About The Lost Dogs’ Home
The Lost Dogs’ Home is one of Australia’s largest companion animal welfare organisations, providing care and support to more than 18,000 lost and abandoned dogs, cats and other companion animals each year across Victoria.
Operating from our North Melbourne and Cranbourne shelters, we play a critical role in reuniting pets with their families, rehoming animals in need, and delivering essential veterinary and community services.
Our vision is simple: to give every animal the best chance of a happy and healthy life.
We are driven by evidence-based animal welfare practices, strong partnerships with councils and stakeholders, and a commitment to continuous improvement in how we care for animals and support the communities we serve.
About the Role – Head of Shelter Medicine
The Head of Shelter Medicine is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational direction of veterinary services across The Lost Dogs’ Home.
Leading a multidisciplinary veterinary team across North Melbourne and Cranbourne, this role ensures the delivery of high-quality, efficient and evidence-based shelter medicine practices that support optimal animal welfare outcomes.
Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Head of Shelter Medicine plays a critical role in shaping how animals move through the shelter system, balancing clinical excellence, population management, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
This role combines clinical expertise, leadership, and strategic oversight, including:
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Clinical Leadership & Strategy
Providing expert guidance on complex medical, surgical and population health decisions, while establishing and maintaining best-practice clinical standards and protocols.
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People Leadership & Capability Development Leading, mentoring and developing a high-performing veterinary team, including early-career veterinarians, and fostering a culture of clinical governance and continuous improvement.
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Shelter Medicine & Population Health
Leading infectious disease prevention and management, capacity planning, and evidence-based approaches to improve live outcomes and reduce length of stay.
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Operational Integration
Working collaboratively across operations, shelter teams and leadership to optimise animal pathways and improve overall system performance.
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Governance & Compliance
Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, professional standards and regulatory requirements, while maintaining strong clinical governance frameworks.
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Organisational Leadership
Contributing to strategic planning and decision-making as a senior leader, providing expert advice to executives and, where required, the Board.
This is a unique opportunity to influence both individual animal outcomes and broader system-level change in a complex, high-impact environment. Important to note that salary information is in AU$
Why Join Us
At The Lost Dogs’ Home, you will lead meaningful work that has a direct impact on thousands of animals each year. You will be supported by a passionate and committed team and have the opportunity to shape the future of shelter medicine within a large and progressive organisation.
