A Veterinarian provides medical care to animals. Diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries. Specializes in treating either pets and small domesticated animals, or large animals and livestock, or wild animals. May work on farms, in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, in animal shelters, or in hospitals or clinics that specialize in caring for animals. May inspect livestock used for food and check compliance with food safety regulations, or work in laboratories doing clinical research on animal and human diseases.
Working Title of Vacant Position Veterinarian 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; | Occasionally•Up to 1/3 of the time.
Work Site Location:
2100 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320
Position Driving Requirement:
O•
Occasional Pay Basis:
Semi-Monthly Advertised Salary:
$133,777•$160,000/annually •salary based on qualifications and experience
Job Description:
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:
07/29/2026
Job Close Date:
08/17/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes Special Instructions to
Applicants:
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.
