VBPD Veterinarian

We are very proud of our Animal Care and Adoption Center (341 South Birdneck Road). We are an open admission facility, meaning that we accept all animals. We work hard to reunite stray and lost animals with their owners. When that is not possible, we strive to place animals in their forever home. In some cases, we place animals with rescue or rehabilitation organizations.

The VBPD Veterinarian will serve as one of two veterinarians responsible for providing comprehensive diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic veterinary care for animals in the municipal shelter, police canine unit, and sheriff canine unit. These positions ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance and plays a key role in developing and implementing the Animal Care and adoption Center's Veterinary Clinic's medicine protocols and staff training initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver high-quality veterinary medical services, including examinations, diagnostics, treatment, surgery, and preventative care for shelter animals, police K-9s, and sheriff canines.

Establish and maintain herd health standards, vaccination schedules, disease prevention strategies, and outbreak response plans.

Oversee and ensure the humane administration of euthanasia in accordance with legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Maintain strict compliance with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the handling, storage, and documentation of controlled substances.

Directly supervise and mentor a licensed veterinary technician, providing guidance, feedback, and support for professional development.

Partner with the shelter manager to assess current practices and develop evidence-based protocols to improve animal health outcomes, shelter population management, and biosecurity.

Design and deliver comprehensive staff training programs on topics including animal handling, sanitation, vaccination protocols, and emergency response; maintain training documentation and assess ongoing competency.

Collaborate with animal care, law enforcement, and administrative staff to support multidisciplinary animal health initiatives and promote a culture of compassion, safety, and continuous improvement.

Key Benefits and Incentives:

*$14,000 Hiring Bonus: A generous bonus awarded in installments as you achieve key performance milestones.

$3,000 will be awarded in the first paycheck.

$5,000 will be awarded upon completing the six (6) month interim performance evaluation with an overall rating of "Meets Expectations".

$6,000 will be awarded upon completing the employee's one (1) year probationary period and a performance evaluation with an overall rating of "Meets Expectations"

Education Allowance: Opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.

Competitive Paid Leave Package: Supporting your work-life balance and personal well-being.

**Hiring bonuses shall only be for new hires of original employment or reemployment as defined in Human Resources Policy No. 5.0. and is subject to a repayment agreement if services is less than a year.

Comprehensive Benefits and Compensation Package:

Health, Dental, and Life Insurance

Retirement and Savings Plans

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Maternity/Paternity and Parental Leave

Leave Donation Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Development Opportunities

As a City Manager appointee, this position serves at the pleasure of the City Manager and is not considered part of the merit service as defined in City Code, section 2-75.

Disqualifiers:

The following is a listing of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please give consideration to these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.

Criminal History: Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals). Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.

Traffic Violations: Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years.

Drugs: Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult. Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years. Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months.