Lead Veterinarian

About us:

At The Lost Dogs' Home, we are a foundation in Victoria's animal welfare landscape, celebrated for our compassionate care of around 18,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats every year. Beyond caring for animals, we are dedicated to providing diverse services such as veterinary health, behaviour, advocacy and community education programs, all aimed at giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life. Our mission is upheld by passionate individuals who embody a profound affinity for animals, community, and advocacy.

About the role:

The Lead Veterinarian - Shelter Medicine will lead and manage the dedicated team of Shelter Veterinarians at our North Melbourne site. While based at North Melbourne, you will work closely with the Cranbourne Lead Veterinarian to ensure consistency across both shelters and provide support during periods of leave as required. The Shelter Veterinary team perform critical work, managing a diverse range of cases daily and delivering the care necessary to prepare animals for life in a new home.

In this leadership role, you will foster a collaborative team culture and provide guidance to the Shelter Veterinary team to ensure that decisions are always made in the best interests of the animals in our care. You will promote the personal and professional growth of your team by encouraging them to embrace change and never stop learning.

With minimal client involvement, you will have the opportunity to diagnose and manage cases both independently and alongside other veterinarians with interests spanning ophthalmology, orthopaedic surgery, and behaviour medicine. You will also experience the continuity of seeing animals through from intake to adoption.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide inspirational leadership to a dedicated veterinary team.
• Deliver best practice animal care within a modern shelter medicine model.
• Mentor and support team members, fostering growth and wellbeing.
• Implement strategies to improve patient flow and reduce length of stay.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare legislation, policies, and standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to maximise adoption outcomes.

About you:

You will be a highly skilled and experienced veterinarian and have the passion, drive, and ability to work well with people. You will be an experienced people leader, but also have excellent clinical skills, with the capability of diagnosing, treating, and managing a variety of illnesses and injuries in small animals. You will be flexible and have the ability to switch gears quickly, and you will be able to see the big picture and remain positive in challenging situations.

If you like your day to be predictable, working in an animal shelter may not be for you. If, on the other hand, you love animals and love the excitement of never knowing what is going to walk through the door or what challenges you may be asked to tackle, this role could be perfect for you

Key Attributes:

• Inspirational leadership - able to motivate, mentor, and support a diverse team, fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion, and excellence.
• Clinical expertise - demonstrates strong veterinary knowledge and skill in shelter medicine, with sound judgment and confidence in decision-making.
• Adaptability and resilience - thrives in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment, remaining calm and solution-focused under pressure.
• Strategic mindset - capable of balancing immediate clinical priorities with long-term improvements in patient flow, efficiency, and outcomes.
• Commitment to welfare and ethics - consistently acts in the best interests of animals, ensuring compliance with welfare legislation, policies, and best practice standards.
• Collaborative and influential communicator - builds trust, strong relationships, and engagement across all levels of the organisation.
• Committed to learning and development - embraces change, seeks out innovation, and supports the professional growth of others.

About our culture:

At The Lost Dogs' Home, we cultivate an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity. Our team enjoys a vibrant culture that fosters meaningful connections, both professionally and socially. Led by our dedicated social committee, we organise a wide range of engaging activities such as Paint and Sip Nights, Bowling, Trivia, and regular after-work gatherings. These events create opportunities for our team to relax, bond, and forge lasting friendships. We take pride in our diverse team where every individual is encouraged to be their authentic self, regardless of their role within the organisation.

What we can offer:

• A unique and rewarding career in animal welfare, where you can make a real difference in the lives of shelter animals.
• Enjoy a great work-life balance with a four-day work week (full-time hours) and only rare weekend shifts when needed.
• Excellent remuneration and support for your ongoing professional development.
• A supportive and passionate team, dedicated to developing your skills in animal welfare.
• Discounts at our Vet Hospital to support your own pet's health.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and onsite counselling service for your wellbeing.
• Opportunities to join our Foster Care Program and help care for animals in need.
• A truly unique work environment -surrounded by animals every day

If you have the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to be successful in this role, please click on the "Apply" button, ensuring you have attached your cover letter and current resume in Word or PDF format. If you have any further questions or queries regarding the role, please email recruitment@dogshome.com.

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early as the role may close if a suitable candidate is found. Don't miss out—apply today

The successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete background screening checks.

The Lost Dogs' Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.