Their knowledge and service go far beyond the exam room
by Stephanie Thompson
The highly skilled veterinarians at San Diego Humane Society come from various backgrounds, but what they all have in common, says Dr. Deirdre Cosby, hospital director at the Oceanside Campus, is great capacity for extending their compassionate expertise to huge numbers of animals in their care and out in the community.
Promoting Community Animal Health and Wellness
“Our vets are passionate about our community spay/neuter program,” Cosby says, “which helps thousands of animals per year for people who otherwise would not be able to afford the surgery.”
SDHS vets also offer public vaccine clinics weekly at each of their three campuses, and off-site events to vaccinate and microchip pets.
Education and Training
SDHS vets visit local schools to teach the basics of animal care. “We also host tours for students of various ages and allow them to observe us in action,” Cosby says. “Inspiration to treat animals humanely can start at any age.”
SDHS vets mentor students from selected California veterinary colleges, some of whom come for additional weeks or elective rotations.
Specialized Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Skills
SDHS vets have undergone advanced training in a wide range of lifesaving procedures that may be done only on occasion in a private practice. They perform soft tissue surgeries like splenectomies, tumor and foreign body removals, oral and ocular surgery, and C-sections on a daily basis.
Cosby adds, “Our vets are skilled in examining and treating cruelty and neglect cases that eventually go to court, and presenting their findings as an expert witness.”
Caring for Animals in Most Need
SDHS vets handle emergency cases brought in by good Samaritans and Humane Law Enforcement officers, like the 180 Yorkies who recently came to the San Diego Campus from a hoarding situation. Upward of 400 animals have come into SDHS facilities all at once.
SDHS also carries out two highly successful feral cat programs: After treatment and neutering, feral cats are either returned to their own community or adopted by interested parties who allow them to live outdoors as they are accustomed.
Supporting the Foster Program
A shelter setting isn’t ideal for all animals. Veterinarians support the foster program by working with the Alternative Placement department and directly with foster parents when their animal has medical needs.
BY THE NUMBERS
Inside SDHS’ shelter medicine team
14
Veterinarians currently at SDHS campuses
39
Registered veterinary technicians and
veterinarian assistants currently at SDHS campus
575
Dental procedures performed from 2015–16
228
Orthopedic surgeries performed from 2015–16
2,886
Vaccines given at SDHS vaccine clinics this year
6,000
Community spay/neuter surgeries so far this year
Calling all vets!
Passion and dedication to saving the lives of healthy and treatable animals is at the heart of San Diego Humane Society. We’re now seeking veterinarians who share that same drive to join our veterinary medical team. Our veterinarians enjoy a competitive compensation package including fully paid benefits, a generous retirement savings plan and much more. Did we mention nearly year-round beautiful weather and plenty of beaches for enjoying it? To apply, visit sdhumane.org/vet-hiring