Job Description

Posting number: 27-00353

Department: Police

Job classification: Veterinarian

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Health, Public Safety, Animal Control

Summary

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited veterinary school; one year of professional clinical veterinary experience and a current license to practice veterinary medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Experience working in an animal shelter, animal welfare organization, or municipal animal services unit and experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, preferred. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required. This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug testing and alcohol testing. The use of illegal drugs, and/or the use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited. Employees must not consume or be under the influence of alcohol while on duty, on work premises, or operating agency equipment. This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice’s “Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy” and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check. Must be a US citizen or be a lawful permanent resident eligible for naturalization.

Examples of duties

• Provide all veterinary services for shelter animals
• Conduct full physical examinations, diagnostics, and radiographs
• Perform surgical procedures, including spay/neuter
• Perform euthanasia services for medical, behavioral, or public safety reasons, including wildlife
• Perform the annual physical exam/vaccinations for the department’s 14 working dogs (patrol dogs to be muzzled and restrained by handler)
• Prepare and submit laboratory specimens for rabies testing
• Provide animal health and handling training for employees
• Perform necropsies
• Testify in court as an expert witness for cruelty/neglect cases
• Administer rabies vaccinations at county rabies clinics
• Maintain detailed and accurate medical records and documentation
• Collaborate with shelter leadership and staff to promote overall animal wellness
• Perform other work as required

PLEASE NOTE: Position is open until filled (first review to begin November 16, 2026).

Qualifications

Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; occasional hold over may be required for large scale seizure cases.

Supplemental information

Police