Do you have a passion for animal welfare and experience in veterinary or shelter medicine?
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly organized Shelter Medical Supervisor to oversee the daily medical care of the animals in our shelter. This is a working leadership position responsible for ensuring the health and well-being of shelter animals while actively participating in the daily care and operation of the shelter.
The ideal candidate has previous experience working in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, is confident performing routine medical procedures, and is committed to practicing Fear Free handling techniques whenever possible.
Job Summary
The Shelter Medical Supervisor is a working leader who combines hands-on animal care with oversight of the shelter’s medical program. This position works alongside the Animal Care team each day while ensuring animals receive timely, appropriate, and compassionate medical care throughout their stay.
Working collaboratively with the Shelter Manager and partnering veterinarians, the Shelter Medical Supervisor oversees medical intake, treatment plans, vaccinations, diagnostics, medical recordkeeping, and ongoing patient care. This position leads by example, supports all aspects of daily shelter operations, and is committed to providing exceptional care for every animal that enters our shelter.
Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesDaily Shelter Operations
The Shelter Medical Supervisor will become proficient in all aspects of daily shelter operations and routinely work alongside the Animal Care team by:
· Providing exceptional daily care for dogs and cats, including feeding, cleaning, medicating, exercising, enrichment, and monitoring animal health and behavior.
· Ensuring a high level of physical, environmental, and behavioral enrichment is provided to all shelter animals, recognizing that enrichment and good health work together to improve welfare, reduce stress, and increase adoptability.
· Safely handling and restraining dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments using Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques whenever possible.
· Assisting with animal intake, adoptions, opening and closing procedures, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe shelter environment.
· Working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and fosters to ensure the highest standard of animal welfare and customer service while leading by example and supporting the shelter team wherever needed to ensure the efficient daily operation of the shelter.
Shelter Medical Responsibilities
· Collaborate with the Shelter Manager and partnering veterinarians to determine the most appropriate course of care for sick, injured, or medically compromised shelter animals.
· Oversee the medical intake process to ensure intake examinations are completed promptly and that vaccinations, diagnostic testing, parasite prevention, and follow-up treatments are completed according to HSPS policies and veterinary protocols.
· Monitor the progress of animals receiving medical treatment and communicate changes in condition, treatment recommendations, or concerns with the Shelter Manager and veterinarians.
· Ensure treatment sheets, medical records, medication logs, and shelter software are accurate, complete, and updated daily.
· Ensure all prescribed medical treatments are completed on schedule and documented correctly.
· Administer vaccines, medications, injections, routine medical treatments, and collect blood or other diagnostic samples as needed.
· Coordinate surgery schedules and ensure appropriate pre- and post-operative care.
· Monitor isolation and quarantine areas while implementing disease prevention and biosecurity protocols.
· Maintain medical inventories and ensure medications and vaccines are properly stored, tracked, and available.
· Identify animals requiring veterinary evaluation and coordinate appointments with partnering veterinary clinics.
· Assist in developing and maintaining shelter medical protocols, ensuring compliance with PACFA regulations, organizational policies, and best practices in shelter medicine.
· Train and mentor staff on medication administration, Fear Free handling techniques, disease prevention, sanitation, and accurate medical documentation.
· Serve as the shelter’s primary medical resource while working collaboratively with the Shelter Manager to continually improve the quality of care and medical outcomes for every animal.
Qualifications
· Minimum of two years of veterinary assistant, technician, or animal shelter medical experience required.
· Veterinary technician certification is preferred but not required.
· Proficient in administering vaccines, injections, medications, drawing blood, collecting diagnostic samples, and performing routine medical treatments for dogs and cats.
· Strong knowledge of canine and feline diseases, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and shelter medicine best practices.
· Experience safely handling and restraining dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments.
· Knowledge of Fear Free or other low-stress animal handling techniques.
· Excellent organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
· Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and the ability to learn shelter management software.
· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform the physical duties required in an active animal shelter environment.
· Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Schedule
· 32–40 hours per week.
· Weekend, holiday, and occasional evening availability is required.
Attendance & Reliability
Because consistent animal care and medical oversight are essential to shelter operations, above-average attendance, punctuality, and reliability are required. Dependability is a critical function of this position.
What We Offer
· Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
· Generous paid time off and sick leave.
· Employee discount at the HSPS Thrift Store.
· Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of homeless animals every day.
· A supportive, mission-driven team committed to helping animals and the people who care for them.
Due the cost of living and other logistics associated with moving to Pagosa Springs, we do prioritize local applicants for these roles.
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace where compassionate professionals can thrive while making a meaningful difference for animals in our community.
Pay: $19.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
