Employment Status: Full-time (40 hrs. weekly) Location: Salem, Oregon
Schedule: 8-hour shift, Monday-Friday, Weekends as needed
Who We Are:
The Asher House is a registered non-profit sanctuary in Salem, Oregon. We rescue animals that have been discarded or unwanted, providing them with a life of comfort, love and adventure. For over two years, their Founder, Lee Asher, traveled across 49 states to promote dog adoption and spotlight various shelters and rescues. After his Pitbull Stella passed away, Lee was determined to fulfill his lifelong dream of creating a sanctuary, where animals could feel treasured, protected, and free. In late 2020, Lee discovered a large parcel of property which was the perfect setting to turn his vision into a reality! We are here to help people have better days and get animals adopted. The Asher House is on a mission to make the world a better place, one rescue animal at a time!
Job Summary:
The Sanctuary Wellness Veterinarian is responsible for providing high-quality medical care to animals within The Asher House Sanctuary. This includes performing examinations, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries, conducting surgeries, and ensuring the overall health and well-being of companion and farm animals. The Sanctuary Wellness Veterinarian also collaborates with the animal care team, sanctuary management, and external partners to develop and implement medical protocols and procedures.
Additional Information:
The Asher House is in the beginning stages of building an on-site veterinarian clinic. This position will also require the candidate to have innovation and knowledge of clinic design and build. The veterinarian will assist The Asher House Facilities Department in designing and planning the veterinarian facilities to create functional and efficient spaces that meet regulatory requirements and provide a safe and comfortable environment for both animals and staff.
Key Responsibilities:
Medical Care and Treatment:
Provide preventative and reactive care to companion and farm animals.
Conduct physical examinations on incoming companion and farm animals to assess their health status.
Diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions, including infectious diseases, injuries, and chronic illnesses.
Administer vaccinations and preventive care as per established protocols.
Prescribe and administer medications as needed, ensuring proper dosage, and monitoring for adverse effects.
Available by telephone or cellular phone after hours for post-surgical complications or emergencies.
Maintain controlled drug licenses and facility licenses as required.
Perform surgery induction and intubate patients. Monitor breathing and color. Ensure appropriate medication is administered by veterinary staff.
Observe all patients before leaving for the night to ensure recovery from anesthesia and/or surgery.
Provide euthanasia and necropsy services as needed.
Always promotes the humane and loving treatment of animals.
Surgical Procedures:
Perform spay/neuter surgeries, eye enucleations, amputations, basic sutures, and any other necessary procedures that may arise.
Adhere to established surgical protocols, maintain a sterile environment, and monitor animals during recovery.
Compliance and Regulation:
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to animal welfare and veterinary practices.
Medical Records and Documentation:
Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records for all sanctuary animals.
Document all examinations, treatments, surgeries, and medications administered.
Health and Disease Management:
Implement disease control and prevention measures to maintain a healthy sanctuary environment.
Develop and oversee quarantine protocols for incoming animals and those showing signs of illness.
Collaboration and Training:
Work closely with the animal care team to provide guidance on animal health and medical procedures.
Provide training and mentorship to sanctuary staff on basic animal health and handling techniques.
Emergency Response:
Be available for on-call or emergency medical care for sanctuary animals outside of regular working hours when necessary.
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the company.
Qualifications:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school.
Current Oregon state licensure as a veterinarian.
Experience in small and large animal medicine and surgery, with preference given to candidates with shelter or rescue experience.
Strong knowledge of animal behavior, health, and welfare.
Experience with Herd Medicine.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, sometimes emotionally charged environment.
Physical Requirements
Lifting and handling animals of various sizes and weights.
Standing for Extended Periods.
Treating animals in different positions, which may require bending, stooping, and kneeling.
Tolerance for Allergens.
Ability to commute/relocate:
Salem, OR: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Required Experience:
5-7 years as a practicing veterinarian (Required)
Experience with Shelter & Herd Medicine (Required)
License: Valid license issued by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Paid Time Off, Vacation Days
The Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.