The Veterinary Board Member is an active member of the Ruff Start Rescue Board of Directors who is responsible for participating in general board responsibilities that include governance, fiduciary responsibility, and strategic direction to achieve the mission. The Veterinary board role specifically involves matters involving professional judgment for veterinary medicine for animals under Ruff Start Rescue's care and supervision. This individual will also provide broad-level overview information and guidance to current staffed Medical Director, veterinarians, CVTs, and program staff. Topics may include but are not limited to, high volume spay/neuter, best practices for veterinary medicine, protocols, and shelter medicine. This position will provide guidance regarding policies for internal foster animals performed by Ruff Start Rescue.

Time Commitment and location : 2-3 hours weekly, in addition to general board time commitments. The board meets monthly through zoom, and in person on a quarterly basis.

Location: Primarily on-line meetings, some onsite meetings at Princeton location, and rotating board meetings in-person throughout the north metro.

Reports to: Board Chair

Responsibilities:

• Active member of the Ruff Start Rescue Board of Directors

• Provide veterinary expertise to the board, medical department, and staff as needed

• Participate in medical meetings with the programs management team/vetting team as needed

• Evaluate quality medical/compliance reports as needed and make recommendations for improvement/expansion of services/revenue opportunities

• Advise staff and board on medical standards, guidelines, protocol, etc. within the clinic and to ensure compliance with MVMA, AVMA, OSHA, and the MN Board of Animal Health

• Interface with other non-profit animal welfare medical providers

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations within the veterinary field

• Knowledge of issues, concerns, and challenges facing animal welfare organizations, as well as veterinary medicine in general

• Clinical experience in and/or willingness to learn about fast-paced shelter medicine, treating health conditions common in shelter populations, as well as owned pets

• Must have an active DVM License in Minnesota and is willing to keep license active during Board terms

• In good standing with the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine