An essential part of the medical team, the staff surgical veterinarian is primarily responsible for performing high-volume spay/neuter procedures and other surgical procedures. The successful candidate will impact the lives of thousands of pets and the people who care for them each year and play a significant role in decreasing the length of stay for pets at the shelter. They will take an innovative approach to maximize the medical department’s support of lifesaving programs with the resources available and show a commitment to continuous review and improvement in procedures to assure the potential for live outcomes are being maximized, while preventing and mitigating animal suffering.
 
In the last five years, intake at ACCT Philly has decreased by 51 percent and its live release rate has increased by 20 percent. The newly formed Philadelphia No-Kill Coalition, consisting of 23 member rescues, shelters, and service providers was co-founded by ACCT Philly, works daily to continue amassing the resources and programs needed to save and serve the animals still being lost to treatable or preventable conditions.

While in recent years the shelter has faced challenges due to the lack of space within its facility, considerable improvements have been secured such as:

• 9,000 square feet of additional space in the current facility to be available by March 2020.
  
  
• A new and expanded welcome center that will enable animal intake to be separated from adoption, reducing the spread of disease as a result. Construction began in September of 2019.
  
  
• $250,000 worth of new canine kennels that allow for easier sanitation and more visually appealing housing, to be installed early 2020.
  
  
• $750,000 for a new roof for the facility.
  
  
• An X-Ray machine for the facility.
  
  
• Consulting and training by national shelter medicine experts.

FINANCIAL: 

Since 2012, the organization has held a contract with the City of Philadelphia for the majority of its operating funds. In fiscal year 2019, its revenue from the city will be approximately $4.3 million, and its total budget, including donations and grants, will be approximately $5.2 million. The city also provides significant in-kind support through maintenance of and improvements to the building. During the last several years financial support for the organization has steadily increased, and donations increased by more than 100 percent in the first eight months of 2019.

THE POSITION:

The staff surgical veterinarian is primarily responsible for performing high-volume spay/neuter procedures and other surgical procedures; the surgical veterinarian will also be responsible for daily rounds, physical exams, diagnostic tests, treatment plans and follow-up, timely and humane pathway planning for shelter animals, and maintaining proper record keeping for sheltered animals. The surgical vet will also assist shelter staff in implementing and following disease control protocols and procedures.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Conducting on an as needed basis the assessment and identification of sick or injured animals; and foster/immediate post- adoption clinic appointments to support shelter operations.

• Working closely with volunteer veterinarians and veterinary students to expand ACCT Philly's capacity for care and treatment, while remaining transparent when communicating the limitations in treatment capacity in the shelter environment.
  
  

RESOURCES AVAILABLE:

• 2-3 surgical nurses always present when surgery is ongoing, most days with additional volunteer support.
  
  
• In house diagnostic abilities include: Idexx Countertop ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer and two Catalyst One Chemistry Analyzer units, 9 Snap Pro test readers to use with FeLV/FIV and 4DX Snap ® patient side tests, microscope, diff quick stain and fecals via zinc flotation.  

• Radiographs can be performed through partners; ACCT is in the process of fitting out an X-ray room.   
  
  
• Partnership with University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine includes no cost consults with teaching staff when on shelter campus for rotations and frequent communication with the U Penn Vet Shelter Medicine Program.

THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA:

The sixth largest city in the United States, Philadelphia is considered to be the economic and cultural anchor of the Delaware Valley. With a population of 1.5 million, it is rated one of the best walking cities in the country and is quickly becoming one of the most bike friendly, with more than 1300 bikes that can be rented throughout the city and more than 440 miles of dedicated bike lanes. Built on a grid, it’s easy for newcomers to navigate around the city whether by foot, bike or car, and there is ample public transportation available including buses, subways, trolleys and regional rail lines.

Home to the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell, the city is also a nationally recognized center for the fine and performing arts. Philadelphia is home to many prominent museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, the Franklin Institute and others. It is also home to the internally recognized Philadelphia Orchestra.

Families enjoy the various child friendly museums and activities, and three suburban school districts are among the top 25 in the country as rated by Niche.com.

For those more interested in the social scene, Spruce Harbor Park and Race Street Pier are among the popular Delaware River waterfront places to be, and the city hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year.