Veterinarian

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Retirement options

Professional growth

Job summary

City of Chesapeake Virginia seeks a Veterinarian to provide medical and surgical oversight for the Chesapeake Animal Services Shelter, Clinic, and K9 Unit. The role ensures high-quality care and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while guiding a veterinary team.

The ideal candidate leads medical protocols, performs high-volume procedures, and collaborates with shelter leadership to support animal welfare and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Requires Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) from an accredited college.
• Must have valid Virginia veterinary license.
• Experience in high-volume and pediatric sterilizing surgeries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise veterinary team, provide training and guidance.
• Serve as Veterinarian in Charge for the Clinic and Supervising Veterinarian for the Shelter.
• Perform medical exams, diagnostics, treatments, and preventive care for shelter animals.
• Oversee spay/neuter and other surgeries; manage pre/postoperative care.
• Maintain compliant medical records and develop care protocols.
• Collaborate with leadership for operational excellence and program development.

Skills

DVM or VMD

License to practice veterinary

Emergency/critical care

High-volume surgery experience

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Tools

DEA compliance

Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine

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.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies 1

Department POLICE

Division POLICE ANIMAL SERVICES

Requisition Number 2026371

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule Monday -Friday;

Work Site Location 2100 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320

Position Driving Requirement O - Occasional

Pay Grade N/A

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

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

Job Open Date 07/29/2026

Open Continuous Yes

Job Close Date Open Continuous Yes

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

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

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

Walking

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

Lifting

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

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Carrying

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

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

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

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs

Reaching

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

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

Fine Dexterity

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

Kneeling

Kneeling Occasional- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crouching

Crouching Occasional- Up to 1/3 of the time.

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

Twisting

Twisting Occasional- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Climbing

Vision

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

Hearing

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

Talking

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

Foot Controls

Foot Controls N = Never

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Protective Equipment Required

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards D = Daily

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards N = Never

Fire Hazards N = Never

Explosives

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases M = Several Times Per Month

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never

Other

Other D = Daily

If Other, Description

If Other, Description Animals

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust D = Daily

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures N = Never

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration D = Daily

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors D = Daily

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity S = Seasonally

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting N = Never

Primary Work Location

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

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

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Frequent Change of Tasks

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

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

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

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

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

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

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

Tedious or Exacting Work

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

If Other, Description

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 0

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