Part Time Veterinarian - Colorado Springs, CO (MAR2)

To apply for the Part Time Veterinarian position at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, you need to possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD/BVMS) degree along with a minimum of one year of experience as a practicing veterinarian. Additionally, holding a valid driver’s license and being physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted is required. You should also have good manual dexterity and be comfortable with prolonged periods of driving.

As a Part Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, your responsibilities will include providing in-home euthanasia and hospice care for geriatric and terminally ill pets. You will also guide families in making end-of-life decisions, helping them navigate this emotional journey. Building relationships with local veterinary clinics will be another important part of your role, ensuring a seamless integration of care for pets in need.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice offers a comprehensive benefits package for Part Time Veterinarians. This includes a range of health insurance plans (with options for individual and family coverage), mileage reimbursement, quarterly productivity bonuses, a retirement plan with matching contributions, life insurance options, and paid time off. Additionally, our team delights in professional training and development opportunities, pet insurance, and more!

At Heartstrings Pet Hospice, we understand that work-life balance is crucial for your well-being. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling options for our Part Time Veterinarians, allowing you to choose to work between 2 to 5 days per week. With most appointments occurring during the day, you’ll be able to manage your personal commitments while providing exceptional care for pets and their families.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice boasts a unique work environment that prioritizes compassion and connection. As a Part Time Veterinarian, you'll enjoy an atmosphere that promotes teamwork and support through regular team-building and retreat activities. This nurturing environment allows you to thrive professionally while nurturing your passion for providing heartfelt care to pets and their families.

Addressing end-of-life decisions can be challenging, but effective communication is key. Demonstrate empathy and use active listening to understand pet owners’ emotions. Guide them through the options, providing clear and compassionate information to help them make informed decisions while respecting their wishes.

Share your experiences in various settings, highlighting how in-home care allows for more personalized interactions with pets and their families. Discuss the benefits of a comfortable environment for the pets and the emotional support you provide to families, illustrating how those experiences have shaped your approach to veterinary care.

Building rapport begins with genuine empathy. Take the time to interact with both the pet and the family, asking open-ended questions about their experiences and concerns. Share some of your personal stories or insights to foster trust and create a sense of partnership during these crucial moments.

Prioritizing a calm environment is essential. Describe your techniques, such as allowing pets to explore their surroundings, using soft tones, and being patient during the appointment. Emphasizing gentle handling and reassuring body language can significantly minimize stress for both pets and their families.

Explain your approach to managing emotional stressors, such as seeking support from colleagues or participating in team-building activities. Discuss healthy coping strategies, like self-reflection or mindfulness techniques, to maintain emotional resilience while still providing compassionate care.

Aftercare is an important aspect to discuss with families. Emphasize the various options available and how each one can honor the pet’s memory, ensuring that families feel supported in making these decisions. Approach the conversation with sensitivity and understanding to help them feel comfortable exploring their choices.

Conflicts can arise during emotionally charged situations. In such cases, approach the disagreement with a focus on active listening and compassion. Aim to understand the family member's perspective, encourage open communication, and be open to collaborating with them on finding a solution that addresses their concerns while still prioritizing the pet's best interests.

Discuss your commitment to continuous education through attending seminars, reading relevant literature, and engaging with professional networks. Explain how staying informed about the latest advancements in veterinary hospice care enhances your ability to provide the best support to pets and their families.

Use this question to illustrate your empathetic skills. Share a specific example where you actively supported a family, demonstrating your understanding of their emotional needs and how you provided comfort and resources to help them through their grief.

Express your passion for end-of-life care and how meaningful connections with families drive your work. Share specific aspects of hospice care that resonate with you, such as providing peace in difficult times, and how this motivates you to continue improving the quality of life for both pets and their families.