Part Time Veterinarian - Santa Fe, NM (MAR2)

As a Part Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, your primary role involves providing in-home euthanasia and hospice care for seniors and terminally ill pets. You'll build meaningful relationships with pet families, guiding them through difficult end-of-life decisions while ensuring comfort and dignity for their beloved pets.

To apply for the Part Time Veterinarian position at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, you must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD/BVMS) degree and have at least one year of practical experience. Additionally, a valid driver's license and the physical ability to manage pets and equipment are required.

A typical day for a Part Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice involves performing 3-4 appointments, traveling to pet families' homes, and providing compassionate care and support. You will engage with families, offering both medical and emotional guidance during appointments, while also managing relationships with local veterinary clinics.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice provides an attractive benefits package for Part Time Veterinarians, including various health insurance options, mileage reimbursement, quarterly productivity bonuses, retirement plans, life insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for continued professional training and development.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice supports its Part Time Veterinarians through comprehensive training, ongoing mentorship, and opportunities for team-building activities. This environment not only fosters professional growth but also emphasizes work-life balance, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.

When answering this question, emphasize your passion for providing compassionate end-of-life care for pets and your desire to foster meaningful connections with pet families. Highlight how Heartstrings' mission aligns with your personal values of empathy and holistic care.

Acknowledge the emotional weight of these discussions and describe your approach of empathy, active listening, and providing clear information. Share an example where you successfully guided a family through this delicate process while respecting their emotions and choices.

Share a specific scenario demonstrating your adaptability and quick thinking. Discuss how you assessed the situation, made a plan to ensure the pet's comfort, and addressed the family's concerns, emphasizing your dedication to providing excellent care under pressure.

To build rapport, I prioritize open communication, active listening, and showing genuine empathy. I aim to create a comfortable environment where families feel safe sharing their concerns. A personal touch, such as remembering the pet's name, also helps foster a strong connection.

Explain your commitment to continuous learning and maintaining high standards by staying updated on best practices, utilizing resources effectively, and collaborating with local veterinary clinics. Highlight your self-discipline and organizational skills in a mobile practice setting.

Discuss the emotional challenges and the logistical aspects of in-home care, such as dealing with unpredictable environments. Emphasize your strategies for managing these challenges, including maintaining professionalism and ensuring the pet's comfort while respecting the family's wishes.

Acknowledge that handling grief is an integral part of the job and share your strategies to process emotions, like seeking support from colleagues, practicing self-care, and using professional resources. Emphasize that empathy is part of what makes this role fulfilling.

Provide an example that illustrates your ability to work collaboratively with local veterinary clinics. Highlight the importance of teamwork, communication, and how this collaboration ultimately enhanced the quality of care provided to the pets and families involved.

Discuss your approach to evaluating a pet's quality of life using both physical and emotional criteria. Highlight the importance of engaging with the pet's family to understand their observations and feelings, guiding them towards an informed decision.

Talk about your practical experience with euthanasia, including the importance of creating a calm environment and handling the procedure with professionalism and compassion. Share how you ensure the comfort of the pet and support for the family during this difficult time.