Relief Veterinarian

Status: Independent Contractor; 2-3 days per week, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Relief Veterinarian provides high-quality surgical and medical support for animals in the care of

Dorchester Paws. Working two to three scheduled days per week, this contract veterinarian primarily

performs spay/neuter surgery and collaborates with the medical team to evaluate ill or injured animals,

establish practical treatment plans, and promote humane, timely outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Spay/Neuter Surgery

• Perform high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter procedures for shelter-owned dogs and cats in accordance with accepted veterinary standards and Dorchester Paws protocols.
• Complete pre-operative examinations and determine each animal's fitness for anesthesia and surgery.
• Direct appropriate anesthetic, analgesic, and perioperative plans and provide veterinary oversight during induction, surgery, monitoring, and recovery.
• Identify and respond to surgical or anesthetic complications and communicate follow-up needs to the medical team.
• Complete clear, timely, and accurate surgical and medical records.

Medical Evaluation & Treatment Planning

• Examine ill, injured, or medically vulnerable shelter animals as assigned by the Medical Manager or veterinary team.
• Develop diagnostic and treatment plans that are medically appropriate, practical within a shelter setting, and mindful of population health.
• Prescribe or authorize medications, diagnostics, supportive care, rechecks, referrals, or changes in treatment as clinically indicated.
• Communicate urgent findings, significant changes, and recommended next steps promptly to the Medical Manager and designated staff.

Provide guidance regarding isolation, infectious-disease precautions, pain management, prognosis, and quality of life.

Collaboration, Safety & Compliance

• Coordinate the day's caseload and priorities with the Medical Manager and clinic team to support an efficient surgical and treatment schedule.
• Provide respectful, actionable direction to veterinary technicians and assistants while maintaining a collaborative working environment.
• Follow all applicable federal and South Carolina laws, professional standards, controlled-substance requirements, and organizational medical protocols.
• Support infection control, biosecurity, workplace safety, and responsible antimicrobial use.
• Recommend humane medical outcomes when an animal's prognosis or quality of life is poor, consistent with organizational policy and established veterinary standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and represent Dorchester Paws professionally in all interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Current South Carolina veterinary license in good standing.
• Current DEA registration and other credentials required to perform assigned duties, as applicable.
• Professional liability insurance appropriate for independent contract veterinary work.
• Demonstrated proficiency in canine and feline spay/neuter surgery, anesthesia, pain management, and management of routine surgical complications.
• Experience in shelter medicine, high-quality high-volume spay/neuter, or community medicine strongly preferred.
• Sound clinical judgment, clear communication, dependable documentation, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with limited resources.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive surgical tasks, safely handle animals, and use required personal protective equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.