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Lead Veterinarian

ATHENS AREA HUMANE SOCIETY

Location: 1030 Mitchell Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30606
Type: Non-Remote, Full-Time
Posted on: November 14, 2025
The Athens Area Humane Society rescues and protects companion animals by providing for their wellbeing, uniting them with loving homes, and advocating for a compassionate society. We envision a society where all dogs and cats have a loving home and the bond between pets and people is celebrated. Founded in 1899, AAHS is among the first charitable organizations in Athens and one of its most beloved. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, family and corporate foundations, and legions of community volunteers, AAHS helps, heals, and homes more than 10,000 pets annually. Position Overview Reporting to the CEO, this role is a dual clinical and administrative role, comprising an average of 90% clinic and 10% administration. At certain times of year and in the absence of direct reports, more administrative time may be required. The Lead Veterinarian is responsible for SOP development and evaluation, annual clinic budget review, and accountability of overall clinic performance. The Lead Veterinarian advises the Adoption Services Manager on SOPs and policies that provide the best medical and shelter practices for pets in AAHS’s adoption center and foster care. Working Relationships · Supervisor: Chief Executive Officer · Direct Reports: Veterinarian, Clinic Manager · Other Positions with Reporting Lines: Clinic Guest Experience Coordinator, Veterinary Assistant, Licensed Veterinary Technician Essential Functions · Provide the DEA License for use in the Clinic · Provide humane care and safe surgeries of public animals · Perform 15-50 surgical procedures daily, including HQHVSN with minimal complications · Supervise handling and recording of controlled substances by DVM or LVT · Provide medical oversight of the clinic, including evaluation of medical, surgical, OSHA compliance, and disease control protocols · Administer medications, anesthesia drugs, and prepare animals for surgery in accordance with GA Code Title 43, Chapter 50 (Georgia Veterinary Practice Act) · Participate in hiring clinic staff with the Clinic Manager and/or CEO, if/when required · Conduct annual performance reviews for direct reports · Train program participants and any other designated persons in all aspects of patient care and efficient/safe clinic practices, maintaining a professional and friendly manner · Serve as “team lead” with a positive attitude. Act as a motivating force for all staff members · Solicit input and communicate updates regarding the clinic’s disease control protocols, surgical protocols, or other medical issues at regular medical staff and/or DVM meetings as appropriate · Ensure clinic staff adheres to proper pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients · Primary veterinarian contact/liaison for clinic-associated training programs (e.g., Athens Technical College and UGA College of Veterinary Medicine) and inquiries from external DVMs · Coordinate with Staff Veterinarian to conduct daily in-house and foster pet rounds and advise on care/treatment plans for chronic and acute ailments and/or medical cases · Maintain strict confidentiality on client, patient, and donor information · Attend training/conferences when required · Other duties as assigned Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities · Must be a licensed Veterinarian in the state of Georgia · Must maintain all current and correct licensure, including DEA license · At least 3 years of experience as a veterinarian in shelter medicine/whole population health management, infectious disease control, and HVHQSN techniques (Humane Alliance model). · Diverse surgery and medical evaluation skills for urgent care cases, such as pyometras, leg amputations, foreign body surgeries, etc. · Committed to compassionate, high-quality care for both shelter and community animals · Positive, team-oriented professional who thrives in a mission-based environment Physical Requirements · Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 or more hours · Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly with help · Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly · Must be able to see fine detail in a variety of situations · Must have good hearing including ability to distinguish changes in pitch · Must have a reasonable degree of agility to move through cramped areas in various situations · Must have acceptable sense of touch and smell · Must have good range of motion in joints especially wrist, knees, elbows · Must have good range of motion in your back for twisting etc. · Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures · Must have acceptable sense of balance · Must be able to work and reach on hands and knees · Must be able to use a ladder and/or step stool · Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination · May be asked to move large oxygen tanks · Must possess an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers · Must have good vision including peripheral vision, fine detail, distance, depth perception and ability to focus Emotional/Mental Requirements · Must be able to work effectively and efficiently under stressful conditions · Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training) · Must be able to cope with death due to surgical complication or euthanasia · Ability to process information rapidly and accurately · Ability to delegate tasks · Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help · Ability to make decisions · Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm Potential and Prolonged Exposures · Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions including but not limited to dish soap, chlorhexidine, and spectra soap · Prolonged exposure to isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide · Potential exposure to formalin solution · Potential/Prolonged exposure to isoflurane gas · Prolonged exposure to quaternary ammonium cleaners and bleach · Prolonged exposure to pressurized steam · Potential exposure to sharps, including needles and surgical blades · Must Speak Fluent English. Bilingual ability is a plus. Location Athens, GA, is the home of the University of Georgia. Known as the Classic City, Athens has a vibrant music, cultural, and culinary scene. Great weather and beautiful natural surroundings, Athens has something for everyone! What We Offer · Competitive salary commensurate with experience (salary range: $123,000-$127,000) · Consistent four-day workweek — no weekends, nights, or rotating on-call · Generous paid time off and comprehensive benefits package · Collaborative, high-energy, supportive team culture focused on mission impact · 401(k) with employer match · Modern facility with talented LVT, VAs, Clinic Manager and a supportive executive team · Opportunity to make a measurable difference in the lives of thousands of animals each year · Paid GVMA membership, licensure, and DEA license · Annual CE allowance · AAHS is a nonprofit public benefit organization (reduction in your student loans is a possibility) · Employee discounts for pet health care To Apply Please email your resume and cover letter explaining why you are the best candidate for the position to Cheryl McCormick, Ph.D., CEO, at cheryl@athenshumanesociety.org. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $123,000.00 - $127,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person
Salary: $123,000 - $127,000 a year
Employment Type: ["Full-time"]
Qualifications
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