Veterinarian

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chesapeake Animal Services seeks a mission-driven Veterinarian to provide medical oversight for the shelter, clinic, and K9 Unit, delivering high-quality care and leading surgical programs.

You will supervise the veterinary team, maintain medical protocols, and collaborate with shelter leadership to ensure compliant, compassionate care for all animals. This is a full-time, in-state-licensure-eligible role with strong benefits.

Qualifications

• Requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.
• Virginia licensure to practice veterinary medicine; a valid driver's license may be required.
• Preferred: experience in high-volume and pediatric sterilizing surgery, shelter medicine, or as a witness in animal welfare cases.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the veterinary team, including training, assigning work, evaluating performance, and providing guidance.
• Serve as Veterinarian in Charge for the CAS Clinic and Supervising Veterinarian for the CAS Shelter.
• Collaborate with the Animal Shelter Manager and leadership to support shelter and clinic operations and program development.
• Conduct medical examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and preventive care for sheltered animals.
• Perform surgical procedures including sterilization, amputations, mass removals, wound repair, and oversee perioperative care.
• Provide continuing education and technical training for staff.
• Conduct medical evaluations, necropsies, and documentation for cruelty/ neglect cases; assist Animal Control Officers and testify in court as needed.
• Develop and monitor medical, surgical, and animal-care protocols and procedures.
• Oversee medical management of the Chesapeake Police Department K9 Unit and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Shelter medicine

Leadership

Veterinary surgery oversight

High-volume surgeries

Education

DVM or VMD degree

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Offering a $10,000 Hiring Bonus

Recruitment is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed weekly, and interviews will occur on an on-going basis. Once a selection has been made, this position will be closed.

Open to out-of-state candidates based on their ability to have in-state licensure.

Please contact Cat Daniels, Animal Shelter Manager at [phone] for questions.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Department

Department POLICE

Division

Division POLICE ANIMAL SERVICES

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026371

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

Monday -Friday;

Work Site Location

Work Site Location 2100 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement O - Occasional

Pay Grade

Pay Grade N/A

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

Up to $200,000 / annually based on qualifications and experience

Job Description

Offering a $10,000 Hiring Bonus – Bring your passion to our mission!

We are seeking a mission‑driven Veterinarian who is passionate about shelter medicine, collaborative leadership, and making a meaningful community impact.

About Us

Chesapeake Animal Services ( CAS ) is a progressive, open‑admission municipal shelter committed to high standards of animal care, public safety, and community engagement. The shelter takes in approximately 3,750 animals annually. Our team is dedicated to humane, ethical, and evidence‑based practices that support both animals and the people who care for them.

Why Chesapeake Animal Services?

• A mission‑driven organization committed to public service and animal welfare.
• Supportive leadership and a committed animal care team
• A workplace culture that values staff development, training, and well‑being
• Predictable and balanced scheduling
• Comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and retirement options
• Opportunities for professional growth

About the Role

The Veterinarian provides professional medical and surgical oversight for the Chesapeake Animal Services Shelter, Clinic, and K9 Unit. This position ensures appropriate veterinary care for sheltered animals, performs and oversees high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and other surgical procedures, and ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The Veterinarian develops and monitors medical protocols, ensures accurate and compliant recordkeeping, and works in partnership with shelter leadership to support high‑quality animal care and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities

• Supervises the veterinary team, including training, assigning work, evaluating performance, offering guidance, and recommending disciplinary actions.
• Serves as the Veterinarian in Charge for the CAS Clinic and Supervising Veterinarian for the CAS Shelter.
• Collaborates with the Animal Shelter Manager and leadership team to support coordinated shelter and clinic operations and program development.
• Conducts medical examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and preventive care for shelter animals.
• Performs surgical procedures including sterilization, amputations, mass removals, wound repair, and other necessary surgeries; oversees pre‑ and postoperative care.
• Provides continuing education and technical training for staff.
• Conducts medical evaluations, necropsies, and documentation for animal cruelty and neglect cases; collaborates with Animal Control Officers; provides expert testimony in court when needed.
• Develops, updates, and monitors compliance with medical, surgical, and animal‑care protocols and procedures.
• Oversees the medical management of the Chesapeake Police Department K9 Unit.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements from DEA , State Veterinarian’s Office, Board of Veterinary Medicine, and Board of Pharmacy
• Performs administrative and professional tasks as required to support departmental operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

Vocational/Educational Requirement: Requires Doctor of Veterinary Medicine ( DVM ) or Veterinary Medical Doctor ( VMD ) degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.

Experience: In addition to satisfying the vocational/educational standards, this job class requires professional veterinary experience in high-volume and pediatric sterilizing surgery and other routine surgical procedures. Preferred qualifications include, treatment of exotic animals, livestock, and poultry, animal shelter medicine, and/or participation as a subject matter expert witness in animal welfare-related legal cases.

Special Certifications and Licenses: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards . Requires a license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Special Requirement(s): Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include, treatment of exotic animals, livestock, and poultry, animal shelter medicine, and/or participation as a subject matter expert witness in animal welfare-related legal cases.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 07/29/2026

Job Close Date

Open Continuous Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Offering a $10,000 Hiring Bonus

Recruitment is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed weekly, and interviews will occur on an on-going basis. Once a selection has been made, this position will be closed.

Open to out-of-state candidates based on their ability to have in-state licensure.

Please contact Cat Daniels, Animal Shelter Manager at [phone] for questions.

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands L=Light - Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

Physical Demands: C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Sitting: Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Walking: Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting: Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount: Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Carrying: Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight: Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight: Exerting up to 20 lbs

Reaching: Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Handling: Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Kneeling: Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crouching: Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Bending: Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Twisting: Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Climbing:

Vision: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Foot Controls: N = Never

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Protective Equipment Required

Health and Safety: D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never

Mechanical Hazards: N = Never

Chemical Hazards: D = Daily

Electrical Hazards: N = Never

Fire Hazards: N = Never

Explosives: N = Never

Communicable Diseases: M = Several Times Per Month

Physical Danger or Abuse: N = Never

Other: D = Daily

Other Description: Animals D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never

Dirt and Dust: D = Daily

Extreme Temperatures: N = Never

Noise and Vibration: D = Daily

Fumes and Odors: D = Daily

Wetness/Humidity: S = Seasonally

Darkness or Poor Lighting: N = Never

Primary Work Location: Other - Animal Care Facility

Non-Physical Demands: C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Emergency Situations: Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Frequent Change of Tasks: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime: Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work: Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment: Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Other:

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

No.

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia?
  • YES
  • NO
• * Are you currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in another U.S. state? If yes, are you eligible and willing to obtain Virginia veterinary licensure before your start date?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review link in posting for details.
  • Yes
  • No