Description
Position Summary
The Founding Director of Veterinary Services serves as the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County’s veterinarian and medical authority, overseeing care for shelter animals while guiding the growth of the ACSKC Animal Wellness Clinic.
This position combines clinical practice, shelter medicine, program development, and leadership. The Director will work with ACSKC staff and community partners to improve animal welfare and expand access to veterinary care.
Why ACSKC
ACSKC is Kent County’s only open-admission animal shelter and is recognized as a no-kill organization by Best Friends Animal Society. From our modern facility in Chestertown, we provide compassionate care for shelter animals while developing veterinary services that will help local families access essential care and keep more pets in their homes.
The Founding Director of Veterinary Services will join a mission-driven team with a fully built medical suite and the opportunity to shape the ACSKC Animal Wellness Clinic from the ground up. This is a chance to practice medicine without emergency or on-call hours, help determine how services are delivered, and create a lasting resource for animals and families across our community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Medical Leadership
Serve as ACSKC’s primary veterinarian and medical authority.
Develop and maintain medical protocols and standards of care.
Lead and support medical staff.
Ensure compliance with veterinary regulations and best practices.
Shelter Medicine
Provide examinations, diagnostics, treatment, and ongoing care for shelter animals.
Perform spay and neuter surgeries and other procedures consistent with training and experience.
Manage disease prevention, population health, and outbreak response.
Make humane euthanasia decisions when necessary and in accordance with organizational policies.
Support the medical needs of animals in foster care.
Community Veterinary Services
Participate in vaccine clinics and other accessible care initiatives.
Expand access to veterinary care for underserved pet owners.
Promote preventive medicine and responsible pet ownership.
Program Development and Leadership
Guide the growth of ACSKC’s veterinary programs and services.
Advise on equipment, workflows, staffing, protocols, and service delivery.
Participate in organizational planning and leadership initiatives.
Help shape the priorities and long term direction of the ACSKC Animal Wellness Clinic.
Animal Welfare and Community Collaboration
Assist Animal Control Officers with medical evaluations and animal welfare investigations.
Provide expert veterinary guidance and testimony when required.
Represent ACSKC and maintain positive relationships within the veterinary and animal welfare communities.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary up to $130,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee.
Ten days of paid time off during the first year, increasing to 15 days beginning in the second year.
ACSKC recognized paid holidays.
Annual continuing education allowance of $2,000.
Paid AVMA and MDVMA membership dues.
Paid Maryland veterinary license renewal, DEA registration, and professional liability insurance.
Three months of furnished housing to support relocation.
Schedule
Predictable 40-hour workweek.
No emergency or on-call hours.
Limited weekend scheduling for occasional appointments, vaccine clinics, or community programs.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in clinical, surgical, shelter, community, and office environments and involves interaction with animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions. The position requires the ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Occasional local travel may be required.
Animal Care Shelter for Kent County is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to any status protected by applicable law.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited institution
- Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Maryland, or eligible to obtain licensure
- Current DEA registration, or ability to obtain one
- Strong surgical, diagnostic, and clinical skills
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work collaboratively with shelter staff, community partners, and pet owners
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in shelter medicine, community medicine, or access-to-care programs
- Supervisory or team-leadership experience
- Experience with high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter
- Interest in program development and organizational leadership
