Part Time Veterinarian (Sign-On Bonus) - Long Island & Surrounding Area (MAR2)

As a Part-Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, your primary responsibilities focus on providing in-home euthanasia and hospice care for geriatric and terminally ill pets. You'll also play a crucial role in guiding pet families through end-of-life decisions, allowing you to lend invaluable support during difficult times. Beyond direct care, building relationships with local veterinary clinics is key, as you serve as an extension of their quality care. We emphasize meaningful interactions and offer you about 3-4 appointments each day, ensuring you can form deep connections with the families you serve.

To be considered for the Part-Time Veterinarian role at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, you'll need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD, or BVMS) degree along with at least one year of veterinary practice experience. A valid driver’s license is required, as part of the job includes traveling to clients' homes. Additionally, you should possess the physical capability to lift reasonably heavy items and demonstrate manual dexterity in handling medical tools and equipment.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice offers a comprehensive benefits package for part-time veterinarians that includes options for health insurance plans—vision and dental included. You’ll also benefit from mileage reimbursement, quarterly productivity bonuses, and retirement plan options that include Traditional and Roth 401(k) with matching contributions. Additional perks include paid time off, paid parental leave, and life insurance options, as well as discounts for pet insurance to help with your own furry family members!

At Heartstrings Pet Hospice, we understand the importance of work-life balance, especially for part-time veterinarians. That's why we offer flexible scheduling with the opportunity to work between 2 to 5 days a week, primarily during the day. Most appointments occur between 9 AM to 5 PM, which helps you maintain a steady rhythm in your personal life. We believe in supporting our veterinarians so they can provide compassionate, focused care without the strains often associated with busy clinic environments.

Heartstrings Pet Hospice prioritizes the personal and professional growth of our Part-Time Veterinarians. We provide extensive training and ongoing mentorship to ensure you feel confident in your practice. You’ll also have opportunities to engage in team-building activities and retreats that promote camaraderie within our supportive environment. Our goal is to foster a fulfilling career that allows you to grow both as a veterinarian and as a person who creates lasting connections with families during meaningful moments.

When approaching a difficult conversation about end-of-life decisions, I'd emphasize empathy and active listening. It’s crucial to validate their feelings while providing clear information about their pet's condition. I would approach the subject compassionately, offering insights into the options available and encouraging them to express their thoughts and fears. Supporting them through the emotional aspect is as important as the clinical side.

In my veterinary career, I have gained valuable experience in end-of-life care through various situations involving geriatric and terminally ill pets. I've had the opportunity to guide numerous families through decision-making processes while providing compassionate care during those challenging times. This path has deeply enriched my understanding of how to balance medical needs with emotional support.

Transitioning to in-home care involves several steps, including familiarization with the mobile practice setup and ensuring effective communication with clients. I would develop a checklist of essential items to carry, ensuring that all medical tools and comfort items for both pets and owners are prepared. Establishing a schedule and route plan in advance helps me be efficient and reliable, ensuring families receive care when they need it.

Maintaining emotional resilience as a veterinarian requires a balance of self-care and professional distancing. I actively engage in debriefing sessions with fellow colleagues to share experiences and cope with emotional stress. Additionally, I incorporate mindfulness techniques and ensure I allocate personal time to recharge. Understanding that it’s a privilege to help families during this phase enables me to stay focused on the positive impact of my work.

One of my most satisfying experiences involved a senior dog who had been suffering from multiple health issues. Working closely with the family, we crafted a plan that respected the dog’s needs and the family's wishes. Ultimately, I facilitated a peaceful at-home passing surrounded by love. The gratitude expressed by the family reinforced why I chose this path and highlighted the human-animal bond we all cherish.

Communication is paramount in my role as a Part-Time Veterinarian, especially when dealing with sensitive topics around end-of-life care. I strive for clarity and compassion, ensuring pet owners feel heard and supported. My goal is to provide information openly while allowing families to express their concerns. Building trust through effective communication often leads to better outcomes for pets and families alike.

I envision a supportive team environment where we communicate openly about our experiences and challenges. I would appreciate timely assistance with scheduling and a system for sharing client updates. Having access to mentorship is essential for continuing professional development and reassurance as I navigate unique in-home care situations.

One of the main challenges of in-home veterinary care is dealing with the unpredictability of each situation. You may encounter unexpected pet behaviors or client dynamics that require quick thinking and adaptability. However, I view these challenges as opportunities for growth, allowing me to develop better problem-solving and interpersonal skills that translate well into my practice.

Building relationships with local veterinary clinics is essential for a Part-Time Veterinarian in a mobile practice. I prioritize open lines of communication by introducing myself and my services to clinics in the community. Creating a mutual referral network while attending local veterinary events or collaborating on case discussions helps to foster and strengthen these important partnerships.

What excites me most about being a Part-Time Veterinarian at Heartstrings Pet Hospice is the opportunity to provide compassionate care in a unique setting. I thrive on building meaningful relationships with pets and their families, support during profound moments, and the flexibility that allows me to maintain my personal well-being. It’s incredibly fulfilling work that aligns perfectly with my values as a veterinarian.