patient records through consistent, accurate, and timely documentation, utilizing shelter's operating software (Chameleon).
• Communicate medical‑related information to new adopters, clinics, and transfer partners.
• May provide supervision for veterinary technicians and students.
• Attend staff meetings, training, and events as needed.
• Provide examination, documentation, and expert testimony (as needed) in cases involving animal neglect or abuse.
• Assist with medical guidance and support for the shelter's foster care program.
• Assist the Managing Veterinarian on the regular review and development of veterinary care and disease control protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Foster positive working relationships with animal control officers, local public health departments, local veterinarians, volunteers, rescues, and shelter partners.
• Assist with public vaccination clinics.
• Prepare rabies samples for submission and testing as requested by partnering agencies.
• Perform humane euthanasia and assist with staff training and certification of euthanasia.
• Maintain appropriate licensing and continuing education requirements.
• Oversee the secure use of record keeping for controlled substances in accordance with DEA, state, and federal regulations.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• May be responsible for direct supervision of healthcare staff to include technicians, interns, and/or students.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated surgical and medical assessment skills.
• Ability to perform high-volume spay/neuter procedures, while maintaining excellence in patient care.
• Skill, interest, and experience performing dental cleanings and extractions.
• Training and ability to perform safe and humane animal handling and restraint.
• Ability to balance herd and individual health, including responsible euthanasia decision‑making where appropriate to meet the needs of the organization and the community.
• Working knowledge of animal behavior and fear free training techniques.
• Highly organized and detail‑orientated with efficient time management the ability to prioritize tasks and triage emergencies.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to use sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Ability to manage a fast‑paced and fluid environment..
• Must be willing to support and communicate Riverdale Animal Shelter and Adams County policies and decisions.
• Ability to learn and use shelter operating software (Chameleon ®) to accurately record medical notes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Supplemental information

• Education and Training: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
• Experience:
  • At least two (2) years of experience as a practicing Veterinarian required
  • At least one (1) year practicing shelter medicine in a high volume spay/neuter environment or in a clinic with a heavy surgical volume strongly preferred
  • Interest and experience with dentistry strongly preferred.
  • Interest and experience with team leadership and supervision preferred.
• License or Certificate:
  • Current Colorado veterinary license in good standing (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire).
  • DEA license (or ability to obtain license) preferred.
  • Membership in a veterinary medical association or veterinary alliance strongly preferred.
  • Must obtain fear‑free certification within 60 days of hire. (training provided)

Even if you feel you do not meet all preferred qualifications but are interested in this role, please apply!

• Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.
• Work Environment:
  • Work is performed in shelter surgery suite, throughout shelter and in internal office settings.
  • Exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, potentially fearful/fractious animals and/or animal bites/scratches.
  • Exposure to cleaning agents, fumes, dust, dander, and feces.
  • Work can be emotionally taxing.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Frequent lifting and restraining of animals of various sizes and weight.
  • Frequent computer use.
  • Potential for standing, walking, sitting for extended periods of time. Bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, pulling, pushing, and cleaning.
  • Regular animal handling and restraint; handling surgical instruments, syringes, and needles.
  • Repetitive motion associated with medical and surgical care.
• Salary is dependent upon qualifications.
  Work Schedule: Four 10‑hour shifts or five, 8‑hour shifts per week. One weekend day generally required. Rotating on‑call for some holidays, evenings, closures as needed.