Part Time Veterinarian - Kansas City, MO (MAR2)

As a Part Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, your primary responsibilities will include providing in-home euthanasia and hospice care for geriatric and terminally ill pets. You'll guide families through the sensitive process of making end-of-life decisions for their beloved pets. Additionally, you will build relationships with local veterinary clinics, working as an essential extension of their care.

To qualify for the Part Time Veterinarian role at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, you must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD, or BVMS) degree and have at least one year of experience in veterinary practice. A valid driver's license is required, along with the physical capability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted. You should also be comfortable with driving and able to perform various physical activities consistently.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice offers an attractive benefits package for Part Time Veterinarians, including a range of health insurance plans that cover vision and dental, mileage reimbursement, quarterly productivity bonuses, and a retirement plan with matching options. Additionally, you'll have access to life insurance, paid time off, bereavement leave, and opportunities for professional training and development.

Yes! Heartstrings Pet Hospice prides itself on offering flexible scheduling options for Part Time Veterinarians. You can choose to work 2 to 5 days per week, with most appointments scheduled between 9 AM and 5 PM, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The work environment for a Part Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice is unique and nurturing. You will be working in a compassionate team environment that emphasizes support and understanding. With a focus on building deep relationships with pet families, you'll find great fulfillment in your role, alongside opportunities for team building and professional growth.

When discussing end-of-life options with pet families, it's important to be empathetic and provide clear information. Always listen carefully to their concerns, validate their feelings, and guide them gently through the decision-making process. Sharing your own experiences can also help build trust and foster an open dialogue.

In your response, detail any specific experiences you've had with palliative care, including types of therapies you’ve used or cases that stand out. Highlight how these experiences have shaped your understanding of pet comfort and the emotional needs of families during this time.

Share a specific example where you navigated a challenging discussion with a pet owner. Focus on how you maintained professionalism and empathy, and what you learned from the experience about providing support in tough moments.

Discuss your strategies for managing your time effectively, such as setting boundaries, utilizing effective scheduling, and prioritizing self-care. Highlight how working with Heartstrings allows you to achieve that balance while making a difference.

Key qualities include compassion, patience, and excellent communication skills. Pouring your heart into your work means building trust with families, listening to their needs, and being there to support them emotionally.

Explain your approach to creating a peaceful environment for pets and families, including assessing the pet's comfort levels and offering calming techniques to both pets and owners. Mention any specific practices you use that have proven effective in creating a serene atmosphere.

Detail any past interactions or collaborations you’ve had with veterinary clinics. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and how fostering those relationships helps in providing holistic care for pets.

Talk about your coping mechanisms, such as exploring personal emotions, seeking peer support, and engaging in self-care. It’s crucial to show that you're aware of the emotional toll of the job and that you have strategies in place to mitigate that stress.

Share your alignment with Heartstrings’ mission and values. Discuss what draws you to in-home care, and how you see yourself contributing positively to both pets and their families in those crucial moments.

Effective communication involves active listening, empathy, and clarity. Discuss techniques such as asking open-ended questions and using simple language to ensure pet owners fully understand their options and feel heard.