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