Chief Veterinarian – Shelter Medicine

Job Description

Class: Exempt Full Time                                                                                                                                                                                                             September 2025

Location: Merriam, KS

Salary Range: $110,000-$130,000

Reports to: Vice President of Operations 

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area; a platinum rated GuideStar charity that serves 6,800 animals annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

• Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically? 
• Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
• Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.? 
• Want to make a daily difference for community pets?

Position Summary: The Chief Shelter Veterinarian serves as the strategic and operational leader of the Shelter Medicine Team and Clinic at Great Plains SPCA. This role is dedicated to delivering exceptional veterinary care, optimizing team performance, and fostering a culture of compassionate leadership. As a champion for animal welfare and quality of life, the Chief Shelter Veterinarian collaborates closely with the Vice President of Operations to drive medical excellence, ensure a safe and engaging clinic environment, and continuously elevate the standards and outcomes of shelter medicine.

Key Responsibilities and Competencies:

• Partner with the Vice President of Operations to manage the Shelter Medicine Program to ensure we are providing excellent medical care to all our shelter animals
• Oversee and train Shelter Veterinarians and Technicians
• Direct, lead, and mentor Associate Veterinarians to empower them to reach their highest professional potential and deliver outstanding, high quality medical care and business results
• In partnership with Vice President of Operations effectively create and maintain veterinarians’ schedules and responsibilities to meet GPSPCA business needs
• Facilitate effective communication between staff, medical team, and volunteers and leadership
• Serve as a communications liaison by leading routine hospital team meetings, sharing business information and messaging to all hospital associates to ensure they remain informed, engaged, and have opportunities to provide feedback
• Practice Shelter veterinary medicine in a manner compliant with the State Veterinary Practice Act, Federal and/or State Controlled Substance laws, along with appropriate medical record documentation; ensure the team maintains complete medical records that meet practice quality control guidelines
• Lead the Shelter Veterinarians through the daily schedule and caseload
• Provide professional, efficient, and exceptional service, including prescribing and administering preventive care for the wellness needs of pets as well as diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries of pets
• Ensure consistent, accurate and proactive diagnosis and treatment plans to staff and volunteers.
• Prescribe and administer drugs and vaccines as appropriate
• Perform surgery on pets as necessary, using standard medical instruments and equipment.
• Promote the safety of pets, clients, and associates by ensuring the Shelter Medicine team utilizes safe restraining techniques, following standard practice guidelines, and maintaining clean, sterile and organized treatment areas, exam rooms and laboratory areas
• Develop and meet performance metrics in line with organizational goals and priorities.
• Demonstrate integrity and ethics in all actions and behaviors
• Address and resolve concerns arising from the medical care of a pet
• Maintain drug logs in accordance with DEA and DOA.
• Oversee ordering of supplies, budget, expenses, and invoice approvals for the department
• Other shelter duties as assigned

Key Skills:

• Flexible and available to work non-traditional hours when required to meet operational demands
• Handle dogs and cats and other pets of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriately
• Demonstrate strong leadership, initiative, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and follow through on job assignments
• Provide a compassionate and humane environment: by demonstrating empathy and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service and professionalism
• Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients
• Ability to work individually and on a team, multi-task and self-start
• Ability to remain calm and empathic in stressful situations

Experience/Education Requirements:

• Degree completion in Veterinary Medicine required
• Candidates must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Kansas and be eligible for a DEA license.
• Three plus years of people management experience in a fast paced environment.
• Strong Customer Service Skills
• Five plus years in Veterinary Medicine work-related experience with animals
• Competent with computer functions and programs such as Internet and web-based programs, Microsoft Office, Excel, Clover and PetPoint 

Physical Requirements:

• Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100lbs
• Lift 50lbs to waist height
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching

Additional Requirements

• Standard schedule is Tuesday–Saturday, generally 9 AM to 6 PM
• On call support
• Rotating holiday coverage
• Possess a valid driver’s license 

AT WILL EMPLOYMENT: There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause. Great Plains SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.

NOTE: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.

Great Plains SPCA proudly has a live release rate of 97% as a part of the no-kill shelter movement.

GPSPCA offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, generous PTO, plus 9 paid Holidays, 100% employer covered mental health, disability benefits, life insurance, 403(b), discounts on veterinary care and retail store items, plus an engaging workplace where our team and animals are our top priority.