JOB TITLE: DOG LAW VETERINARIAN

JOB CODE: 53222

DEFINITION: This is professional veterinary work developing, implementing, and enforcing standards for the humane treatment of dogs and the operation of commercial and non-commercial dog kennels in the Department of Agriculture.

The employee in this job evaluates and recommends statewide laws and regulations, and develops and implements bureau policies and protocols pertaining to licensing dog kennels and the sale, keeping, breeding, detention, and destruction of dogs. Work involves developing and revising rules and regulations; recommending and evaluating legislation; developing and establishing investigation, inspection, and enforcement policies and methods; and developing and coordinating training programs pertaining to dog kennels, canine diseases, and humane treatment of dogs. Work includes conducting meetings, conferences, and public relations programs to coordinate, resolve, explain, and engender support for dog kennel inspection and enforcement policies and programs. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the Dog Law Enforcement Director and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Develops, implements, and evaluates the statewide program for the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to the sale, keeping, breeding, detention, and destruction of dogs.

• Develops, revises, and implements statewide commercial and non-commercial dog kennel licensing and inspection programs and policies.

• Develops evaluation tools to measure the effectiveness of regional enforcement programs, particularly for dog kennel inspections and prosecutions.

• Recommends, reviews, and drafts legislation related to humane raising and kenneling of dogs throughout the Commonwealth.

• Develops and conducts formal and informal training programs for department staff, humane society police officers, animal control officers, state and municipal police officers, and other law enforcement personnel.

• Advises Dog Law Enforcement Wardens and the Kennel Compliance Team responsible for inspecting dog kennels, non-profit kennels, boarding kennels, and those kennels that are repeatedly out of compliance with standards or where canine disease or cruelty may exist.

• Conducts meetings and conferences and authors correspondence to coordinate, explain, resolve, and influence governmental agencies, law enforcement bodies, dog and kennel owners, and other stakeholders regarding the licensing of dog kennels and care of dogs.

• Advises the Director of Dog Law Enforcement on the incidence, prevalence, trends, controls, and best management practices of canine diseases and genetic abnormalities.

• Implements and monitors support for kennel veterinarians when an infectious disease quarantine is needed.

• Collaborates with federal and state agencies to address issues that affect animal and public health.

• Liaises with dog kennel owners and operators, veterinarians, state and local enforcement agencies, university professionals, and canine stakeholder groups.

• Provides expert testimony in hearings and legal proceedings related to dog law cases.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, problems, and developments in canine animal science and veterinary medicine.

• Knowledge of canine industry care, handling, and breeding practices and standards.

• Knowledge of methods and techniques applicable to canine breeding and disease programs.

• Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and research regarding the causes, origin, and control of diseases of domestic animals.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read, interpret, and present data.

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws and regulations pertaining to the licensing of dog kennels.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of professional experience as a veterinarian that includes canine care, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or a Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited college or university.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires possession of an active license to practice veterinary medicine as issued by a State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

• The employee must obtain an active license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medicine within six months of hire and must maintain it for the duration of employment in this job.

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.