Chief Veterinary Officer

**Who We Are**

The Ontario SPCA is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for 150 years. The Ontario SPCA operates two spay/neuter clinics, a wellness clinic, SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit, and hosts MASH-style clinics to bring routine care and spay/neuter services to underserved communities. We also find loving homes for thousands of animals each year at our animal centres across the province - animals who depend on the compassion of veterinary professionals to bring them back to health so they can get their second chance.

**Position Summary**

Reporting directly to the CEO and a member of the Leadership Team, the **Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) **provides leadership, direction and support to a team of veterinarians and collaborates with other departments to achieve organizational goals related to animal health and welfare. The CVO is responsible for overseeing all veterinary medical activities, including treatment plans, protocols, and medical supplies, ensuring the highest standards of medical care.

The Chief Veterinary Officer is a permanent full-time role, remote-based and regularly travels through the province to ensure effective and impactful oversight of the Veterinary Services Department and programs.

**Job Accountabilities/Key Deliverables**

**Leadership**
- Lead a team of Veterinarians
- Foster an environment to support the Ontario SPCA values of collaboration, accountability, transparency, compassion, and excellence
- Support professional development to consistently strive for excellence among team members
- Lead by example in providing compassionate care for animals and people to create a culture of respect and trust
- Provide veterinary medical support for animals as needed to support veterinarians

**Regulations and Compliance**
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements relevant to Ontario Veterinary Regulations, standards, and accreditation requirements
- Maintain accurate medical records in accordance with The Ontario Veterinary Association
- Stay current with shelter veterinary practices and regulations and best practices for animal welfare

**Policy and Procedures**
- Act as a consultant for Ontario SPCA and Humane Society community partners
- Ensure animal care protocols, including sanitation, disease, and infection prevention and control within all animal centres and clinics are consistent with researched and proven best practices
- Collaborate with veterinarians and operations to create optimal care and direction for animals

**Program Planning and Development**
- Develop and implement plans to enhance veterinary services and animal welfare within the organization and communities
- Evaluate existing programs and identify areas for improvement or expansion
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure alignment with the strategic plan and organizational objectives

**Internal and External Relationships**
- Act as Senior liaison with provincial and community public health (CMOH, MOH)
- Collaborate with Marketing & Communications in responding to enquiries from the media Respond to veterinary/medical enquiries and suggestions from the public
- Build effective relationships, develop programs, and liaise with the CASCMA and private practice veterinarians
- Create and support internal and external programs and associations that further the welfare of animals in our province
- Represents the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society at industry conferences, speaking opportunities, and industry events

**Education**
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, from an accredited school recognized by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and a license to practice veterinarian medicine in Ontario

**Experience**
- Post-secondary education and minimum of 5 years’ experience providing senior level leadership and strategic direction
- 10 or more years of veterinary experience who is currently registered as a practicing member in good standing with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO)
- Advanced degree in shelter medicine (MSc or Board Certification)
- Strong knowledge of current veterinary practices and procedures
- Proven leadership support in providing direction and influence to diverse teams
- Superior communication skills with the ability to address the media and/or the public, internal team members, Board of Directors, and external partners
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to make difficult and complex decisions

Please forward your resume and cover letter to:
Evangeline Cattrysse

VP, Human Resources

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society provides accommodation during all stages of the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodation, please advise us if you are contacted for an interview and we will work with you to meet your accessib